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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

November 25, 2007 3:08 AM

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Is the Powershot 720 A Battery Hog?

I just purchased the Canon Powershot A 720 IS camera. I love it except for one problem: it appears to be eating up batteries at an alarming rate. My first time using the camera was last week on a 3-day trip to Las Vegas. I shot approximately 100 pictures, most without flash, and went through three full sets of batteries (6 alkalines), and had to put in a fourth set when I got home. I can't figure what else to do to conserve power, and the batteries I used were all fresh and name brand. Has anyone else found battery consumption a drawback on this particular camera? I love the 720 in every other way, but can't afford to "feed its power habit" if this keeps up!

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Aditya D (Adhere) 7462 pts

November 25, 2007 2:11 PM

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Your camera should definitely not eat up that much battery power if you're just taking pictures. I don't know if its a problem with the camera or just with usage. Things that will help and usually people overlook are 1) Make sure you're leaving the camera off in between pictures, and 2) (this is the biggest thing people don't realize) It takes 4-5 times more battery life to review a picture on your camera for 5 seconds than it does to take a picture yourself, so if anything try and keep that to a minimum. Buy a large size card (which is a good investment either way), and try and take double shots of everything just in case one comes out bad, especially people. Finally, I would recommend getting rechargeable lithium batteries made by energizer. These batteries typically last for hundreds of pictures and you can always recharge them. To my knowledge it costs $10-15 for 8 AAs. Hope this helps, if you have any other questions feel free to ask.

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

November 25, 2007 6:36 PM

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Hi, and thank you!I greatly appreciate the extensiveness of your answer. To clarify, I tend to turn the camera off immediately between usages -- even if just for a couple of minutes -- and wondered if that was part of my problem. (Turning on and off and powering up repeatedly -- maybe this eats up battery power?) But you did point out something I had no idea of -- that reviewing pictures uses 4-5 times the battery power of just shooting. This could be where the problem's occurring, because I often DO review every few shots to see if I liked the results or need to change settings. So maybe this is a key. I'll also take your advice on the rechargeable lithium batteries. (I already have a fairly good memory card -- not the one that came with the camera.) Do you happen to know if I would see a significant difference by using Super Alkaline batteries? They aren't rechargeable but they claim to be much longer-lasting. Any thoughts on them?
-- Kip

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ann 1 pts

November 25, 2007 8:26 PM

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I just bought a 720 and was thinking about taking it back because it went thur batteries so much faster then my old Sony (the power button depressed on that one 1 1/2 years old)

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Crafts from the Heart 2 pts

November 27, 2007 6:51 PM

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any batteries I put in the same camera it tells me I need new batteries. It won't accept any of my batteries.

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Bill (chaibill) 1 pts

December 1, 2007 12:12 AM

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why even make a camera that takes regular batteries these things are such old tech that are used in the newest digital cameras. they should all come with lithium rechargeables i have a cannon G2 that has a rechargeable still the original and all you have to do is plug it in and not too often. you would think that the consumers would feel like they really have something high tech if it had a rechargeable battery than having to go buy a 36 pack of batteries at wholesale club.

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Aditya D (Adhere) 7462 pts

December 1, 2007 1:50 AM

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Well... just because they run on AA batteries doesn't necessarily mean they are not high tech. AA batteries, if you've ever traveled to a foreign country, especially a 3rd world country, AA batteries are in abundance. This means that if you're in the middle of a trip during the day and don't have time to stop off and charge one of your batteries during sightseeing, then you can stop off at some small store along the way, buy some batteries and keep taking pictures. Also handy even if you're in the US, or Europe for the same reasons, don't have time to charge a battery, go buy new ones for cheap. With the new lithium AAs, you have AAs that last as long as lithium, so there really is no disadvantage, just preference and a bit of weight.

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

December 1, 2007 2:23 AM

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I agree. The ease of being able to use conventional batteries when traveling is an enormous advantage. There are situations where you can't easily recharge, or carry enough rechargeables to get you through on a long overseas trip. Following Aditya's suggestion, I've just purchased a pack of lithium AA batteries for the Canon Powershot 720. (Haven't used the camera yet since installing the lithiums.) I didn't have luck finding rechargeable lithium batteries at normal retail outlets (but I'll try camera-specific stores next).

I'm still hoping that this new 720 camera will show normal, average usage on its batteries. My husband has an older Powershot model (about 4 years old). It uses four AA batteries rather than just two per usage -- but it takes a ton of photos without a battery change.

As I mentioned, feature for feature and pricewise, the new Canon 720 is exactly what I want -- but the jury's still out on how I'll feel if it turns out to "hog up" lithium AA's as well as conventional AA batteries. No one should have to change batteries three times in less than 100 photos, especially with 75% of these photos taken WITHOUT using the flash!! And considering that the camera's own manual claims you should get at least 140 photos minimum -- with flash -- on a set of regular AA alkalines, there's no excuse for what I've encountered thus far.

I hope other new users of the Canon A 720 IS camera will continue to post about their own experiences, so we can find out if this is an aberration with my particular camera unit, or an actual across-the-board problem with this new model line itself.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

December 18, 2007 9:18 PM

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Hey Kip,
Did you contact Canon to ask them about your battery hog problem? I find that Canon after sales service are very helpful, so they might have an idea on what's going on, maybe they'll even check out your camera for you. Better do this before warranty expires! My mom's A570 IS is experiencing a similar problem, it hogs even rechargeable NiMH 2500 mAH batteries, battery indicator comes out even putting in a newly recharged set of the NiMH. Could be due to the quality of the NiMH, don't know.

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Indy_boy 2 pts

December 19, 2007 9:22 AM

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I just bought myself an A720IS for my Christmas present to me and I'm experiencing the same "battery hog" problem. I bought new rechargeable NiMH AA batteries and the camera says that they need to be replace far before the specified 400 photos are taken. In fact, I have gone through about 5 cycles of recharges and have only taken about 50 photos.

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

December 19, 2007 10:28 AM

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This is so discouraging to hear. I was hoping perhaps I just had a "lemon" and the model itself was fine. Feature for feature, it's a great camera. Why don't all of us who are experiencing this battery consumption issue call Canon Customer Care, as Tigervyh suggests, and let them know. I'm not sure how they'll respond, but if they get a barrage of complaints from unsatisfied consumers, maybe they'll work on the problem. (Though not sure how that will help US.....)

But obviously this is NOT an isolated issue.

-- Kip

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

December 20, 2007 8:35 PM

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Guys, contact Canon, I'm sure they'll at least look into the problem, I mean the product is under warranty! Don't waste the warranty! Canon customer service is first rate here in Malaysia, I'm sure it's not far off else where!

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TB 6 pts

December 24, 2007 7:53 AM

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I bought an A720 too last week and I have experienced the same battery problem. Searching the web about the problem I found this page . Similar to you, I have only taken few shots (10 photos with 2 normal batteries) and the batteries was gone. :(

This camera has a lot of cool features, but some of them are unnecessary sometimes. So, I decided to look into the configurations of the camera to find something i could deactivate to improve the power consuming. The evil one here I think is the Image Stabilizer. The default setting for this option is Continuous, which means the camera will try to stabilize the image at the moment you are focusing until you press the shutter button and this can be a long time. I changed it to Shoot Only, but If you use a tripod or something, turn it off.

The other settings i have deactivated: Red Eyes (leave this for Photoshop or adjust in Playback mode), Auto Rotate, MF-Point Zoom, Safety MF, AF-assist Beam. I only activate these features in situations they can be used, otherwise they remains off.

I bought a set with 4 NiMH rechargeable batteries from Sony and now I got 200 pictures with 2 of these batteries, including flash sometimes.

It's a little better now.

[]'s

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

December 24, 2007 2:12 PM

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These are very interesting suggestions. I'm waiting until after Christmas is over (tomorrow) to call Canon's Tech Support Department, and I'll certainly discuss these with them. However -- it seems a shame Canon would make a model that has to have some of its main features turned off in order to delivery proper battery usage as outlined in their Owners' Manual. In fact, I feel their Manual is misleading and actually deceptive when it claims you'll get approximately 400 shots on a set of batteries in optimum conditions. I doubt this is possible with EVERY feature turned off. :-)

In the past, I have found Canon's Tech Support department to be marginal at times. I called about the A720 IS camera shortly after I got it and realized the battery issue. The woman I got was little more than a customer service agent. She read me what the manual said and that was all she could suggest. She was not trained in any fashion to handle technical questions. The second time I called in (about a Canon printer, unrelated to the A720 problem), I got an excellent guy who'd been with Canon printers for 10 years. He told me that most of their agents really aren't trained as technical experts, but that he had worked with printers for years on the side. So, I got lucky, I guess.

I feel that Canon's Owners' is not accurate and that they need to adjust it immediately for people considering the purchase of this camera. Eating batteries the way it does negates the advantage of its many features. Who wants to buy new batteries -- or have to recharge? -- every minimum number of shots.

I hope and encourage all of you who are expressing the same problems and frustrations that I've raised to PLEASE CALL CANON IMMEDIATELY and register your dissatisfaction with them. Unless they hear from a large number of disgruntled consumers with the A720 IS, they will think it's an isolated issue. When I call them this week, I plan to ask them if they are hearing from other consumers with the same battery issues. I hope they tell me yes, but unless they DO hear from all of us, Canon will have no way of knowing. I will also post to this group what Canon tells me about my warranty and how they think the problem can be resolved (new camera? repair? rebate?). I'm afraid they'll suggest I send the camera back to them for servicing and "repair" -- which won't help at all, since this battery-eating problem seems to be attached to this particular model and can't be "repaired. "

-- Kip

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tom (rhen) 92 pts

December 24, 2007 3:13 PM

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I take 120 pics most of pics with flash and an one minute video with 1 pair of battery (2 battery). I think it's not too bad. :)

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Tch7198 2 pts

December 24, 2007 6:21 PM

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Unreal. I just purchased this camera and i love it....EXCEPT FOR THE BATTERY USE. I took approx. 50 pictures over the weekend with brand new batteries(Energizers). Today I turned it on and Low Battery icon was displayed. I was shocked since my last digital gave me many hundreds of pics. I will definitely contact Canon about this issue.

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Bob 0 pts

December 26, 2007 1:03 AM

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Well, maybe this is more across the board with newer Canon's. I just bought my son an A560, lower model. He's 14 and it's great for his first camera. However, he came to me twice today with battery low. He went through the Panasonic Alkalines that came with it and then some fully charged NiMh rechargables I gave him. My old Powershot A85 has 4 AA's and runs forever with the same rechargable NiMh's that I gave him. I'm really surprized by this and all these similar problems I'm reading about. I hope we don't have to return it.

