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Camcorder Battery Review
Camcorder Battery Review
Samsung Handycam Camcorder?
I have this camcorder http://www.camcorderreviewsinfo.com/samsung-smx-f43-review-sale/
and my question is how long does it take for the battery to be fully charge, or the average time for the battery to be fully charged on any camcorder? Thanks
Samsung SMX-F43 battery charge time can be found in the camcorder’s manual:
http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201010/20101006185211234/SMX-F40N-ENG-IB_0916.pdf
See page 21. Using the power adapter is 3 hours; using USB is 6+ hours. The continuous record time is long because this is a flash memory camcorder – no powered/moving ports for the video storage media.
Different camcorders have different batteries that store different amounts of power. If the battery is a “high capacity” battery, it will take longer to charge than the battery that came with the camcorder in the box when new.
One of my miniDV tape camcorders has a battery that came with the camcorder when I bought it. The battery takes about two hours to fully charge and has a about an hour continuous record time. The high capacity battery I bought for the same camcorder has a 7 hour charge time and nearly 6 hour record time… This is with batteries that are completely exhausted of power.
Battery tips for you
Whether your camcorder batteries are NiCd or Li-Ion, some common sense and TLC will increase their output and prolong their lives.
When you buy a new camcorder, you probably don’t think too much about its power supply system, but the care and feeding of batteries is perhaps the biggest single factor in your camcorder’s ease of use. If you’re keeping your present outfit, then you’ve already got whatever power supply came with it. This quick review of batteries can help you choose your next camcorder, while reducing battery hassles with your current one (no pun intended). And multiple batteries are highly recommended for any outfit. We’ll look at types of batteries, methods of keeping them charged and strategies for using them.
Battery Types
In the dim and distant past (a couple years ago), camcorder batteries came in five different species. Now, lead acid bricks and drugstore AA alkalines are about gone and even nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries are obsolescent (but see the nearby sidebar). Today, we’re down to mostly nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium ion (Li-Ion) models.
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Bosch 2 607 336 002 battery
Li-ion,1.4Ah,36V, only £35.63
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Both types have a good weight to power ratio: that is, they can store and deliver more (longer) power than older types of the same size. They also keep a steady voltage level through more of their discharge cycle. Older battery types could drop below the voltage required by the camcorder even though there was plenty of juice left in them.
Both types are long lasting, though Li-Ion designs are the true long-distance champs. A word
Charge!
Obviously, batteries discharge during use and you have to tank them up again. Some camcorders still charge batteries internally, but many models come with an external charger. If you’re shopping for that new camcorder, check its charging system carefully, since an external charger will allow you to keep shooting with one camcorder battery while the other is charging.
First, ensure that you can charge camcorder batteries via 12-volt car cigarette plugs as well as 120-volt wall power. Holidays, picnics, weddings just about every kind of event involves driving someplace, sooner or later. Many campers and RVers live on 12-volt DC exclusively. Drive time is an ideal time to charge camcorder batteries, especially if your system includes quick charge capability.
“Quick charge” typically means that the charger works very rapidly, often replenishing a camcorder battery in one hour or less. But on some appliances, it’s just a selectable mode that provides a quick-and-dirty juice-up, rather than a fully programmed recharge.
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Bosch PSR 18 LI-2 battery
Li-ion,1.5Ah,18V only £31.70
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You see, batteries are filled like gas tanks: quickly at first, more cautiously when the tank is nearly full, and in short trickles when you top off the fill (even though the sign on the pump says not to). A properly programmed charging system does the same thing and delivers power longer during the battery’s next use. It also prolongs its working life overall.
After 12-volt operation and programmed recharging, the next feature to look for is multiple battery capacity. A few chargers will juice up two bricks at once, which is a great time saver for power users (pun intended).
Whether buying a new system or using your old one, you need to know when to charge your batteries. Different people have different theories about this, but the following procedure is safe and effective:
- Recharge a spent battery as soon as possible after use. While this isn’t critical, shallower charges of Li-Ion batteries put less stress on the battery than a deep full charge. Besides, you never know when you might meet Elvis.
- Do not leave the battery in the charger after the indicator says it’s fully replenished. (Don’t leave the battery in the camcorder either.) Store the battery at room temperature. Stashing it in the fridge to slow battery drain is pointless if you…
- Top up the battery again, just before your next shooting session, to compensate for power slowly lost while the battery was on the shelf.
