how is the battery life for this camera?
743671
I haven't taken enough pictures to run the battery down yet. I'm sure the next time we go on a trip, I will find out. According to the manual: Shooting still images using the LCD screen the battery life is approx 225 min. and approx 450 pictures; using the viewfinder is approx 245 min and approx 490 pictures. Shooting movies using the LCD screen the battery life is approx 120 min and using the viewfinder is appox 130 min. Viewing still images on your camera the battery life is approx 290 min and approx 5800 pictures. I regret I can't tell you first hand, but I hope you'll find this information helpful. I haven't taken enough pictures to run the battery down yet. I'm sure the next time we go on a trip, I will find out. According to the manual: Shooting still images using the LCD screen the battery life is approx 225 min. and approx 450 pictures; using the viewfinder is approx 245 min and approx 490 pictures. Shooting movies using the LCD screen the battery life is approx 120 min and using the viewfinder is appox 130 min. Viewing still images on your camera the battery life is approx 290 min and approx 5800 pictures. I regret I can't tell you first hand, but I hope you'll find this... » Read More I haven't taken enough pictures to run the battery down yet. I'm sure the next time we go on a trip, I will find out. According to the manual: Shooting still images using the LCD screen the battery life is approx 225 min. and approx 450 pictures; using the viewfinder is approx 245 min and approx 490 pictures. Shooting movies using the LCD screen the battery life is approx 120 min and using the viewfinder is appox 130 min. Viewing still images on your camera the battery life is approx 290 min and approx 5800 pictures. I regret I can't tell you first hand, but I hope you'll find this information helpful. « Show Less
743672
So far is been really good. I've done a 2 hour amatuer photo shoot with a friend modeling for me. Had over 200 pictures, many with a flash and various camera modes and it was only down to 1/2 charge on the power meter. I was not doing much for zooming though since all shots were within 6 feet.
743673
Once it's charged fully, to take pictures it shows somewhere close to 280 minutes. Also depends upon what you are using for and how you are using it.
743674
I have had the camera on for taking pictures and video for about 6 hours straight and no issues with the battery. I continued to take pictures and video the rest of the weekend on and off. I have not had to charge it yet. I did not try to run the camera completely out yet either. I am very impressed with this camera so far especially the zoom and colors.
743675
I take high resolution photos so battery life is shorter than it would be with lower. Right now it is 1/4 used up and has 109 minutes on it. I plan to buy a spare battery and keep one charged all the time.
743676
Battery life based on what the company claimed is about 2 hrs (NP-FH50) during my test is rather close to what they claimed. You can NOT use NP-FH100 (larger battery and longer life) as some retailers might stated as a replacement for NP-FH50 because the battery chamber is TOO small to fit larger battery. Hope this helps. With the retail price ($300 slightly higher or lower) this is a decent one to consider IMO. If you use filters then you would want to purchase adapter tube (two types available one is cheaper and longer). Pricey one is about $30-35, cheaper one is about $10-15.
743677
I purchased a couple back-up batteries online just in case, since I would be in remote areas while shooting. A fully charged battery is good for about 260 min. I shot about 200 photos a day, and about 30 min of movies without ever having to go to a back-up battery. I thought battery life was very good. Best to stick with brand names, or reliable sources though when purchasing back-ups, as I did end up with 1 battery that would not take a full charge.
743678
I do not know yet because I dont use it that often. However, you should follow the manufacture's instruction as always charge the camera to full charge for the FIRST time when you open it out of the box. Do not use it right away when the battery is not in full charge for the first time; I think it is not good for your battery. And always REMEMBER to charge it when not in use and I am sure that your camera will always have plenty of power. Most often people have a habit of not charging their device after extensively and abusely usage and this habit actually KILL the battery very quick. Make it a shorter life. I do not know yet because I dont use it that often. However, you should follow the manufacture's instruction as always charge the camera to full charge for the FIRST time when you open it out of the box. Do not use it right away when the battery is not in full charge for the first time; I think it is not good for your battery. And always REMEMBER to charge it when not in use and I am sure that your camera will always have plenty of power. Most often people have a habit of not charging their device after extensively and abusely usage and this habit actually KILL the battery very quick. Make... » Read More I do not know yet because I dont use it that often. However, you should follow the manufacture's instruction as always charge the camera to full charge for the FIRST time when you open it out of the box. Do not use it right away when the battery is not in full charge for the first time; I think it is not good for your battery. And always REMEMBER to charge it when not in use and I am sure that your camera will always have plenty of power. Most often people have a habit of not charging their device after extensively and abusely usage and this habit actually KILL the battery very quick. Make it a shorter life. « Show Less
743679
It was ok. I really did not pay specific attention to how long it lasted but I took a BUNCH of pictures before the battery have out.