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camera? (mbrady) 8656 pts

December 26, 2007 9:15 AM

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Hello all...

You should all be aware: You should not use traditional alkaline batteries with *any* digital camera. They will not last. You need to use NiMH batteries to get the most longevity.

If the NiMH's are still giving you trouble then definitely contact Canon (after you make sure they are fully charged and not suffering from old age), but if you're seeing poor battery performance from alkaline batteries, that's because those type of batteries never play well with digital cameras.

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

December 26, 2007 11:52 AM

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Do any of you know on this list whether the people in charge of reviewing new cameras (Steve, etc) read this list and will see our concerns?

Battery usage isn't mentioned in Steve's full review of the Canon A720 IS model; his review merely quotes what Canon's Owners' Manual claims for pictures per battery installation. Obviously the manual is severely misleading. As more people purchase the PowerShot A 720 and bump into the battery issue, it's going to bring more displeased postings.

It would be useful if the people who review for this site read and notice what we share. Perhaps they will amend their review or at least, do their own testings to check on the accuracy of our concerns.

-- Kip

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

December 26, 2007 7:06 PM

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Kip,

On your note of the review sites checking out this forum or any other of the like, I guess you are a bit over hopeful on that end.

What you could do is email them instead and point them to this discussion. Some of this review sites have discussion pages of their own, so that might be the way to go to "Notificy" them of the issues and concerns that users are experiencing.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

December 26, 2007 7:16 PM

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On the battery hog issue, I read that there's a similar (or worst) problem with the Canon A570IS! You guys should go to the A570 IS page on this site and read up on that as well. Seems there are a few suggestions from the forumers there on how the problem may be solve.

Rough idea of what they are concluding is that due to the 2 AA usage, the camera required higher running voltage compared to the ones using 4 AAs. Hence, as not all brands of NiMH are equal, not many in the market will be that compatible. It seems that SANYO's Eneloop is a good choice of NiMH for the A570 due to it's better performance in providing constant running high voltage. Other NiMH which provides lower running voltages maybe start to display the low battery warning early even though they have plenty of charge left as the camera low battery indicator activates based on the running voltage?!

Another suggestion was that the battery contact point at the lid was not good enough. A guy came up with using "toothpicks" as "jacks" to push up the contact point and he say the problem was solved. Some other forumers there are trying that and are agreeing with him.

Go over to the A570 IS page and have a read, the problem most probably is similar!

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

December 27, 2007 3:44 PM

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Hello, All --

I took a few moments today to call Canon's Tech Support department. According to the rep that I spoke with, Canon does NOT recommend using lithium batteries at all in its PowerShot models. Canon recommends either straight alkaline batteries or else rechargeable NiMH batteries. We spoke for a while, and I told him I'd had no success using straight alkaline batteries -- I went through those rapidly.

The Canon guy told me that another option that could help conserve battery strength is turning the Image Stabilization feature from continuous mode (on all the time) to the "shoot" mode, where it doesn't kick into play until the shutter is pressed down halfway. He also pointed out that the LCD screen uses additional power. (Maybe the Owners' Manual tests only used the optical viewfinder and not the LCD screen!) He seemed somewhat surprised to hear my concerns, and indicated Canon hasn't had any/many complaints at all on the A 720 IS PowerShot model. I asked him if it was realistic to expect to get the 400 shots per battery set that the Owners' Manual indicates. He said the tests are done under optimum conditions (whatever those are), so maybe it's like the EPA tests on how many miles to the gallon a certain model of car is supposed to get. They rarely give you anything like their estimated sticker mileage once you get them out on the road!

Anyway, Canon's suggestion is to avoid using lithium batteries completely. They recommended I buy a charger and NiMH batteries, turn off the constant Image Stabilization feature, and track my battery usage to see if I notice any difference. If not, then they suggested I send the camera back under its warranty for servicing.

But somehow I don't think my problems stem from a malfunctioning camera. I think what we're seeing may be more a trait of the newer PowerShot models.

-- Kip

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DB 2 pts

December 28, 2007 9:32 PM

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This is an interesting discussion for sure. My friend bought the 670is on my recommendation, and it is eating up batteries. I was suggesting the 720is, but forget it!

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

December 28, 2007 11:22 PM

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Well, then the next question would be: are there other camera manufacturers' models on the market that match these series of PowerShots feature for feature, but don't eat up the batteries? I've always shot with Canon cameras since they first introduced the EOS system some years ago. I've always found Canon cameras to be excellent. Is it possible that Nikon, Olympus, Sony, etc. now make models that are comparable (viewfinder, large LCD screen, and extensive shooting modes and features) yet are more reasonable in their battery usage?

Maybe all of these models use batteries at an alarming rate, no matter who makes the camera.

Canon still claims that they aren't hearing from consumers about PowerShot cameras hogging batteries.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

December 29, 2007 5:04 AM

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Nope, Canon Powershot A series is the only camera series with such extensive features and functions, any other camera manufacturers, you'll only find anything close when you go into SLR series, or the least, it will be the superzoom category of cameras.

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DB 2 pts

December 31, 2007 9:07 PM

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You know, I own the Canon S5 IS and am sooo happy with it...but I need to be able to recommend a smaller, inexpensive camera to those who aren't looking for as serious use as I am. Something around $200 and small and slim. Is there a non-battery-hogging camera that fits the bill???

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

January 1, 2008 7:44 PM

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All those Li-Ion based small point and shoot should not have a battery-hogging problem. Any one of them will do if you only want a simple point and shoot that you won't need any "creative zone" functions. These cameras generally will give you at least 200 shots on a full charge and the charging time is usually around 1 - 1.5 hours. Although, spare battery will be more expensive and usually you will have to charge the battery while it is in the camera (effective, you need to use the camera as a charger!)

The A-series camera which use to run on 4AA NiMH didn't have the battery hogging problem. Shame on Canon for forgoing this to get their A-series camera smaller and lighter to compete with other manufacturers small size shooters. They should have stick with the 4AA batts system as it was the features and functions of the camera that was the attractiveness. Now since employing on 2AA for most of their A-series models, not only battery hogging has become a problem for some models, the shooting time performance has also dropped, ie you'll have to wait a few seconds after a shoot with flash to even know that your camera is alive?! With my previous 4AA Canon A70, I was able to use burst mode with flash! How different the cameras have become! Maybe that's why Camera manufacturers keep promoting no flash photography with high ISO etc... sigh....

DB, on you $200 budget, well it'll be hard press to get you a digital IXUS, which should have been an ideal choice for size, quality and features. So maybe you could either check out those little Nikons (which are deprive of functions and control) or maybe Sonys (W-series seems to be around that price point, although the memory cards will be slightly more expensive, but not by too much)...

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

January 1, 2008 11:47 PM

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To avoid using flash this weekend in a particular low-light situation, I changed the ISO speed and shot natural light with good results. I didn't check the manual to see what ISO I ended up "pushing" to, but at least I didn't have to use the flash.

Tigervh is so right on about the lag time in shooting between flash charges. It seems to take forever, even on fresh batteries, for the flash to recycle so you can shoot again.

I think Tigervh is dead on as well about the 4 AA batteries versus the 2 AA batteries these cameras now use. When I saw how compact the A 720 IS model is, how many features it packs, and yet only uses 2 batteries instead of 4, I thought it was an improvement. Obviously that was an erroneous assumption. :-)

There are so many things that are right with this model, and so much to love about this camera, that it's saddening to find such a weakness. I really love shooting with the 720.

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Fredbass 2 pts

January 3, 2008 9:53 AM

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Don't use low capacity mAh rechargeable NiMH batteries. Get the high capacity 2500-2600 ones and your problems should be solved.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

January 3, 2008 8:42 PM

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Fredbass,

The issue with the battery is not about high capacity. It's just that the camera always use/suck up battery power from both batteries at any one time for any one function. High capacity NiMH may just help a wee bit here, but the lag will still be very apparent, as Canon themselves states the flash recycle time to be around 10 seconds. That's why the 4AA batteries models shows a significant difference as it uses 2AA batteries at any one time for any function, hence when you do one function with the camera, 2AA will be used, while the other 2AA will be ready for the next task.

The major difference between higher vs. lower capacity NiMH will be the number of photos / longer usage time. Not really on the speed of power recycle.

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LDB 13 pts

February 10, 2008 8:24 PM

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Well, I can certainly relate to this discussion. Purchased an A570 IS, and had the precise problem you've been discussing. Brought it back, and with the A570 IS having been discontinued, needed to upgrade to an A720 IS. Now I'm getting the battery power warning on that, too. But so far, the camera has not shut down. Which leads to this question:

Are most of you finding that the camera usually actually shuts down shortly after the premature battery warning? Or is it more the case that the warning makes us (very understandably) feel trepidation, but that the camera continues to function for a good long time.

This reviewer's remarks are kind of interesting...

http://kenrockwell.com/canon/compacts/a570.htm

If you don't feel like sifting through his whole review, here's an excerpt...

"The A570 has the same overly sensitive low battery warning as the other A-series Canons I've used. It often will flash the red battery symbol or shut down, even if the batteries are fine or new. Don't believe it; keep trying and keep shooting. My 4-year-old Canon A70 has always done the same thing."

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

February 10, 2008 10:21 PM

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My 4 years old Canon A70 never had this problem though?! I usually get around 200-300 shots before I get the warning, then I get a few more shots before I have to change batteries! I think if u are saying u get the warning but still get to shoot lots after that, it's probably due to the battery not having a suitably larger enough voltage as not all rechargeable batteries are the same even though the stated voltage is 1.2 or thereabouts!

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LDB 13 pts

February 12, 2008 8:26 AM

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Don't know the extent to which people are still monitoring this, but I thought I'd mention that, as others have done, I've switched my Image Stabilizer to Shoot Only, and so far, that seems to be helping enormously.

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Paljas 3 pts

March 29, 2008 6:12 AM

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I have the same problem with my A720IS. It sometimes even shuts off due to low battery. Then sometimes when I turn it on, the indicator isn't even lit anymore and I can still shoot for hours on and on, flash, IS, video, whatever. It seems the indicator is borked.

