Understanding how to change your digital camera battery when shooting on location is essential for a smooth shooting experience. Whether you own the best digital camera or not, it is important to know how things work. Fortunately, it’s a fairly simple process. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll be ready to go in no time.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Always turn off your best digital camera and unplug it from the charger before removing the battery.
- Look for the battery compartment door either on the side or the bottom of the camera and open it.
- Once the battery door is open, press the battery release button to remove the battery.
Replacing a Digital Camera Battery Takes Just a Few Steps
STEP 1 TURN OFF YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA
It is essential to turn off your camera before changing your battery; otherwise, you may lose data written to the SD card. It may also not save any operations that are ongoing within the camera. That said, some models like the ZEISS ZX1 have a hot-swap function that allows you to replace the battery within 30 seconds while the camera is ‘ON.’ In general, though, it’s highly recommended to turn off your camera anytime you want to change your battery. Additionally, to ensure your camera functions the way it is supposed to, it’s essential you know how to attach a digital camera zoom lens hood.
STEP 2 OPEN THE BATTERY DOOR
First, turn the camera upside down with the lens facing towards you for cameras with interchangeable lenses. For other cameras, simply turn the camera to a position where you can comfortably open the battery door.
Insider Tip
It is essential to turn off your camera before changing your battery; otherwise, you may lose data written to the SD card.
STEP 3 PUSH BACK THE BATTERY LATCH TO RELEASE THE BATTERY
Gently press the battery latch, a small device that keeps the battery in position. The battery will pop up from the battery tray, and you will be able to pull it out.
STEP 4 CHECK THE BATTERY CONTACTS FOR DEBRIS
Because dirt on your battery contacts can either damage your device or cause an unexpected loss of power, be sure to always check both on the battery’s contacts and where it slots into the camera. Do the same for your replacement battery. Your camera’s user manual should outline the proper steps for this process and how to clean corrosion of battery terminals in a digital camera.
STEP 5 INSTALL THE REPLACEMENT BATTERY
Slide the battery into your camera ensuring that the battery contacts line up with the camera contacts.
STEP 6 TEST THE NEW BATTERY
Once you’ve got the battery in place, close the compartment, and turn on the camera. If everything looks good, you have successfully changed your camera battery.
Different Types of Batteries Available for Digital Cameras
- Lithium batteries: they last longer and handle better in cold weather. They are a certified battery option.
- Alkaline batteries: have a short life span.
- Rechargeable batteries: the most powerful and eco-friendly rechargeable batteries are nickel-metal-hydride batteries (NiMH). You can also go for lithium-ion (Li-Ion) rechargeable batteries such as the Canon LP-E6NH or 2 SLB-10A batteries.
- Battery pack: there are digital cameras that use add-on battery packs.
Why are Lithium Batteries the Best for Digital Cameras?
If you want to take pictures without interruptions, use lithium batteries to get the most out of your session. Lithium batteries, like the Samsung SLB-10A, provide the best quality charges for long periods, making them ideal for photography or video coverage shoots.
The most attractive attribute of a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack is the long shelf life. These batteries can serve you for up to a decade without losing their energy. If you want to use high-drain applications like photoflash or digital cameras, go for lithium batteries like the Energizer CRV3 photo batteries.
F.A.Q.
What does it mean when you see the error “Battery Exhausted?”
There are a few reasons you might see this error. It might simply be that you need to charge the battery. In some cases, though, it appears because the battery cap is faulty. To fix it, you can take it to a repair center.
How do you remove a swollen battery?
Use a knife and a pair of long nose pliers. Wiggle the battery up and outward of the compartment until it sticks out for an easy pull.
How can I determine that my camera is charging?
The camera’s power-on lamp will slowly flash green to indicate that the battery is charging. When charging is complete the power-on lamp will turn off.
STAT: Between 2021 and 2025, China will remain the market leader in battery production, with a capacity of 944-gigawatt hours. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_yTObaajvE&ab_channel=Jean-PierreLaForest
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_camera
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_batteryr
- https://www.pdsttechnologyineducation.ie/en/Technology/Advice-Sheets/Digital-Cameras.pdf
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332065577_A_review_of_rechargeable_batteries_for_portable_electronic_devices