831981
Well it depends on what you are running on the camera from what I can tell so far. My camera has been broken a few times so I haven't really had a chance to see the life of the battery. The battery that came with the camera was bad. It died within an hour and wouldn't hold a charge. Mind you the camera was purchased DIRECTLY from Olympus. That wasn't good to have a bad camera AND a bad battery. :( I got a replacement and it seems to work fine. But I can't give you a true time length as I haven't tested it yet past an hour or two with general use.
1505637
There is a little delay. More on some settings than others. I would say the battery life is good but I would recommend having a backup. I haven't had the camera for long and I'm no expert so I don't know what would be considered normal usage. I have shot over a hundred pictures on one battery and that is with some playing around with the camera also. Hope this helps.
283836
The battery does not last long, particularly with video. Maybe around 200 shots. I strongly recommend buying the 2 pack supplement. It's not expensive, and if you're out and plan on heavy shooting you'll need them. The only negative for an otherwise phenomenal camera.
2119786
all day and no problem. :) a fully charged new battery gives about 1.5 hour for video and 4 hours for picture taking. It is a fun little camera.
5038
I've found the battery life to be excellent. I have just the one battery and no backups, and have never had it run out in mid-shoot, even on long days with hundreds of shots.
930787
I am only using this camera for underwater photography so it is kind of difficult to determine exactly how long the battery charge last because depends on how much usage per day, temperature, etc. The camera has an automatic SHUT OFF to save charge and it is rated to last for 500 shots. The number of shots may decrease as the battery gets older.
1969614
I haven't used the camera much. I bought it for others to use, so I'm not an expert. But from what I've seen, my guess is that it will take a couple of hours of video. If the charge life is a concern, I suggest getting a second battery.
2281455
It's not too good compared to the flat Canon battery that was standard in earlier cameras. We took the camera on a trip to Indonesia and based on other's comments, we bought 2 extra, third party batteries. They had more life than the one that was in it. A battery lasted about a day, but we kept them both charged daily to make sure that we didn't run out. However, the quality of the pictures was excellent. Overall, I think the battery issue is a minor annoyance for what the camera can do.
891362
Yeah it's normal, it sucks battery big time :-( other than that it's a cool camera. You need to invest in Sanyo Eneloop battery. They're the best!.
894427
First of all it held a charge longer than the Panasonic that came with the camera. We were on vacation and the camera was on all day, now and then it would go on sleep mode. We took an average of 104 photos per battery. The camera is great! Battery power could be better in my opinion.
1865151
I haven't really gauged how long the battery lasts; much depends on flash usage, video vs. stills, etc. But, the battery in my new camera out lasts its predecessor, and I don't even give battery life a second thought. If you're worried, get a second, back-up battery.
475482
I think battery life is ~2-2.5 hours; I have just used this to record my classes and I have never taken pictures with this. I think I have seen a menu for taking pictures but I have never done it myself. I think this is a basic feature which most camera's have now a days so this camera would have that too. Thanks, -Ashish.
1759295
I have been disappointed in the battery life. I was at a convention, started taking photos (no flash) alternating with some video. Battery was dead by afternoon, and that was NOT non-stop photo shooting by any means. If I had to guess, I would estimate 20 short videos and about 275 photos. I didn't have a spare and no way to charge, and missed the rest of the day. Buy a backup, definitely!
1105411
Lasts very little. In my 8Gb card I believe I should be able to fit about 74min of HD movie in MP4, but the battery won`t last anywhere near that. I still have to do some further testings, but my guess is that it lasts about 25~35 minutes. Since I haven`t done any tests with the camera only shooting movies, I am not sure about these values, it`s just a rough guess. Anyway, I find that the biggest problem is that it only warns you that the battery is about to end when it is already over, so you don`t get any extra seconds once the battery sign starts blinking (missed some great shots because of that). I carry two batteries with me and I am buying a third one, simply because this camera deserves it (video quality is superb and photo quality is good), I am overall happy with the camera. You just have to adapt yourself to change the batteries more frequently.
1497626
The battery that comes with the camera will last a good hour. I purchased an extra battery, VW-VBK360 Lithium-ion Battery, that last for a good 4 hours. I use the original battery as a backup.
2019227
The battery life really depends on how much you use the zoom feature. If you zoom a lot...it eats up your battery life. On average I get about 200 to 400 pictures on one set of batteries. You can use rechargeable ones...but they don't last any longer. You should check out the new camera they are going to release at the end of March. The SP-100....it has a bunch of new features a 50X zoom and is only about $100 dollars more than this camera and it will have a cell phone type battery that will last much longer. I have preordered one!