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Sherri 0 pts

April 7, 2008 9:52 PM

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Does any one know if you can buy a battery pack for this camera? I bought Camera today but I did have the lesser canon power shot and I seemed to have the same problem. Please inform.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

April 7, 2008 10:59 PM

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Sherri,

THis camera uses AA size batteries. So it is advisable to get those NiMH rechargeable battery packs. Currently, Sanyo's Eneloop is getting good reviews from users, I myself are using a set of Eneloop and they are performing well. Apart from this, any reputable brand of rechargeable AA should be good enough, although I would still recommend you get a set of 4 Eneloop. 2 for using and 2 for backup. If you can't find any Eneloops, then get a set of reputable brand NiMH with at least 2700mAH.

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Rick 0 pts

April 10, 2008 2:09 PM

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My wife bought me the Canon a720 IS a couple months ago. I experienced the same "battery hogging" issue as mentioned. The above adjustments did increased battery time. My tip; I switched to rechargeable NiMH. The store that sold us the camera suggested all-battery.com as a good resource for charger and battery sets at "crazy" low prices. I purchased a "Smart Charger" and set of batteries for a great price, average price 46 cents per battery! The set contained every size you could imagine (the kids have toys!!) and 6 or more of each size. I just keep them charged and ready to go. I am getting 240 - 260 pictures per charge. I am finding the more times the battery is charged the longer it lasts. I don't know if that is usual or my imagination! I'm very happy with the camera and the battery and charger deal was great.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

April 10, 2008 7:31 PM

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Ya, the rechargeable batteries normal charge cycles or should I say the first few initial charges would not get the full capacity of the batteries. It's a normal thing, I guess. It requires a few charge cycles to get to the full capacity (for new batteries, and for batteries that have not been used for a period). The number of shots you get would also depend on how you shoot your photos, whether there's a stretch where you shoot lots of shoots with flash, etc... The stated shoot in the manual is based on CIPA standard, where you only shoot 10 shots per session and those shots are shot alternately with flash in one and no flash in the next one. The camera is then shut down for a period of 30s minimum (if I remember correctly) before it goes through the 10 shots process again. So you should be able to tell that usual photographers will never be shooting ala the CIPA standard, so we'll never actually achieved the stated number of shots capable. That's why if you get a set of batteries that keeps its' charge for a longer time (Sanyo's Eneloop claims that it'll only loose a maximum of it's charge after 1 full year of non-usage!), you be able to shoot more per charge! That is if you are not going to shoot like a few hundred shots per session! haha!!!

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Julies 1 pts

April 19, 2008 3:25 PM

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I came to this review because I want to return my brand new Olympus Fe 310 because it eats batteries for lunch. I used rechargeable Nimi's, and I went through 3 sets of fully charged batteries for 74 photos. This model doesn't have a viewfinder, you have to use the LCD screen to take photos, so it bought this problem may have been unique to this camera, but apparently not.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

April 20, 2008 7:55 PM

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3 sets of fully charged NiMH for only 74 photos? I think you camera is disfunctional! Return it or try to sell it off, if not get it to a service centre of something? It's either that or the NiMH you are using are crap! The A720IS problem is not so much "eating batteries for lunch" but more like showing your that it think's it is eating batteries for lunch! If you follow? Just to elaborate, the problem people have with A720IS is that the battery warning signal pops up very fast even though the batteries still contain more than enough power, it's just that the batteries used provide a lower voltage than the camera likes, hence it thinks that the batteries are running low on power. A better set of NiMH (i.e. Sanyo's Eneloop) should take care of this problem.

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Mickey 9 pts

May 14, 2008 11:07 AM

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Hello,
I stumbled across these link as I googled Powershot 720 battery useage. Yes I have this problem as well, some nice tips here. Two techs at Cannon both said to remove the batteries from the camera when not in use would help, is this true? My question is this, this is my first digital camera and I am paralyzed so I have to get my nurse aid to take my pictures and she is very non tech. I usually just leave it set to AUTO, but is there any easy steps I should be aware of to get the best picture? Any tips are very appreciated.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

May 14, 2008 9:20 PM

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Hi Mickey,

Ok, it's true that having the batteries removed from the camera will help in reducing the battery drain somewhat, but I must say that it won't be that much, since the battery will drain itself slowly even if not in the camera! For this reason, I have recommended to use Sanyo's Eneloop NiMH, this is because it is one of the new types of batteries that drains extremely slowly, and Sanyo states that it will keep about 80% of its charge for up to a year if not use. Removing batteries from the camera is not a practical idea for me, since you may miss you chance at a shot, when you see something interesting.

Leaving it at AUTO is best for people who are not into photography. It's better than spending a few hours getting the settings right. Another easier way will be to use to camera preset functions such as landscape, protrait, scenes, etc... for different types of shots when you know which shot to take. Like if say you want to take some portraits or portraity shots, just ask your nurse aid to turn the knob to the portrait position... it will be difficult for non-enthusiast to venture into the Av, Tv, M functions, so it's best to just leave it at Auto or the presets.

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Mickey 9 pts

May 15, 2008 2:07 PM

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Thanks Tiger for the reply. About the batteries, my Aunt works at Energizer so I have a big box of AA's so when they are used up I will buy the ones you recommend as she no longer works at Energizer.

I read in the manual about the different scenes, like flowers, landscape, etc as you mentioned but those littles symbols are hard to remember which is for which. So I just leave it on AUTO but one day we took some pictures of Mom's flowers and used the flower function and this camera takes great looking shots! If somehow I could mark those function symbols, but AUTO works very good. Maybe one day we'll learn the function symbols out.

I just called Cannon support and the guy was extremely nice and help. As we were talking his camera even got the low battery warning:) I told him the last Cannon tech wasn't so nice and he apolgized and said Canon is lifetime support, he was awesome. We went through all the options to save on the battery but a question. When I turn the flash to OFF, whenever the camera is turned back on, so is the flash. Shouldn't the flash stay off until turned back on?
With me leaving the camera to AUTO he advised me to not change like the suggestions below which were posted here:

The other settings i have deactivated: Red Eyes (leave this for Photoshop or adjust in Playback mode), Auto Rotate, MF-Point Zoom, Safety MF, AF-assist Beam. I only activate these features in situations they can be used, otherwise they remains off.

Thanks for the reply!
Mickey

Av, Tv, M functions, so it's best to just leave it at Auto or the presets.
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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

May 15, 2008 9:12 PM

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ok, those are some of the steps to "save" power, although I'm quite sure that it does not really achieve much savings if you turn them off... first thing: -

1. red eye function, I find that whether you turn it on or not, Canon A-series shoots the same way, I might be wrong, where the camera will flash a weak light before the shot, hence turning this off will help.
2. Auto rotate, well, I actually find the auto rotate a nice feature, so I kept it on.
3. MF-Point Zoom, safety MF, these won't apply for Auto and preset modes, so you don't have to worry about them.
4. AF-assist beam, very useful to improve focusing speed...

On the flash, I guess Canon set the firmware in a way where when you turn off the camera and switch it back and, some of the functions like flash will revert to default setting in AUTO... that means you just have to keep it in mind.

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Mickey 9 pts

May 17, 2008 5:46 PM

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Thanks again Tiger, you're a wealth of information for digital newbies like myself, I'll keep this page bookmark. I did set the ISO off and the camera was blinking red icon but I was able to get a video of my pet which I can show the vet. She gags at times so now I have video to show the vet, there was no sound so I called tech.duhhh, I had muted the camera. Sound isn't too great but all in all I'm a very happy 1st time camper.

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jkien 0 pts

May 19, 2008 4:47 PM

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Like user LDB (and Ken Rockwell) and Tigervyh, I think the problem of the Powershot A-series is that the low battery warning is premature for average batteries. My camera (an A540) works for about 15 minutes before the low battery warning appears, and 3+ hours before it quits ('change batteries' warning). Therefore I prefer to ignore the low battery warning and have a spare pair ready, rather than to reduce the functionality of the camera.

To make sure I made some measurements in my camera: the low battery warning occurs at an operating voltage of 2.30 volt, and the camera quits at 2.07 volt ('change batteries' warning). A low battery warning is useless if it occurs at a voltage above the plateau of the NIMH battery's discharge curve. For example, the low battery warning in my camera is useless for a pair of batteries with a plateau of 2.30-2.15 volt, which is typical for the batteries I use. Sanyo Eneloop batteries seem to have a higher plateau (2.6-2.4 volt), so that would be better in the camera.

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Mickey 9 pts

May 22, 2008 2:51 PM

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Tiger, I have a couple more questions for you or anyone that reads this. I found that yes, the flash will turn itself back on even if you had it off when you power the camera up. But that is in AUTO mode so I was told in P mode ( P for program? ) that the flash will stay off. So I have switched from AUTO to P mode. I was told by two Cannon techs that shooting in P mode, the quality will be as good as in AUTO mode so I assume this to be correct? I just need to set the resolution and compression to Large and Superfine in P mode for the best quality, hopefully we'll be able to find/do this. Also now that I am not in AUTO mode, what should I do about your suggestion below, turn each off?:

MF-Point Zoom, safety MF, these won't apply for Auto and preset modes, so you don't have to worry about them.

And the LCD of course drains the batteries the most I would think, the last tech said I could turn it off if I wanted. Just push the display twice, but of course you could not see the pictures you take. I'm thinking about this until I get the NiMH rechargeable batteries, thoughts? Thanks again..

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

May 22, 2008 8:34 PM

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ok, major differences between AUTO and P mode:
1. ISO can be set to any of the set-able values for P mode, AUTO mode you'd just get ISO Auto and ISO High.
2. The flash thing, I'm using a S5, and the flash stays on/off before and after shut down for P, I'm not sure about Auto, but I guess the firmware setup is the same between these Canons P&S.
3. Face detection: for P mode, the face detection works a bit differently compare to Auto, you'd have to press a few buttons to fix on a face, where as for AUTO, the default auto face detection is on. Just try it out, you'd get used to it, but if you need others to take a photo for you of people (portraits/group shots), it'll still be best to shoot in AUTO mode.

Apart from that, it's pretty much the same for P and AUTO, where you would get to manipulate more settings with P mode, ie. ISO, flash etc...

ok, for the MF-Point zoom and safety MF, it'll only apply for shooting in 'M' mode, ie the full manual mode, so it should be ok to leave it as it is, it would do much effect to the power, so no worries.

