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Question

Battery Drains Too Fast on Canon SD600

Mar 5, 2012 7:19AM PST

I have a Canon SD600 Camera that is a few years old. About 6 months ago, the original battery would not hold a charge, so I got a aftermarket replacement battery. That battery would not hold a charge either. So then I got an OEM battery, and that wouldn't hold a charge either. The charger says the battery is fully charged, but I could only take about 5 pictures before the battery is empty. Anyone know what the problem might be? Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Several Possibilities
Mar 6, 2012 3:16AM PST

Finding the exact cause is a matter of elimination.

Here are some possibilities:

1. Since you have had 3 batteries that will not hold a charge. Your battery charger is suspect.

2. Remove the SD memory card that is in the camera and use a different card.

3. All "No-Name" batteries are suspect. Until you try a "Canon" branded battery, they will remain suspect.

4. Check the battery compartment and clean all of the electrical contacts with alcohol.

5. Check to see if the battery compartment door is closing properly.
See if their is sufficient spring action to insure a good electrical connection.

6. See if you are getting a low battery warning on the camera LCD screen.
There is no battery indicator that stays on the screen all the time.
With Canon cameras, the warning indication will only show on the screen when the battery is about to be depleted.

7. It is possible that the camera has a short circuit:
After you put a fully charged battery in the camera, after 5 minutes, check to see if the battery is overly warm or hot. Also check the entire camera for any hot spots.
You will not be able to fix that yourself. It needs to be serviced by Canon.

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Great answers, thanks, but 1 question....
Mar 6, 2012 5:51AM PST

> 1.
> ...
> 5.

Thanks. I will look into these possibilities.


> 6. See if you are getting a low battery warning on the camera LCD screen.
> There is no battery indicator that stays on the screen all the time.
> With Canon cameras, the warning indication will only show on the screen when the battery is about to be depleted.


I do get the low battery warning (after taking just a few photos). So what does mean in terms of troubleshooting? Which part is suspect?

Thanks.

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Low Battery Warning
Mar 6, 2012 7:14AM PST

The fact that you got the warning indicates that the battery is truly low on power.

That could indicate that the battery did not charge fully to start with.
And that would indicate a bad charger or a bad battery.
It could also mean you have a bad connection which means cleaning the contacts and making sure the battery door is closing tight enough.

or

The battery is discharging quickly when you put it in the camera.
The only way a fully charged battery can discharge quickly is if there is a short circuit in the camera.
And if it discharges that quickly, something in the camera is going to get very hot and very likely the battery is going to get very hot. So turn the camera-on and just feel the camera for heat.

If something is getting very hot, you should consider the camera dangerous.
It could catch on fire.
So if it is getting hot, remove the battery quickly.