Digital Camera Battery Problems
 

I can't seem to get the batteries for my digital camera to charge properly, and I don't know if it's a problem with the camera, the batteries or the charger.

I had rechargeable batteries for the camera, but after being used for about 5 minutes the battery dead sign would come on and the camera would shut off. This happened again and again, so I thought that maybe the problem was the batteries (I'd had them for 3 years). So I bought new rechargeable batteries, but the same thing is happening with them.

Is there anything with the camera that could be causing this? Has anyone had similar experiences?

Some batteries have to be charged for 24 hours the first time.
Did you read all the text that came with the batteries?

Do the batteries get warm after charging for awhile?
Does the charger get warm?
Does the charger hum or make any signs of life?
If not I would suspect the charger.
Do you have a voltmeter to see if anything is going to the batteries?
If you suspect the charger, I would guess a good camera shop could test it for you for a small fee.

It could be in the camera itself, I replaced a camcorder that would drain batteries in less than 40 minutes, normally should last 3 hours plus.

omgwtfbbq

I have the exact same problem with my Sony batteries. They cost a good RM50.00 for 2. They just die within minutes on my Kodak. Charged them for super long hours.

They used to work fine by the way. And somehow, normal AA batteries from the store seem to work longer than any of the rechargeables I have.

Booooo :(

Possible the camera developed a short and is draining the batteries faster than normal? I agree, check the charger for signs of life.. humming, heat, etc.. And after that, probably a good camera or electronics shop.

Which Kodak? Have you checked their site for info on battery compatibility? It's possible that camera model wants closer to the normal 1.5v/cell vs. 1.2v/cell of rechargeables.

good point

First off, non-rechargeable batteries will almost always hold a charge longer than rechargeables. So that's not terribly unusual.

As for the OP's problem, you've got one of several problems. 1) Charger. 2) dirty contacts in the camera 3) weak contacts in the camera.

Here's what you do. charge the batteries for 24 hours, then test 'em with a volt meter. If they're not reading over 1 volt, and you're sure the batteries aren't worn out, then your charger is the problem. Otherwise, it's in your camera.

Use the voltmeter to read the battery voltage before and after charging. They may read over a volt before charging. You want to know if the charger is doing anything.

Better to test the batteries under load, if you can.

Thanks guys. I had just taken the camera to the shop to have the battery compartment repaired (the door wasn't closing properly and the batteries were falling out) just before this happened, so maybe the problem is with the camera.

The charger seems to be working fine - gets hot, light flashes on and off and so on. Looks like another trip to the dealer is in order.

Oh.. that explains it.

Haha. Thanks cyrnel