Well, trying to safe the power with turning off the LCD is a good idea, but then you'd missed out on some shooting habits that digital cameras brought to photography. One thing with A720IS, the viewfinder will only show you about 80% of the actual shot! So if you shoot through the viewfinder, you will have to keep that in mind. and this would effect the framing of the shot. The viewfinder main objective (to me at least), is for shooting outdoors when it's too bright to see the image properly through the LCD.

Do get those NiMH early, it safes you tonnes of alkalines! I'd again recommend Eneloops.

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TZ 0 pts

May 23, 2008 1:35 PM

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What a huge disgusting problem for such a basic operational concern of power source. It ought not be, especially with such a quality name brand of Canon. I'm shopping for my first digtal camera, I travel in 3rd world countries, and am fond of a good zoom lense feature on a digital camera. But, the more I learn about the top rated cameras with these features, the more I love my 35 mm film camera.

Good luck on sorting out your battery issues.

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Mickey 9 pts

May 23, 2008 2:29 PM

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Thanks Tiger once again for the info, I am going to stick with AUTO and just remember to turn the flash off. And keeping the LCD on, as mentioned I'd be missing out on what digital cameras have brought to
photography. For those who said they get the red icon for low battery, but when they cut the camera back on and no low battery warning. Tech guy mentioned the batteries getting warm and maybe other parts and they cool off, thus no blinking icon when turning the camera back on..maybe just his thoughts..

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

May 24, 2008 4:39 AM

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ya, just his thought, as I said earlier, it not really a problem with the camera or the batteries, just matter of having the right batteries for the camera, and again the Eneloops should help enormously with this issue, as it's supplying a higher range of voltage compared to most others NiMH on the market. I guess Canon tech/rep just doesn't want to acknowledge other brands or NiMH, I'm not sure how the Canon NiMH will work,since not many people uses them, (as they are generally pricier).

TZ, it's not a disgusting problem, it's just some people just don't want to find out what the actual reason behind the issue. It's just a matter of batteries. heck, I'd better stop explaining about this thing... and stick with 35mm if you wish... 35mm produces great pictures, but you'd missed out on tonnes of benefits of the digital camera brings... heck... I better not elaborate on this either...

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Mick_64 0 pts

May 31, 2008 5:58 AM

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I'd agree with an earlier comment, that although the battery light comes on early, you can just ignore it and carry on for ages without the camera actually shutting down. So long as you have a spare pair of batteries handy you're fine, because the only real problem here is that you can't easily gauge when the batteries will fail. It's just an inaccurate warning light, not necessarily an especially battery-hungry camera.

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

May 31, 2008 11:38 AM

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Hi!

As the person who originally initiated this conversational thread, "Is the A720IS A Battery Hog?," I've greatly enjoyed seeing the ongoing dialog on this camera! Currently I'm using Energizer Lithium Batteries, which have helped a lot, and also purchased rechargeable batteries, which I haven't used yet. I agree with the person who said, "If you turn off all the features, why'd you buy the camera in the first place?" That seems counterproductive to me. :-)

So . . . .where are these Sanyo Eneloop batteries sold? Are they available everywhere, or only at professional camera supply dealers?

-- Kip

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

June 1, 2008 8:10 PM

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eneloops should be available through various camera shops and ebay...

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Mickey 9 pts

June 9, 2008 4:09 PM

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Do I feel like a Noob, I didn't even know what the viewfinder was and may not still since someone mentioned their camera did not have a viewfinder. So google showed me LCD vs Viewfinder with mixed responses. Since I have never been able to hold and look at/through the camera being paralyzed, the viewfinder is simply what you would look through like with non digital cameras with no LCD to view and shoot. Ok worded funny, but only main negative with LCD was batteries, with Viewfinder you may not get the entire picture and other things. My nurse aid holds my 720 way out in front of her when taking a picture so viewfinder is no option for me anyway:) And Mom brought home another box of free AA batteries from my Aunt so who knows when I'll get the eneloops.

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

June 9, 2008 5:01 PM

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As an interesting addendum to our thread here . . .

Consumer Reports has just rated the Canon Powershot A720IS a Best Buy in their current issue that features top rated digital cameras. They single it out for a number of its features, including -- get this -- "longer than usual battery life."

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TZ 0 pts

June 27, 2008 2:39 PM

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Kinda makes you wonder where home base is on this question. If those consumers feeding into the magazine are having a majorative different experience with their cameras than you i.e. "longer than usual battery life", kinda makes one wonder if you all have a bit of a lemon in this regard. How else can everyone be right..... ?

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Mickey 9 pts

June 27, 2008 3:26 PM

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As posted, and yes I complained about poor battery problems, using the correct batteries will solve the problem. This camera being my first digital camera, I really like it and Cannon tech support has been very helpful and nice on each call. I made the correct purchase..

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

June 27, 2008 10:12 PM

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I'd agree with the assessment on the batteries. I'm getting much longer battery life now that I've switched.

I do love this camera. So many other camera models these days don't even have viewfinders, for starters. And the range of features on the A720IS really make it a standout.

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Mickey 9 pts

June 28, 2008 2:37 PM

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Kip, can I ask you why you would shoot with the viewfinder instead of the LCD? Newbie here but this website may explain the pros and cons but still I know people will this or that way according to different shots, I guess.
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/should-i-use-the-lcd-or-viewfinder-on-my-digital-camera/

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

June 28, 2008 7:04 PM

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This one is simple, Mickey: in broad daylight, it's extremely difficult to see the LCD screen. When the sun is shining and you're outdoors . . . guess what? The screen becomes nearly impossible to see. That's when I revert to using the viewfinder. I prefer the LCD screen of course -- but if you can't see it . . . well, you get the picture, right? (Literally!)

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Mickey 9 pts

June 29, 2008 3:46 PM

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Very simple reason to want the viewfinder Kip, thanks. If you've followed this thread, I am disabled, paralyzed from the chest down so I have to get my nurse aid to snap my pictures. As little as I know about digital cameras, she knows even less so point and shoot is about all I get. We went out the other day, 92 degrees, bright and sunny to take some pictures of some freshly planted yellow flowers. Well she has to hold my camera way out in front of her as she is far sighted, she snapped a few and had to find shade to even view them on the LCD, you nailed it above. When we came in and I viewed them on my computer with a 22" LCD, they were not bright at all. I had her to turn the flash off and the camera was set on AUTO. Well I think I had her put it on the scenery mode. I called Cannon Tech and once again, they were extremely friendly and he said it sounded like the sun was blocked, if I remember correctly. I guess with her holding the camera out in front of her and the sun was behind us, her head blocked the sun..? Plus I had her to Zoom in and on scenery mode I think he said that was MACRO, which is explained to me was close up but in other terms and the flash was better off in macro as to not over flash, other terms again :) But with digital, if you don't like the pictures.....delete them..It's just a learning process. How do you get pts for posting? 0 is a lonely number.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

June 29, 2008 9:01 PM

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ok, I just gave you a point on your previous comment, so you not as lonely now! ha! Well you get points from people thinking your comments are helpful to them and also giving out answers on new questions whereby the poster of the question will award you the points if he/she finds that your answer is the best that answered their question.

Anyway, Macro shot... it's where you take the shot up close and personal! so to speak! ha! it does wonders on depth of field, but then, you have to be very close to the subject... mostly for taking closeup of flowers, insects, maybe some nice and tasty looking food (you know those nice food/cook books where the pictures of the food on the plate always looks so nice...) those are Macro shots! haha...

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Mickey 9 pts

June 30, 2008 4:12 PM

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Gottcha on the point reward and how it works and I need to start giving out points to you guys. As for being helpful, I'll stick with that 1 point you gave me :) It doesn't matter if you have 0, your question is answered fully. Macro, we took one a few months back and caught a been on a red flower....very nice..

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

June 30, 2008 5:40 PM

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OK, I give up. This points thing has had me curious ever since I first began this conversation months ago. For a long time, I didn't have any points. I didn't care. Now that I see everyone "getting points," I've decided I care. LOL. What the heck are these points, and what do you do with them?! Do we actually GET something for them? Or are they only meant to make us feel useful and special? :-D

-- Kip

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

June 30, 2008 10:31 PM

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nah, at least I don't think there's any use for these point, just a gauge to see who is offering more help, I guess! Sorta indicative as whether the opinion of particular poster is of higher significance than some others, I guess... But i see some of the higher points guys just give generic answers to questions to get points, oh well...

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Mickey 9 pts

July 1, 2008 4:21 PM

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I got Kip curious about the point system, looks like 1 point for me..just kidding..:)

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

July 1, 2008 5:24 PM

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Gosh, I'm crushed. Being competitive, I thought there was going to be a reward at the end of this points thing -- wasn't sure what that reward might be (free cameras? free batteries? membership in an exclusive online photographic community?), but now I find points are merely ego boosts. I guess I'll just go back to asking questions, listening to those of you more knowledgeable than me on this list, and trying to take good pictures with the camera that started this whole thread!

P.S. For a long time, I had 0 points. I'm not sure how I managed to accumulate 19 of them along the way, but I've sure enjoyed this conversation. Don't worry, though -- I'm not expecting any points for my last two posted comments, ha ha.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

July 2, 2008 12:10 AM

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hey Kp, I just upgraded you to 20 points! haha... For a nice round number! Anyways... this thread here is useful for knowing how your camera works... but for more indept suggestions on how to take photographs, I found a Powershot S5 group on Flickr which is very good! With lots of good advice going round between members

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

July 2, 2008 1:43 AM

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Sounds great -- I'd love to check it out, thanks!

Would that address be www.flickr.com?

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

July 2, 2008 1:51 AM

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http://www.flickr.com/groups/canonpowershots5is/

just join the group, it's not limited to S5 users... although you can't post non-S5 photos, but still, the group discussion are always informative, if not fun!

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

July 2, 2008 3:04 AM

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Now look at you racking up the points! For this information alone, I'd give you more than one point, but that's all it seems to allow me to bestow. :-) Anyway, I appreciate the tip, and maybe others on our thread will also be interested in the group! Thanks!

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Kujo 1 pts

July 13, 2008 9:53 AM

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Was told when I bought my A720IS that the batteries that come with it are used to set the memory for the battery life. After they are dead only use NIMH batteries. If you use normal alkaline batteries it some how messes up the camera's internal memory and with time the batteries will last for shorter and shorter periods of time. He said even if you switch to Nimh after using alkaline batteries it will not help. I followed his advise and have had no troubles.

