According to the non-scientific tests done at the office on Monday and Tuesday, I have pretty much determined that the camera energy crisis is due to what seems like faulty batteries.

Since I have five batteries of three different brands, all purchased at four different times, I believe that there are only a few things each has in common (besides being intended for my camera):

# They’re all near each other (in my camera bag), typically.

# I have used the same HUGE, clunky charger (which only charges one battery at a time despite having two slots). It and the power adapter cable are super expensive (although mine came with my camera); thankfully there are now cheap alternatives available, due to the popularity of the Digital Rebel.

# The use of my batteries has been pretty much the same: I shoot until they appear empty, just every once in a while pushing them until the camera shuts off. Regardless of battery life usage, I usually charge the suckers before going out for a photo excursion (usually during the night before).

Anyway, with the help of Rodney and his own camera equipment, I’m guessing that the batteries are shot — and it’s due to the charger. With only limited testing, it does appear as though my camera works without problems (although I’m not sure).

Here’s a rough overview of what we found out playing mix-and-match with his camera stuff and mine:

  • His charger doesn’t like my glitchy batteries. It does the same thing as my charger (It responds with, “Oh this is full! I’ll stop charging” after a few seconds).

  • My batteries are shown as “full” in his camera for half a minute, then the little batstat indicator flashes and the camera dies; excatly what happens with the same batteries in my camera.

  • My camera appears to work fine with his battery.

I did not try his battery in my charger. Killing off his battery (if my charger is indeed breaking mine) wouldn’t be nice, especially when he helped me diagnose the problem.

The result? I ordered a new charger + battery combo and an additional battery. After the new goods are in my hands, I’ll get rid of all my old batteries and stop using the oversized charger for anything other than AC hookup.

The new batteries should last longer out in the field: They’re 1600 mAh as opposed to a mere 1100 mAh for the official Canon ones or the 1250 mAh for the generics. The price was nice too.

Cost: $31.85 (includes shipping)

If I would have gone with all Canon replacements, it would have been $109 for the CA-PS400 and $49.95 (x2) for two Canon BP-511 batteries. Grand total for official Canon stuff: $208.90 + $11.70 (for shipping) = $220.60.

Savings for going with 3rd party parts: $188.75!

Shopping on the Internet rocks.