- Unless you’re using old NiCds (see sidebar) it’s not necessary to “condition” a battery by discharging it down to one volt before recharging it. A periodic full discharge is not required for lithium-based batteries and, in fact, a partial re-charge produces less wear than a full charge.
Finally, don’t expect even the most tenderly nurtured batteries to last forever. Each time a battery is recharged, it accepts a minutely smaller amount of power than the previous time, until eventually the poor baby is pooping out after ten minutes of shooting. If you’re a weekend warrior taping birthdays and vacations, expect your batteries to last for years. If you shoot weddings professionally, budget for frequent replacements. One manufacturer suggests that its batteries will last for 400-800 charges, although we find that range to be a little too broad to be useful.
Perhaps I’m paranoid, but manufacturers do change battery designs from one camera to the next, and they do eventually stop supporting their oldest models. For that reason, I bought more batteries than I ever use at one time, so that each requires fewer recharges per year and therefore lasts longer.
Power as you Shoot
How many batteries do you really have to have? That depends on many factors. The older the bricks, the faster they quit. The more you shoot per hour, the more you need.
The trick is to compare your charger speed to your shooting demands. For instance, I typically blow through a battery twice as fast as my charger can resuscitate it. For this reason, I run three batteries, starting every session with all three charged. When the first is empty, I stick it in the charger and by the time the next two are shot, the first is ready again. That way, I have the equivalent of four batteries per session. In my case, that gives me an honest 2.5 hours of shooting time, which is more than enough.
Your needs will certainly be different, but you should have at least one spare battery for backup. Remember that battery capacity ratings are about as realistic as EPA gas mileage figures. If the manufacturer promises 60 minutes, plan on 40 to start, slowly tapering down to 15 minutes before you replace that battery.
If you do shoot a lot, consider an external battery pack: either a block that you clip on your belt or sling from your shoulder, or even a belt. You can find models for many camcorders (especially professional three-chip models) and many allow you to power an external light as well. Even if you use the built-in camera light, you’ll have ample power to blaze away without compromising your shooting time.
No matter how many units you run, you want to make each one last as long as possible; so here are some tips for conserving battery power. First, never use a built-in camcorder light unless you absolutely have to. Lights love juice like mosquitoes love blood.
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Bosch 26156801 battery
Ni-MH,2.2Ah,14.4V, only £30.45
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Next, don’t leave your camcorder on standby for any length of time, especially if you’re using auto exposure and focus. Remember: your unit goes right on adjusting the aperture and focus whether you’re shooting or not and each adjustment is made by an electric motor powered by your battery. Even when actually recording, you’ll conserve juice if you can shift one or both controls to manual. This can apply to image stabilization as well, so plop that camera on a tripod and turn off the stabilization.
Another big power drain is the zoom lens, which is always motor-driven. Try to avoid lots of zooms in shots (they look amateurish anyway) and when you re-frame by zooming, pre-visualize your new composition so that you can zoom right to it, rather than hunting around for it.
Also, remember that batteries give up quicker in cold weather. When shooting on the slopes, keep spare batteries as close to your warm self as your pockets permit. If you won’t be shooting for a few minutes, remove the battery already in the camcorder and get it toasty as well. When you replace it, you’ll get quite a few more minutes out of it.
So: look for lithium ion designs when shopping for new gear, keep your batteries topped up properly, carry enough to keep shooting and don’t expect them to last forever. And that’s about it.
[Sidebar: Third Party]
Although there is no reason to expect that third party manufacturers of batteries (e.g. Lenmar, Bescor, Power 2000) should be of any lower quality than the batteries that come from the manufacturer, carefully read your camera’s documentation before you decide to buy an aftermarket option. In some cases, using any other brand of battery may void your warranty.