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

July 13, 2008 1:49 PM

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TigerVYH . . . what are your thoughts on this -- is Kujo's information correct? I have a couple of friends using lithium batteries in their PowerShot 720s, and actually, I've been using them myself lately, since I didn't recharge my NIMH batteries in time for some shoots. I would hate to think that using lithium batteries would ruin the camera's internal memory! Wonder if Kujo was given this info by a salesman who might or might not really know?

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Mickey 9 pts

July 13, 2008 4:13 PM

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I would like to know if Kujo's info is correct as well? I am still using regular doulbe a's since I have a box full from Energizer to use up but if they will mess my camera up I'll switch to NIMH. I will call tech support tomorrow.

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

July 13, 2008 5:25 PM

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I just gave you points, Mickey, for volunteering to call Canon Tech Support! I'll be interested in hearing their comments. If Kujo's information is correct, it's too late for me -- I've had the camera nearly a year now and normally use lithium Double AAs. You might ask -- if they corroborate his information that not using NIMH batteries will shorten the life of the camera's internal memory -- why they don't state this in their owner's manual or over the phone when we call in?

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Kujo 1 pts

July 13, 2008 5:30 PM

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I think lithium batteries would be ok, all I was told was not to use ordinary alkaline batteries but to use NIMH. Although I did ask if it said this is in the user guide and he could not answer me and I could not find any evidence to support what he said in the user guide. Sorry! maybe I did not explain myself very well, he said this was for all digital cameras. I had an old kodak digital camera that I used alkaline batteries in from when it was new and as time went by the lasted for shorter periods of time. I was then told to buy NIMH batteries and they would last longer in my kodak camera. Well they did not really help at all. I gave them to a friend who had a little newer camera to use and he said they lasted for a long time.That's when i realized there was something probably wrong with my camera. Not sure if what I was told by the guy when I bought my Powershot 720 is true or not but i can get about 270 pictures out of one charge with NIMH. The guy also told me that some people had returned some cameras( not sure of the brand) with the problem of the batteries not lasting, and the manufacture would not warranty them because they used alkaline batteries. If this is true, I think the manufacturer should disclose this some place in the user guide, at the very least.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

July 14, 2008 1:58 AM

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WEll, IMHO, I think that sales person is talking a load of b***! haha! No offense Kujo!

Certain rechargeable batteries do have memory, but that's for the charging time and amount... but most new NiMH don't have that anymore... and I'm certain that cameras don't have this, unless it uses built in batteries...

Canon would be killing themselves if they built in a memory like this! It would be stupid! and Particularly for Canon, it has no point in doing this, since they don't manufacture alkaline batteries...

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

July 14, 2008 2:20 AM

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Somehow that information on "internal camera memory" didn't sound right to me, either. Sales people will tell you the weirdest stuff, and look you straight in the eye when they do it. Canon would indeed be shooting themselves in the foot to manufacture a camera with a potential recipe for disaster, depending on your batteries (and then not even mention it in their Owners' Manual).

What can I do with 25 points....?

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

July 14, 2008 7:57 PM

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Ha... ask tougher questions and award more points to entice forumers to answers! haha!

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Mickey 9 pts

July 17, 2008 1:43 PM

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I just gave you points, Mickey, for volunteering to call Canon Tech Support! I'll be interested in hearing their comments.
=========================================

Thanks Kip, sorry for getting back this late. Before I could get the complete question out the Canon Tech said that is false. Cannon is built to use alkaline, NIHM and lithium.Using alkaline would in no way mess with the internal memory....Maybe I should put this on http://www.snopes.com/ :)

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Kujo 1 pts

July 18, 2008 6:08 PM

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Thanks for the update, just trying to help. Did they give you any reason why the batteries were not lasting very long?

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Mickey 9 pts

July 20, 2008 2:52 PM

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Kujo, I did not ask about battery life as I am still using alkaline batteries so I do not except great battery life. Each person that has used rechargeable NIHM like eneloops say battery life is fine. Be sure to set Image Stabilizer to Shoot Only.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

July 21, 2008 3:51 AM

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ya, image stabilizer to shoot only would not only get you longer battery life, but also train your hands to be steadier, and in the long run, help you become a better photographer?! Ha! You'll actually understand what I'm talking about when you take photos at the higher end of the tele zoom!

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Mickey 9 pts

August 28, 2008 4:35 PM

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I'm back and even though I still have a box of Alkiline batteries I'm ready to buy some Sanyo Eneloop's and a charger but unsure of the best place to buy them online. I just assume all Eneloop's are the same? Since I have no clue, can someone link me to the best Eneloop NiHM and charger so I can buy 4. I see these:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/002-6111179-5494454?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=eneloop&Go.x=10&Go.y=7

All-battery.com did not find them in the search and I do not mind paying a few extra bucks as I want to get the best, thanks!
Mickey

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

August 28, 2008 5:26 PM

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Since I'm the one who started this thread quite a while ago, I thought I'd check in again, and mention that if someone doesn't have a chance to get Eneloop batteries, you'll probably have very good luck using lithium Energizer batteries. I just came back from a trip where I shot quite a few pictures (and had to review them several times in playback mode, which of course uses up battery power). I have the image stabilization set to kick in only when I'm shooting (not all the time) and I used lithium, non-rechargeable Energizers. I was quite pleased with the results, and did not once feel my A720 was "battery hogging" me! :-D

-- Kip

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Ajit 1 pts

August 28, 2008 9:15 PM

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I have always bought my Eneloops from www.thomasdistributing.com and sometimes on Ebay when the price was right. I have bought various batteries and chargers from Thomas Distributing for many years. They are reasonably priced and stand by what they sell. I am just a satisfied customer and have nothing to do with them other than that.

Ajit

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Ajit 1 pts

August 28, 2008 9:32 PM

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I forgot to mention that my earlier post was in answer to Mickey's question. Though I have at least 12 chargers including a couple of the Eneloop ones, the one I find best is the La Crosse BC-900, which I see they have on sale. When I bought mine, I paid more than twice the sale price, but have no regrets as it has served me well. Though it is capable of multiple charge rates, I normally use it at the 200mA level.

Ajit

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Mickey 9 pts

August 29, 2008 1:31 PM

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Thanks Ajit, give him some points Tiger. I googled them and I bought this:

http://thomas-distributing.com/la_crosse_bc-900_battery_charger.php

Now I see it already comes with batteries but I ordered 4 Sanyo Eneloop's and the total for the charger and four batteries was $57.91.
Was this a pretty good deal? I have no clue but I'll be set soon with the correct batteries..much thanks!

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Mickey 9 pts

September 4, 2008 1:05 PM

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Ajit, I just got the La Crosse BC-900 charger and the instruction book was so small I had to call tech. I had all 4 batteries in but tech said you can only charge 1 at a time if setting it to 2000 using the current, but you only set to charge at 200? Actually 1800 is the highest it goes, but is charging to the highest going to affect the battiers since you set it to only 200? I wanted to get the longest battery life so I choose 1800. Ajit hasn't been back so Tiger, Kip or anyone, can you help me out here? Using the Sanyo Eneloops..thanks all..oh, it doesn't take but about 10 minutes to charge to 1800 which is nice.

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Mickey 9 pts

September 4, 2008 2:19 PM

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Never mind, tech called me back and this guy was much more helpful. Said to discharge and refresh cycle first and he had to look it up, 1800 was the speed at charging. At 200 Ma it will take longer but the best charge and all 4 will charge at 200Ma so I'm good to go..it will automatically charge to 2000 Ma, 1800 threw me off, him as well.

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michael 5 pts

September 10, 2008 8:41 PM

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I have a Canon A710 IS (love the camera) but have recently developed the low battery problem. I used to be able to take hundreds of pictures and now my performance is down to 1, 10 or 20 pictures before the warning. Alkaline, Lithium, Rechargeables do not matter. Looking around in other forums with similar cameras, it is the same story, and there is belief that the problem may lie in the battery door or contacts. People have resolved this by using toothpicks to force the contacts into place.

My camera is just over a year, and so when I called Canon they said they are not aware of any issues related to this problem, and would only offer to charge me to repair the camera.

It might be worth everyone here calling up and complaining. I think it is awful for Canon to hide and say they are not aware of such a problem when there are so many people in various forums on the web reporting this identical problem. The internet changes everything!

Good luck, and while I love this camera, it is probably my first and last Canon purchase. I expected excellent customer service and felt let down. I spent $400 on a camera and it lasts for a year? Come on Canon!!

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Mickey 9 pts

September 15, 2008 2:56 PM

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Michael, I have read others using the toothpicks solution. I just started using Eneloops and all is well so far. I have always had excellent tech support but I may call them and pose the question to them. Being a newbie I'm unaware of battery door or contacts but may need to learn..

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

September 15, 2008 4:47 PM

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I had occasion to call Canon's Tech Support department yesterday about another matter, and while I was on the phone, I brought up the subject of batteries for the Canon A720 IS PowerShot. I told the tech that I was using lithium batteries, but that Eneloops had been suggested by a number of folks more expert than me. He said that at one time, Canon didn't recommend lithium batteries at all, but that after additional testing, they now believe they are fine and do very well in this camera. He also recommended NIMH batteries. He said to avoid cheap brand alkaline batteries. As far as Eneloops, he seemed surprised that they were specially recommended and didn't suggest that they would increase my battery life or shooting time.

-- Kip

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michael 5 pts

September 15, 2008 10:06 PM

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Thanks for the replies folks. I'm on to the toothpicks now, and I'll see if that helps. I'll try these eneloops as well, but it is discouraging to have had a camera work fine, and then suddenly fall into this mode where it is likely a battery cover design flaw. I've tried NiMH rechargeables (Radio Shack, Duracell) as well as Alkaline (Duracell, Kirkland, Sharper Image) as well as Energizer Lithium. All about the same poor results now, formerly they all worked great, hundreds of pictures.

-michael

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

September 16, 2008 9:20 PM

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Ya, try the toothpicks and tell us the results...

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golfingfool 0 pts

October 1, 2008 1:43 PM

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I've found that shooting video with the 720 absolutely kills the battery life. Even a 30 second record time will bring on the low battery indicator earlier than normal. I had owned a Sony DSCW-5 for several years and would marvel at that camera's ability to go for a week with tons of shooting before the battery died. In that camera, when the low battery light came on, it was really time to switch. I have noticed that the low battery indicator comes on quickly with the 720 but if you shut off the camera and then resume shooting, the indicator goes away. I will also try the toothpicks idea and post back with any change. By the way, I'm using the Sony rechargeable NiMH batteries from my Sony as well as the Sanyos that have been referenced in this thread and don't see much difference between the two in performance.

