How to prolong lifespan of camera batteries

My good old trusty Canon IXUS camera has been giving me some hiccups lately. The battery is the problem. It quits on me more often than it used to. My fault really as I haven't paid any attention to the battery which needs to be changed.

While checking online for batteries I came across this, kodak camera batteries batteryheads.com. If you own a Kodak camera (or other, I don't know), this might be a site you'd want to bookmark.

Incidentally, I found on the Canon website some useful information about:

How to ensure that your batteries will not run out on you at the crucial moment..

It says to use special longer-life lithium batteries. They may cost twice as much, but last three times longer. Then it says to use rechargeable Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) or, even better, Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. NiMH batteries charge up to 500 times and take just three hours for a full charge. Now you know.

Next, it suggests to buy multiple backup batteries, so you'll always have spares. This one is just right for me.

And this tip is easy to do which most of us, me included, are guilty of, Get used to turning off the camera between shots. Don't leave the camera on unless you're ready to shoot again immediately.


The image: Yoda of Star Wars taken at the Toy Museum in Penang