GE digital camera drains batteries

[cfz2882]

bought a GE x500 digital camera last year and though i think it is really good for a $150 cheapie,i've grabbed it a few times after it has sat unused a while and found the batteries dead(4x AA) it must be pulling a few MA.of current when off-might have to get in the habit of taking the batts out when not using the camera for a while...Anyone have a GE camera that does this?

 

[frigilux]

My Canon does the same thing. I remove the batteries between uses.

 

[kb0nes]

I've never had a digital camera that used primary cells but I have other devices that eat AA's during non-use. If you use the camera infrequently by all means pull the batteries! In fact this is paramount to do with any Alkaline cells in anything. Alkaline cells don't simply dry out like old zinc-carbon batteries do, they develop pressure and often vent spewing out all over the inside of your device. For low draw devices like TV remotes etc, seek out non-Alkaline "Heavy Duty" batteries and you will never see a leak again! By the way remember vinegar when you have an Alkaline battery leak to clean up.

For a digital camera or anything else that may go through batteries fairly quickly buy some NiMH (Nickle Metal Hydride) rechargables and a decent charger. They will pay off in short order. One big problem with NiMH batteries of the past is relatively high self discharge. Even stored out of the device they would discharge in a couple months. Chemistry has been tweaked and most cells do better now. The Sanyo Eneloop series are especially designed to be low self discharge and have great shelf life. They are commonly available, I'm sure I have seen them at Target and B&H photo lists a 4 pack of AA's for $11.99.

 

[wayupnorth]

My Sony camera does the same thing and I take the batteries out now. And when I want to use it, There are no AA batteries left because I end up using them for everything else and forget to write it on the list to do, get batteries!

 

[washer111]

+ 1 to Eneloop

When I was using a camera with AA batteries, I found that the Eneloop batteries held a charge longer than anything else at the time. Of course, after a few years of good use, they were chucked and replaced with Energizer's - which IMO are just as great now. 

 

I DO NOT recommend "Eveready" if you have that brand - their "best" batteries (Super Heavy Duty) drain quicker than anything. If using those in Alkaline, use "Gold" or "Heavy Duty." As those seem to give better life. Otherwise, avoid all together

 

[dirtybuck]

When I had a digital camera that operated on AA batteries, I found Energizer Ultimate Lithium to be the best.