And as a technology engineer by profession, it's inexcusable to have to shut down features -- that's why we all bought the camera in the first place. This isn't Apollo 13 here...

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Mickey 9 pts

October 11, 2008 12:46 PM

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When I mentioned the battery indicator was coming on too early, only to cut the camera off and back on and then it was ok, Cannon tech said I needed to send the camera in to be fixed. Why if this is a common thing?

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

October 12, 2008 8:16 PM

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Send in the camera mickey and see whether they can solve the problem?!

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michael 5 pts

October 13, 2008 3:19 PM

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Well reporting back in now that I have tried the toothpicks. My camera now behaves as it did when it was new. Again, the battery doesn't matter. What matters here is that there is a design problem with the battery cover that gets worse over time. Now that the battery door closes tight again (thanks to the toothpicks), I have no problems with any kind of battery.

This is my first Canon, and while I love it, it will be my last. I can't support a manufacturer who turns a blind eye on their customers and pretends nothing is wrong when they can read the posts in this and many other forums and see everybody complaining. Shame on Canon.

Thanks to all the tinkerers in this forum who helped work around the engineering problems on behalf of Canon.
michael

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golfingfool 0 pts

October 13, 2008 3:32 PM

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Michael - how did you insert the toothpicks? I notice that the contacts have a spring tension to them. Did you just jamb the toothpicks under the spring area to raise the contacts up and keep them rigid?

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michael 5 pts

October 13, 2008 3:43 PM

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Yes, pretty much. The compartment can be difficult to close, but now it is tight. No battery problems anymore. It behaves as it did whent he camera was new. You can put any kind of battery in now and get many many photos and no low battery warnings.

-michael

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Connie 0 pts

October 17, 2008 10:40 AM

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Thank you, Michael.
I bought A710IS 2yrs ago, and had the same problem with the battery.
Seems like it's working now.

I will never buy Canon again.

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

October 30, 2008 7:22 PM

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I still believe Lithium batteries are the answer. I still have my first pair of Lithiums in the camera, have taken 540 pics, and tons of video - and the batteries are still running strong. I even use the monitor to take pictures. I honestly don't know how long they will last, but am trying to wear them out so I have a baseline on when to buy new batteries.

The owners manual does not state that Lithium cannot be used - is I'm using them.

One side note: The only drawback I have seen to these batteries (and it may not be related) is indoor night flash is a bit strong.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

October 30, 2008 8:19 PM

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Steve,

Flash power is not related to type of batteries used, the power your batteries gives will only determine the length of time to which the flash recharges for you to take your photo.

Indoor flash too strong, few reasons,
1. might be that you are taking the photo too close to your subject,
2. Flash power can be set via the function menu (when you shoot in P, Av, Tv, M modes) check whether you've put it in the "0" setting (which will make it auto)...

Although I'm not going to say there's anything wrong with using lithium batteries for this camera, I've read somewhere that Canon does not advise using Lithiums for these cameras ( but I think main reason is because they did not run test on them), so if you find using them suits your needs, then it's ok. But again, I would say that using rechargeables NiMH will be much more economical, since a set will last a few hundred cycles if you use them regularly (vs. 1 set 1 cycle for lithiums). The costs mounts up if you shoot regularly...

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

November 1, 2008 7:38 AM

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Thanks Tiger for the input. I figured the flash issue was user error. Crap - now you are going to force me to actually read the owner's manual. Everytime I sit down to read that thing, my eyes glaze over ...

I believe the Everyready Lithium battery solution works for the majority of camera users.

1) We are not professional photographers
2) We use our cameras maybe a few times a month
3) We are too lazy to recharge, and would have trouble remembering "where" we left the charger
4) We want batteries that will work when we need them too

I fully expect to get 1000 pics (or more) on a set of batteries, and that is not including the videos I take.

Thank God Cannon is still using AA batteries. Most of the high end cameras have switched to odd sized batteries. Doesn't that just figure? They finally perfect the perfect battery, only for camera manufacturers to change the size. Sigh ...

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Mickey 9 pts

November 2, 2008 4:48 PM

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Good news and bad news on my front. After charing the Enloop NiMH I am getting very good battery life. I had taken over 200 photo shots and
a good 40 minutes of video and going strong but the pics were very dark. Tech had me to try P mode instead of Auto and we tried bumping the ISO until all the way up but no help so I returned the camera to be looked at. The pictures taken in AUTO mode with flash on and close ups shouldn't had been dark, even in decent lighting areas. I will ask them about the toothpick trick, as the battery door is very hard to manage....

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

November 2, 2008 7:05 PM

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??? Must be something wrong with the processing part of the camera?! First time I heard of this! Anyhow, see what they can do for you... did you try some other types of batteries to see if the same thing occurred before sending it back to Canon?

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Mickey 9 pts

November 3, 2008 7:02 PM

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Tiger, I did try a different set of batteries but I think they were the same brand. I also tried different memory cards as well, they said it would take about 2 weeks to get back, will report back.

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jolengs 0 pts

November 10, 2008 1:40 AM

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same problem with you guys, i have been using my a720is for about 8 months now until i noticed a week ago the eneloop batteries drains much faster like a speeding bullet. used to take around 400 pixs with some videos before the batteries dries up. but now it would only take about 10 to 15mins of use and battery warning starts to light up. i tried changing batteries but still the same problem occurs.
i've read about the toothpick solution, i hope it will work for me too. thanks for the great help..
hope i can give you a positive feedback later, ciao!

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Mickey 9 pts

November 12, 2008 4:31 PM

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minutes of video and going strong but the pics were very dark. Tech had me to try P mode instead of Auto and we tried bumping the ISO until all the way up but no help so I returned the camera to be looked at. The pictures taken in AUTO mode with flash on and close ups shouldn't had been dark, even in decent lighting areas.
UPDATE==== below

I sent the camera in to be repaired, received it and today we took about 7 shots inside the house which wasn't brightly lighted but not dark either. Set on AUTO with the flash on and the pictures looked worse, it looked like a dark film over the object in the pictures even closeup shots. I'm pretty upset, Cannon is emailing me a label so I do not have to pay this time for shipping but this is not good........now I'll be without the camera another week and half....guess you can say I'm pi$$ed...:(

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

November 12, 2008 7:58 PM

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and you should be! Be pi$$ed and let Canon know about it!!!

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Mickey 9 pts

November 13, 2008 8:45 PM

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Well they will pay for shipping this time, but today we set the ISO to high from AUTO and the pictures look very good.....now the question is should ISO set to AUTO take pictures in non bright but close up pics just fine? Canon said yes but I hate to send it back when they take great with ISO on High..Tiger, whatcha think?

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

November 13, 2008 9:11 PM

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Setting ISO to high mean that the camera will choose an ISO ranging from 400 up... that means that the photos you shoot will be minimum at ISO400 and usually at ISO800. Shooting with higher ISO will let your shots be taken with a shorter shutter speed (faster shooting), hence less "blurring" of pictures (or there'll be less movement of subject shot).

The downside to this faster shooting advantage is that due to the P&S relatively small CCD (sensor), photo shot at higher ISO will have a high amount of noise (grainy effect). Personally, if possible, I always shoot at the lowest ISO possible, unless the subject matter is moving too fast... then I'll step up the ISO... but before that, I'll try enlarging the aperture (using the lowest F number in Av setting)... But that's me, since I usually shoot in Av or Tv mode instead of Auto / P mode...

And to your question, we should restrict ourself from going to ISO HIGH setting. Only do this when you are: -
1. Shooting without flash in darkish conditions.
2. Subject matter is moving around and the lighting is insufficient.

You should never go for high ISO if you are shooting with flash... it defeats the purpose. The flash almost always correctly expose sufficiently, even at the lowest ISO80 setting. Especially Canon's flashes (which I think is quite superior to the other small P&S cameras on the market).

I can't seem to figure out how your problem manifested (if it's not some sort of malfunction). And since you shoot in AUTO mode, it's can't be any setting done by you!

Do you post your photos to FLICKR? Maybe we can have a look there at it? www.flickr.com
Alternatively, you could email your one of the bad pic to me for a look at the setting... maybe we can see something there, i.e. if it's some sort of camera settings gone haywired? my email: tigervyh@hotmail.com

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

November 13, 2008 11:17 PM

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Mickey - keep us up to date on what happens with your camera. There those of us who are monitoring what happens with your camera.

Tiger is right on of course, and we look to him to school us!

I was able to capture an amazing photo with my 720 IS. It is a hi-rez photo of a sphinx moth on a butterfly bush. Now the sphinx moth's wings move so fast, they cannot be seen with the naked eye. I used close-up, and ISO 1600. Pretty cool pic. http://mttu.com/Sphinx_moth.jpg

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

November 17, 2008 12:50 AM

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CHECK IT OUT! just went to Steve's site to look at his photo of the sphinx moth on a butterfly bush. WOW! What a good picture!! Makes me glad to own this camera -- not that I necessarily will get shots like this, but it's reassuring to know that in the right hands, the 720 can definitely perform! If you haven't already checked out Steve's photo, you should. Thanks for sharing with us, Steve!

And Tiger, thanks for suggesting Mickey post his photos on Flickr.com so we can see the problems he's dealing with. This might help all of us.

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

November 17, 2008 1:26 AM

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Why thank you Kip! I am an Energerizer Lithium fan as you. God - I am too lazy too recharge - let alone remember where I put the charger! I just wanna know they work. I am still trying to burn out my first pair of Lithiums, to no avail. 600 + Hi-rez pics, and 2 hours of video. Sheesh ... these batteries just won't die!

I am just a hacker photographer. See Tiger for the pro. I just am grateful for digital, as I am the guy who takes an entire roll of regular film - and it all comes back blank. LOL - I just had to reset everything to "default" on my Cannon as I goofed something up somewhere. As in most things, "experiment, experiment, experiment!"

Thanks again Kip. BTW - that Sphinx moth was only 3/4 of an inch long. What a great camera we have!

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Mickey 9 pts

November 17, 2008 3:13 PM

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I did return the camera today and Cannon said since this is a repeat problem, a senior tech or supervisor would handle the case.
Steve, what settings were you using when you took the picture of that Sphinx moth? Awesome pic, I have some beautiful flower shots from back in the Summer and using AUTO mode as I am a newbie. Here is the link to the pictures on Flickr, we were just taking radom shots fast so sort of dumb pics :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32434168@N02/

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

November 17, 2008 3:53 PM

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Hey Mickey -

I took a look at your photos, and I think I was able to recreate your problem. Take a look at my test photos, and tell me what you think. http://www.flickr.com/photos/32532888@N04/

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

November 17, 2008 5:16 PM

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Hey, you guys!!