 ATC Canon BP-807, BP-809, BP-819, BP-827 7.4V (compatible with 7.2V) Lithium Ion Replacement Battery Pack for Select Camcorder Sale Price: $14.69 DescriptionProduct Features: * Over-charge protection* Over-discharge protection* Over-heat protection* Over-current protection* Short-circuit protection* High capacity circulatory function* Low Power Consumption IC Design* No Memory Effect* High Charge current Fit Models CANONCanon HF10, Canon HF100, Canon HF11, Canon HG20, Canon HG21Canon iVIS Series iVIS HF S10, iVIS HF S11, iVIS HF10, iVIS HF100, iVIS HF11, iVIS HF20, iVIS HG21Canon LEGRIA Series LEGRIA HF M306, LEGRIA HF M31, LEGRIA HF M36,LEGRIA HF S20, LEGRIA HF S200, LEGRIA HF S21Canon VIXIA Series VIXIA HF M30, VIXIA HF M300, VIXIA HF M31,VIXIA HF S10, VIXIA HF S100, VIXIA HF S11, VIXIA HF S20, VIXIA HF S200, VIXIA HF S21, VIXIA HF10, VIXIA HF100, VIXIA HF11, VIXIA HF20, VIXIA HF200, VIXIA HG20, VIXIA HG21 Compatible Part NO. BP-807, BP-809, BP-819, BP-827 Features
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Eligible for free shipping!  ATC Sony NP-FH30, NP-FH40, NP-FH50 500mAh Lithium Ion Replacement Battery Pack for Select Digital Cameras and Camcorders Sale Price: $9.87 DescriptionProduct Features: * Over-charge protection* Over-discharge protection* Over-heat protection* Over-current protection* Short-circuit protection* High capacity circulatory function* Low Power Consumption IC Design* No Memory Effect* High Charge current Fit Models Sony HDR-CX12E,HDR-CX7E,HDR-SR10E,HDR-SR12E/SR11E,HDR-SR5E,HDR-SR7E,HDR-SR8E,HDR-TG1E,HDR-HC5E,HDR-HC9E,DCR-SR220E,DCR-SR42E,DCR-SR46E/SR45E,DCR-SR62E,DCR-SR82E,DCR-SR85E/SR65E,DCR-DVD608E,DCR-DVD610E ,DCR-DVD710E Compatible Part NO. Sony NP-FH30, NP-FH40, NP-FH50 Features
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 Day 6 Plotwatcher Time Lapse Video Camera List Price: DescriptionThe PlotWatcher HD Game Surveillance System has revolutionized scouting camera technology and functionality. Unlike trail cameras that trigger on short-range motion, the PlotWatcher captures images of an area regardless of how far the subject is from the camera. So whether the animal is 30 feet or 330 feet away, you’ll see them on the video. This greater field of view allows you to see game and their travel patterns that would have otherwise gone undetected by traditional trail cameras. With this information, you can review your HD video to scout likely hunting locations before you go into the field. With this ability, you can pattern game and develop your strategy to know where and when you want to hunt. Get closer to your game and stop guessing where to hunt! Camera Features • Battery life lasts up to 35,000 video images (equals 7 days of 10 second interval time-lapse)* • GameFinder Software with MotionSearch software included • Review one full day in 3 minutes or less (5,000 frames of video) • 1280×720 HD video • Simple and easy-to-use thumb wheel control • Customizable recording time • Time-lapse settings for 5 or 10 second or customized intervals • 8 Gb USB drive recommended (not included) *4 AA batteries not included (Time based on 10 second interval setting) Know exactly where to hunt without spending days manually scouting a location with the Day 6 PlotWatcher HD time-lapse game surveillance camera. The PlotWatcher records HD images of all the activity that happens in a select area in the days before you hunt. Once mounted at your stand location, the camera takes pictures every five to 10 seconds from dawn to dusk and condenses them into a 10-minute HD time-lapse video. As a result, you can review a full day of activity in just a few minutes, or even faster using the GameFinder video software. The PlotWatcher takes pictures every 5 to 10 seconds from dawn to dusk. The PlotWatcher is a step above most trail cameras, which trigger photos based on short-range motion. By contrast, the PlotWatcher captures images of an area regardless of how far away the subject stands. This greater field of view allows hunters to see game and analyze animals’ travel patterns that would have otherwise gone undetected by traditional trail cameras. The information is a must for hunters looking to make an educated decision on where and when to hunt. No more wasting time hunting in