I'm "in the dark" now because nobody is explaining anything. Tiger offered a comment on one of Mickey's Flickr photos, but not on any of the others; and Steve, you say you've recreated Mickey's problem but -- what IS the problem? What's causing it? Is it operator error or camera malfunction? What's the solution??? Help -- could someone please explain? This is like following a joke but never hearing the punch line . . . or something like that. :-)

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

November 17, 2008 7:14 PM

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Hey Steve,

took a look at your test shots, cool, you replicated the type of shots that were bugging Mickey, but how did you do that? Can't see your EXIF data on your photos? So if you replicated this problem, then it's NOT a problem? Steve, please elaborate!

KIP, problem Mickey having is with the badly exposed photo (which were shot using AUTO Mode with ISO AUTO and FLASH turn on). In normal cases, all of us would expect the photos capture under these settings to be properly exposed, hence the problem.

I'm using a S5 IS, so I've yet to experience this. Steve managed to replicate the problem/effect, so we'd like to find out how he did that!

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

November 17, 2008 7:34 PM

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LOL - I think I have done this myself - that's why I had a clue.

The problem was not static. Sometimes the darkness was high, sometimes low. Sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right. If it was a problem with the camera, the problem would have remained static.

No my friends this problem is called a left finger. When he takes pictures, he is waving a finger in front of the flash bulb. That's why the darkness is all over the place! Which ever side of the flash bulb he covers with his finger, becomes dark. When he gets his finger out of the way, he has a perfect picture.

I can relate, as I had a nasty habit of sticking a left finger in the upper left hand side of a photo. As digital cameras become smaller and smaller, it becomes easier and easier to stick in finger in the wrong place.

Simple user error!

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

November 17, 2008 8:00 PM

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Dang, I thought we weren't going to go to the finger over the flash user problem! haha! But How come Mickey is able to "finger " shots when shooting with ISO AUTO, and not ISO HIGH?! HAHA... guess it happens?! I hope that's really is Mickey's "fingering" the flash, and there's really no problem with his A720IS!

Mickey, better not tell Canon about the finger thing?! Else, They may charge you for the service this time!

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

November 17, 2008 8:47 PM

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If I can get up off the floor and stop laughing, I'll try to maintain a straight face when I write this reply. A finger over the flash? This is too funny. It would be like a camera strap falling over the lens, only less identifiable?? I've heard of giving someone the finger IN a photo before, but never from BEHIND the lens!!! OK, I'm sorry. I promise not to . . . . hahaha bahahahahaha!

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

November 17, 2008 9:01 PM

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LOL - go back to Mickey's photo display. You can tell in every picture **exactly** where his finger is!

Don't feel bad Mickey. I have done this myself, that's why I knew what it was (and why I was able to recreate the effect in 2 minutes). It's all part of the learning curve bro.

Hey - look at the bright side ... you could have been using 35mm film and had to pay not just for the film - but the photos as well. Thank God for digital cameras where one can *learn* to be a decent photographer, without paying an arm and leg for film!!!

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

November 17, 2008 9:11 PM

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Ya, Mickey, if that is the problem, don't knock yourself about it... you're new at this photography thingy, and it's not a big issue if you know about it now and learned from it... Me, I was taught when I was a kid shooting with my dad's point and shoot film camera to "be careful! don't cover the flash with your finger"! So I guess it's ingrain into me when I shoot to be aware of where I put my finger(s), and to that, there's always a sort of "standard/proper" way of holding a camera when shooting, whether it's a P&S or a SLR! The LCD in digital cameras nowadays kind of "hay-wired" the proper camera hold, but it should still be done. It helps with this flash thingy, but more importantly, it helps you take more steady shots!

I usually shoot one-handed if the camera is tiny, unless it's a long shutter shot.

Look at the bright side, Canon may not be able to "rectify" your problem, and they may proposed to replace your camera with a new one?! haha! Just my wishful thinking!

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Mickey 9 pts

November 18, 2008 3:45 PM

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Well I be damned, Steve figured out the problem, where you been Steve as I could had saved sending the camera back! Ok, don't know if any remember this, but I am not the one taking the pictures, my nurse aid is and she is heavy handed, guess heavy finger as well :) I am paralyzed from the chest down, unable to use my hands so I tell her what settings to use, etc. So her finger is getting in front of the flash...since I can't just show her when I get the camera back, can someone in real laymans terms explain show I can show her? I'm sure it is explained above but I need it to be as non tecky as possible so she'll understand. Steve should get major points for this! Below you can see my wheelchair BUT I totally understand about the ones that are half blacked out but what about the ones that have no black/grey area but are simply not bright? Are you sure every picture of mine on Flickr that aren't bright is due to finger over the flash?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32434168@N02/3032696966/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32434168@N02/3031820647/

Why isn't this one below not bright?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32434168@N02/3032680506/

Much thanks!

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

November 18, 2008 5:40 PM

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It might be best to show you by example:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32532888@N04/3042213186/ equals this http://www.flickr.com/photos/32434168@N02/3032662808/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32532888@N04/3042213172/ equals this http://www.flickr.com/photos/32434168@N02/3032653678/

BTW - I did a Google image search to find a pic of a finger. Sheesh - you should have seen the porn images it pulled up!

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

November 18, 2008 7:14 PM

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OK, mickey, simple thing to do where your nurse aid takes a photos, just remind him/her to keep his/her finger away from the flash when holding the camera to take a photo... simple... after a few reminders, he/she should get use to the idea, and problem solved. And another good thing with digital cameras, you can review the shots taken straight after, so have a look at it and re-shoot when it's no good!

I found a page on the internet with some graphical illustrations. have a look,

http://vesnakozelj.com/photography/fundamentals/supporting-the-camera-holding-with-your-hands

Hope that helps.

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

November 18, 2008 10:47 PM

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Those graphical illustrations were informative Tiger. In fact, they looked very familiar. Wanna guess where I learned those positions and techniques? Parris Island, SC. Those are the techniques the Marine Corps uses in order to teach its recruits how to shoot an M-16!

Bone on bone ... every body part supported, and positions correct. I never thought of its application to photography - but it makes perfect sense now. Great link!

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

November 19, 2008 6:42 PM

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And to think I started this entire thread exactly a whole year ago just to see why batteries weren't lasting in the camera! This has gotten really interesting . . . Points to both you, Steve, and you, Tiger . . . but special "Sherlock Holmes" points to Steve for identifying the problem and giving a solution! I'm pointing right at'cha, buddy . . . ! Ooops.--er--sorry . . . poor choice of words, clearly. :-D

Anyway, it's great that you two were able to help Mickey. Now let's see what interesting solution Canon's tech department comes up with for Mickey's camera!! They'll probably just clean it and send it back again.

Kip

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

November 19, 2008 7:19 PM

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Cleaning it would be better than nothing?! haha! At least Mickey'll get his camera back, good as new! Or better yet, Canon can't pin-point the problem, and to keep Mickey happy and save their future postage and service money, they'll give Mickey a brand new camera?! hahahaha!!!

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Mickey 9 pts

November 21, 2008 4:41 PM

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I should get the camera back tomorrow according to the tracking info and I told Brenda, my nurse aid what the problem was but she kinda scoffed at the idea :) I'll be sure and tell her fingers away from the flash, and thanks for the links! I do want to use different modes, P and TV so if the manual isn't helpful enough I'll be here. I am cleaning out my hard drive and deleting many duplicate pictures. Here are some taken in AUTO that turned out well I think.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32434168@N02/?saved=1

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

November 22, 2008 4:27 PM

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Mickey -

Don't say anything more to Brenda about her fingers. Just watch her hand positioning when she takes photos. Old habits die hard, and eventually she will go back to what she was doing before. Make a game of it. This could be a lot of fun!

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Mickey 9 pts

November 23, 2008 4:06 PM

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Thanks Steve, I'll be sure to watch her finger position, only problem is I'm usually well below her holding the camera to watch close enough but we'll see. I had her mark the camera with a small scratch on the bottom to see if indeed they return the camera. The link I posted above, the pics look pretty good for AUTO don't they?

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

November 23, 2008 7:13 PM

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ya, there's nothing wrong with shooting in AUTO mode, and outdoors/bright conditions, it usually is good enough to give you pretty much some topnotch photo... As for the CREATIVE ZONE modes (i.e. A, Tv, and M), they're pretty much what they're called, creative... i.e. for creative shooting... and also for not so bright and easy shooting conditions...

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Mickey 9 pts

November 29, 2008 3:34 PM

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I did get the camera back and it was the same as we put a small scratch on the bottom but after a few pics, all is ok. Well actually the very first pic wasn't very good but it wasn't in AUTO mode. Had Brenda put it in AUTO and looks good. Today I had my sister take a few and zoomed in and looks good....Tiger, I thought about reading up and trying other options but if AUTO continues fine I'll stick with it..

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

December 4, 2008 10:15 PM

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ya, no harm to stick with auto if it suits your needs. Creative zone shooting just adds some fun into creating some more varied shots...

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Claire Travers 0 pts

February 8, 2009 12:37 PM

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En FRANÇais S.V.P.
Il y a quelques semaines, j'ai perdu mon livre d'instruction pour ma caméra CANON A720IS. Est-ce que je pourrais en avoir une copie sur le NET ou simplement des parties comme: Comment après avoir télécharger mes photos sur mon ordi. je peux enlever les photos que je ne veux pas faire imprimer. J'ai environ 180 photos sur ma caméra et je veux simplement avoir celles dont j'ai besoin.

SVP, aidez-moi!!!!!
Mes coordonnés sont au bas.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

February 8, 2009 7:26 PM

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Claire Travers,

Just go to a Canon website, you should be able to find a link to download the manual.
You can pick out which photos you want in the computer after downloading your photos to it. Alternatively, you could pick out the photos you want to print by marking it in the camera one by one... I find choosing from the computer easier.

Hope that answers your question.

Il suffit d'aller sur un site Web de Canon, vous devriez être en mesure de trouver un lien pour télécharger le manuel.
Vous pouvez choisir les photos que vous voulez dans l'ordinateur après avoir téléchargé vos photos de celui-ci. Sinon, vous pouvez choisir les photos que vous souhaitez imprimer par un marquage dans l'appareil photo, un par un ... Je trouve le choix de l'ordinateur plus facile.