unproductive spots. The camera’s GameFinder video player software makes it a breeze to review your daily video files. The software lets you review files in forward or reverse at your choice of replay speed, or even scroll frame by frame for a more detailed review. You can also speed up the review process by using the MotionSearch feature, which skips to the next frame in which motion is observed. With GameFinder, you can easily build and share your own library of HD video clips and pictures. The PlotWatcher is easy to set up thanks to the simple one-button design. Simply select the time-lapse interval on the selector wheel, insert a USB drive, turn on the TLV unit, and scout. Other details include the ability to record up to seven consecutive days of time-lapse video; a video resolution of 1,280 x 720; a customizable recording time; and an SD card slot. The PlotWatcher–which requires four AA batteries (not included)–performs best when paired with an 8 GB USB drive. Features
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 ATC 7.4V (compatible with 7.2V) BN-VF707, BN-VF707U, BN-VF707US, LY34647-002B Replacement Battery Pack for JVC NEW JVC GZMG21 camcorder (HDD) Camcorder Sale Price: $13.58 DescriptionProduct Features: * Over-charge protection* Over-discharge protection* Over-heat protection* Over-current protection* Short-circuit protection* High capacity circulatory function* Low Power Consumption IC Design* No Memory Effect* High Charge currentCompatible Part NO. BN-VF707, BN-VF707U, BN-VF707US, LY34647-002BFit ModelsNEW JVC GZMG21 camcorder (HDD)JVC GR SeriesGR-DF550, GR-X5E JVC GR-D SeriesGR-D29, GR-D240, GR-D246, GR-D247, GR-D250, GR-D250U, GR-D250US, GR-D270, GR-D270US, GR-D271, GR-D271US, GR-D275, GR-D275US, GR-D290, GR-D290AC, GR-D290AH, GR-D290US, GR-D295,GR-D295US, GR-D350, GR-D350AC,GR-D370AC, GR-D650ACJVC GR-DF SeriesGR-DF420, GR-DF430, GR-DF430US, GR-DF450, GR-DF450US, GR-DF470, GR-DF470US, GR-DF540, GR-DF550US,GR-DF565, GR-DF570, GR-DF590 JVC GZ-MG SeriesGZ-MG20, GZ-MG30, GZ-MG30U, GZ-MG40, GZ-MG50, GZ-MG67, GZ-MG77, GZ-MG70 JVC GR-X Series GR-X5, GR-X5USJVC GZ-D SeriesGZ-D240, GZ-D270JVC GZ-DF SeriesGZ-DF420, GZ-DF470 Features
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 Veho VCC-005-HDGUM Gumball 3000 Edition Muvi HD 1080p Mini In Car/Action Camcorder List Price: DescriptionVeho have teamed up with Gumball 3000 to produce a new and unique range of action cameras. The latest addition the popular MUVI micro camcorder range introduces the MUVI HD Gumball 3000 Edition mini hands free camcorder. The Gumball 3000 MUVI HD captures hands free high definition footage and snapshot using the 160 degree super wide angle lens and the sensa wireless remote control. The Gumball 3000 MUVI HD also includes a self timer, noise activation, touch panel, digital zoom and ships with a 8GB Micro SD card (upgradable to 32GB) and a 1400mah internal battery that will give 4hrs record time . As well as the rich technical specifications the MUVI also comes with a range of sports mounting clips and accessories that enables you to record in almost any situation. The Gumball Edition MUVI HD is the all round in car action camcorder perfect for track days and all action sports. As an upgrade to the MUVI HD10+ the Gumball Edition has 10Mbit increased bit rate, In Car Suction Mount, Loop Recording, In car Charge and Record, Slow motion Playback and 8gb micro SD. The The contents of this package are VCC-005-MUVI-HDGUM – High Definition Mini Camcorder, MUVI HD Camcorder wireless Remote Control, MUVI HD 8gb Micro SD Card, MUVI HD Micro SD to SD Adapter, MUVI HD USB Cable, MUVI HD Micro USB to USB adapter, MUVI HD Universal body clip, MUVI HD Universal swivel mount, MUVI HD Helmet mount, MUVI HD Helmet strap, MUVI HD Velcro fixings x 2, MUVI HD Flat mounts x 2, MUVI HD Pouch, MUVI HD Carry Strap, suction mounting bracket, MUVI HD 5v power charger adapter. Features