L'espoir que les réponses à votre question.

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

February 8, 2009 8:00 PM

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Unbelievable that our list is now multilingual! I'm impressed, Tigervyh!!
More points for you.
Not that there's anywhere to use them, but they look nice next to your name....!
-- Kip

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

March 4, 2009 8:13 PM

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I finally killed the first set of Energizer Lithium batteries in my A720!

It took 8 months, 770 pictures, and 4 hours of video to finally do them in. That's some pretty good bang for your buck.

Reading some reviews, others have noted times of 8-10 seconds for the flash to recharge. With my Lithiums, it was no longer than 4 seconds - most times less.

I'll chime back in - oh say November - when my next set of batteries die. <GRIN>

I still LOVE this camera!

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

March 5, 2009 12:47 PM

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By now, probably a few people on this list have already moved up to another newer version of the Canon A720. I still like mine a lot and don't plan to switch.

However, the shutter "fan blades" that cover the lens now don't close all the way when the camera is turned off. The warranty has expired, so I don't want to send it back to Canon and pay for repair. Everything else works fine and the Lithium batteries are fairly fresh. I managed to "poke" the plastic shutter blades together once or twice, but they still don't close all the way any more, which leaves the lens partially exposed. Anyone else had this problem?

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

March 5, 2009 2:46 PM

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You are probably right Kip ... people move onto to new products. Still we did have some great laughs - especially with the "finger over the flash" bit. I still get a good chuckle over that one.

My fan blades are still good. Have you tried blowing it out with compressed air - you know the canned air used to blow out CD-ROMS? Who knows, there might be a loose "finger nail" stopping the blades from closing. It's worth a shot any way.

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Kip Kirby (KipKirby) 38 pts

March 5, 2009 2:51 PM

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I will give it a try. Sure can't lose anything, especially if it works. Yes, the finger over the flash was pretty amusing!

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Mickey 9 pts

March 6, 2009 3:07 PM

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I'm glad I was able to amuse you guys with the finger over the flash..:) I'll try to find something else to get a chuckle out of you guys.........:)

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

March 6, 2009 3:28 PM

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Welcome back Mickey! How ya been?

I guess you have had your camera back for a while now? Any more problems? Ever catch your heavy-handed nurse fat fingering the flash?

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

March 10, 2009 11:43 PM

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Probably some sand or dust particle stuck in there... managed to blow it out (though, I doubt you could actually blow it out). Unless you have the know how of opening up the lens barrel, probably you should send it to canon for a cleaning service... I had a problem once with my A70 where the lens cover doesn't open up fully once in a while, when that happens, I generally just give it a little "finger-pounding" until it pops all the way... when I send in the camera for repairing another problem, Canon just fixed this problem for me as well...

Anyhow... lots of new camera out now, but again... if it still works... no reason not to stick with it!

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Mickey 9 pts

March 11, 2009 3:47 PM

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Hey Steve, yes the camera is doing just fine, was able to get Mom to take a few shots of the snow and my nurse knows to keep fingers away from the lens :) Not long will be the beauty time of the year for spring pics!

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Jrock 0 pts

April 25, 2009 3:45 AM

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Hey guys I too purchased the canon a720 IS last year and my goodness those batteries go dead quick, the only way I get around 50 pics is if all the pictures have the flash off! I prefer having flash because it gives a better picture quality! usually having the flash on will allow me to take 25-35 pics until the warning sign comes about... this is very VERY annoying.. and when it comes down to taking a video....I take about a good 15 min and bam battery is dieing... this really is a big pain.

I use AUTO at all times
and when I record video it is at its max..

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

April 25, 2009 7:10 AM

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Jrock - try the Energizer Lithium double A's. They cost more, but you put a set in your camera, and forget about them. If you are a moderate user, they should last you close to a year - plus you get to use the flash whenever you want. I also always use the highest resolution (superfine).

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Anna (Ijustlovecameras) 0 pts

May 3, 2009 8:51 PM

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HELP HELP HELP!
which is better, energizer lithium double AA's, or the rechargable NiMH ones.... also, are the lithium's rechargable?

I've had this camera and problem for about a year, but apparently I've been using the wrong batteries. I've been using alkaline non-recharable batteries. I didn't realize this was ill-advised, even when I sent in the camera under the warranty to get fixed. Please please help. I'm seeing two sides to this, and I wonder if anyone has actually compared the two, and the variable of using alkalines for so long before it...

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Anna (Ijustlovecameras) 0 pts

May 3, 2009 9:12 PM

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Oh, and can I get either of these in a normal store, like Office Depot, or only online?? Circuit City is unfortunately closed down.

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

May 3, 2009 9:35 PM

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Hi Anna -

As you can tell by what I wrote, I ama huge Energizer Lithium battery fan - and no they are not rechargeable. 4 pack at Walmart for $9.99

The rechargeable batteries work well too, but I am lazy. Between charges, I'd probably lose the charger somewhere. One less wire to worry about is worth the $5 a year I spent on the Lithiums.

Hope that helps.

(Make sure you give us some feedback if you get the Lithiums. Of course, if you do, it will probably 10 months from now. That's OK ... we'll still be here!)

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Tch7198 2 pts

May 4, 2009 7:29 AM

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hello Anna,
Ive had this camera for over a year. Went through batteries at an unbelievable pace. Switched to Energizer rechargable NiMh batteries and this made a tremendous difference. I would recommend these highly. I purchased them at Sam's Club. Don't remember the price but they come in a package deal with the charger. Hope this helps and Good Luck.

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Tigervyh (tigervyh) 520 pts

May 4, 2009 8:34 PM

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Anna, it depends on how many photos you shoot. If say you shoot on average 10 to 20 images a day... then the lithium will probably last you for some time... but say if you are an impulsive shooter, where you might go and shoot like 50+ to 100+ images on a single session, then you should probably go with the rechargeable NiMH. Each charge of these will probably last you from some 200 to 300 shots depending on how you take your shots. So get 2 sets of them, one for backup, and you should be good.

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

May 4, 2009 8:48 PM

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Good point Tiger. I shoot maybe 30 pics a week - thus the Lithiums are perfect for me. If Anna shoots like you, then the rechargeable NiMH would be the way to go. Good call bro.

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Bristow 1 pts

May 8, 2009 8:31 AM

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Going back to the earlier question about using NimH batteries with these cameras. Apparently the threshold voltage for showing a low-voltage condition is close to the full-charge voltage for a number of NimH batteries. The difference is apparently quite small.

Under these conditions, there may be a contribution from the condition of the surface of the contacts of the rechargeables. In my experience, It is worth while cleaning the contacts with an old-style end-of-pencil eraser to reduce the contact resistance. Sometimes it is just enough to push the voltage recorded for the rechargeable over the threshold for the camera.

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Anne 0 pts

June 26, 2009 9:56 PM

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I agree with everything that the other people had to say about BATTERY EATING.
I rang Cannon and after a long wait was told to bring the camera in, they were not aware about any battery eating.

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MV 0 pts

June 28, 2009 3:11 AM

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My A720 IS will drain fully charged nickel metal hydride batteries totally flat in 4 days with the camera turned off the whole time, just sitting and doing nothing. I'll try using rechargable alkalines, but this is crazy.

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alpineguy (alpineguy) 0 pts

July 19, 2009 6:25 PM

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My A720is also drains NiMH batteries rapidly, even when the camera is not on. I slow charged four identical AA batteries and measured voltage and mA. I then put two batteries in the camera and left the other two on the table. After 12 hours, the two from the camera had significantly lower voltage and mA than the two unused batteries. The camera was never turned on during this time. After another 6 hours, the difference became even greater. The A720 does seem to be draining the batteries with no camera use.

I'm still watching the drain and have not turned the camera on. I'm sure the voltage has no dropped to the point I'm sure it will not turn on.

Before this test, I fully charged a set of batteries and immediately set about trying to run the batteries down while shooting pictures. I gave up after 150 pictures. So it does seem to be a passive drain.

I have two 720 cameras in the family. Both show premature low battery warnings. Both are very sensitive to lowered voltage. However, only one of the two is nearly useless because it will often not even turn on with freshly charged batteries.

I have an A70, an A75, and these two 720s. Lots of complaints have been lodged here and elsewhere about similar battery problems, yet Canon says there is no problem. I've loved these Canon point and shoots, but will have to be very cautious when making future purchases. My daughter is getting ready to head out on an extended trip abroad and I don't think I can trust either of the 720s to send along with her. Sad.

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pmkenney 0 pts

October 13, 2009 11:32 PM

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I just took two Akaline batteries out of my A720, the camera would shut down as it thouhgt the batteries were low. Upon testing the voltage, the batteries show 1.43 volts, not exactly a full charge, but not a level I'd expect the camera to shut down over either. Has anyone else tested the voltage of the "dead" batteries that are coming out of the camera?

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Stevo (SteveWetzel) 12 pts

October 20, 2009 4:03 PM

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Hi gang.

I just tried to upgrade to a Nikon L-100. What a disappointment. Our Canon A720 takes a better picture - and it's video is far superior. The Nikon is going back to store, and staying with our old standby. Newer does not neccesarily mean better!

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otherself (flickr) 0 pts

October 28, 2009 6:11 AM

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Using alkaline batteries in a digital camera is just stupid, just stupid. I don't know why manufacturers provide them bundled with the camera.

I use the Uniross Hybrio (similar to Sanyo Eneloops) low self-discharge Ni-MH rechargeables rated at 2100mha and it gives my Canon a720 awesome shooting longevity. I have taken several hundreds of shots on 2 AA cells without a low battery warning yet. These batteries can be stored for months and don't drop their charge like conventional Ni-MH rechargeable cells.

Other batteries similar to the Uniross Hybrio and Sanyo Enelopp are ReCyko from Gold Peak (GP), Active Charge by Duracell, Infinium by Panasonic, CycleEnergy by Sony, Instant from Vapex, Power by Delkin, Synergy by Hähnel, Ready 2 go by Camlink, Ready2use by Varta, Green by Ultralast and Enitime by Yuasa.

A lot of them are from the same production line but just rebranded (only a hand full of factories worldwide make these type of batteries).

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A	is outstanding and exceptional, rated in the top 10% of digital cameras.
B	means they are good, with some standout features.
C	means they are mediocre, and probably more trouble than they are worth.
D & F	mean they are absolutely awful or old. Avoid at all costs.

Is the Powershot 720 A Battery Hog?

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