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 Lemix (LP-E5) fast-charger for battery LPE5 LP-E5 for Canon EOS Series 450D 500D 1000D, Kiss-F Kiss-X2 Kiss-X3 Rebel T1i Rebel Xsi // Includes car adaptor, US and EU plugs Note: EU plug is suitable for most, not all, European countries. Sale Price: $20.00 DescriptionThe Lemix fast battery charger is robust, compact and simple to use. It includes US & EU plugs, an in car adaptor and operates on 100-240V enabling it to be used world wide with a local plug adaptor. An auto cut out prevents overheating and by saving power benefits the environment. The charger also complies with CE standards and the European RoHS regulations which control toxic materials in electrical appliances. All Lemix chargers come with a 2 year warranty. Features
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 ATC 2x KODAK KLIC-7003 3.7V 950mAh Lithium Ion Replacement Battery Pack for Select Digital Camera/Camcorder Sale Price: $9.89 DescriptionProduct Features: * Over-charge protection* Over-discharge protection* Over-heat protection* Over-current protection* Short-circuit protection* High capacity circulatory function* Low Power Consumption IC Design* No Memory Effect* High Charge current Compatible With: KODAK: KLIC-7003, KLIC7003 Fit Model KODAK: EasyShare M381, M420, Z950 M / MD Cameras M380 V Cameras V1003, V803 Package Included 2 x Battery For Kodak Klic-7003 Klic7003 3.7V 950mAh Features
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 ATC Casio NP-20 NP20 3.7V Lithium Ion Replacement Battery Pack for Select Digital Cameras and Camcorders Sale Price: $4.69 DescriptionProduct Features: * Over-charge protection* Over-discharge protection* Over-heat protection* Over-current protection* Short-circuit protection* High capacity circulatory function* Low Power Consumption IC Design* No Memory Effect* High Charge current Fit Models Casio Exilim Card EX-M1, EX-M2, EX-M20U, EX-S1, EX-S100, EX-S2, EX-S20U, EX-S3, EX-S500, EX-S600, EX-S700, EX-S770, EX-S880 Exilim Zoom EX-Z11, EX-Z12, EX-Z3, EX-Z4, EX-Z4U, EX-Z5, EX-Z60, EX-Z65, EX-Z70, EX-Z75, EX-Z77, EX-Z8 Compatible Part NO. Casio NP-20 NP20 Features
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 ATC 7.4V (compatible with 7.2V) Canon BP-807, BP-809, BP-819, BP-827 Replacement Battery Pack for CANON HF10, HF100, HF11, HG20, HG21, CANON iVIS, LEGRIA, VIXIA Series Camcorder Sale Price: $14.69 DescriptionProduct Features: * Over-charge protection* Over-discharge protection* Over-heat protection* Over-current protection* Short-circuit protection* High capacity circulatory function* Low Power Consumption IC Design* No Memory Effect* High Charge current Fit Models CANONCanon HF10, Canon HF100, Canon HF11, Canon HG20, Canon HG21Canon iVIS Series iVIS HF S10, iVIS HF S11, iVIS HF10, iVIS HF100, iVIS HF11, iVIS HF20, iVIS HG21Canon LEGRIA Series LEGRIA HF M306, LEGRIA HF M31, LEGRIA HF M36,LEGRIA HF S20, LEGRIA HF S200, LEGRIA HF S21Canon VIXIA Series VIXIA HF M30, VIXIA HF M300, VIXIA HF M31,VIXIA HF S10, VIXIA HF S100, VIXIA HF S11, VIXIA HF S20, VIXIA HF S200, VIXIA HF S21, VIXIA HF10, VIXIA HF100, VIXIA HF11, VIXIA HF20, VIXIA HF200, VIXIA HG20, VIXIA HG21 Compatible Part NO. BP-807, BP-809, BP-819, BP-827 Features
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 Flip Ultra Video Camera – White, 1 GB, 30 Minutes (1st Generation) List Price: DescriptionThe Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder is a revolutionary new way to shoot and share videos. Its portable, simple-to-use design makes it incredibly easy to create high quality home movies. The camcorder’s built-in software provides a convenient, seamless way to save and share memories: email videos, make custom movies, capture still photos from video clips, and upload videos directly to popular video-sharing sites, including AOL Video and YouTube. Flip Video Ultra is the ideal, affordable choice for capturing everyday moments that happen anywhere, and sharing them with family and friends everywhere. This next-generation version of the original Flip Video line features a new sleeker design, premium no-glare LCD screen, and improved video and audio quality. Flip Video Ultra comes with a TV connector cable, wrist strap, soft carrying case, two AA batteries, and a quick start guide. Specs: Flip Video Ultra incorporates 1GB of built-in flash memory which holds up to 30 minutes of 30-frame per second full VGA-quality MPEG-4 video. Compatible with Windows XP SP2 and Vista; Macintosh OS X 10.3.9 or later. Computer connection via integrated USB Port. Features
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