Save Yourself the Headaches with Proper Camera Battery Maintenance
I’m writing this post partly as advice for others—and partly as a reminder to myself. Battery maintenance is one of those things that doesn’t seem urgent until the exact moment you need power and don’t have it. I’ve had a few close calls—like nearly running out of camera battery on a shoot or watching my headlamp fade during a late-night hike.
Batteries quietly run much of our lives: smoke detectors, cell phones, cameras, flashes, flashlights, laptops—the list goes on. But when a battery fails, so do the devices we rely on. And trust me, neither of you will be happy.
This post isn’t just about camera batteries. It’s about having a system to check, charge, and maintain all the batteries you depend on.
Why Battery Maintenance Matters
Some batteries are simple—you use them, recharge them, and if they stop holding power, you replace them. Others need more regular care and attention to stay reliable. Neglecting maintenance can lead to frustration, wasted time, and sometimes even lost opportunities—especially if you’re a photographer.
Battery Care for Different Devices
Phones, Laptops, and Tablets
These are the easiest. Plug them in and you’re good to go. If they stop holding a charge, replacement is usually the only solution. Some places can rebuild battery packs, but often it costs just as much as a new one.
Smoke Detectors
A simple rule—replace the batteries twice a year. Think spring and fall when you change your clocks.
Camera Flashes
Flashes require more effort. I power mine up once a month and cycle them for a few minutes to keep the electronics active. After that, I recharge the batteries. I use different chargers—one takes several hours, while another can top up a set of AA or AAA batteries in just five minutes.
Flashlights
I’ve switched all my flashlights to rechargeables. How often they need charging depends on how often I use them, but I make sure every flashlight gets a fresh charge at least twice a year.
Cameras
My cameras use battery packs now, and while I wasn’t a fan at first, I’ve grown to appreciate them. My rule: fully charge before every job and give them a top-up at least once a month if I’m not shooting. I also keep an AA battery insert as a backup, but that’s strictly for emergencies.
A Word of Caution
Don’t fully trust the battery indicator on your camera or flash. Recently, mine read “full,” but after just three shots in the cold, it died. Lesson learned: the indicator is just a guide. When in doubt—charge.
Camera Battery Maintenance Tips
Here are a few habits that will save you trouble down the road:
- Check your AA batteries monthly. If you’re not using a flash or other gear for a while, remove the batteries to prevent drain.
- Get rid of bad rechargeables. One weak battery in a set can cause big problems.
- Invest in extras. Buy a second camera battery and an in-car inverter for road trips or long shoots.
- Charge before big shoots. Always start with fresh batteries.
- Keep batteries warm in cold weather. An inside pocket works perfectly—no heat needed.
- Carry spare AAs. Rechargeables are great, but backups give peace of mind. Buy good quality ones—they’re worth it.
- Check emergency lights. Flashlights, car kits, or home safety lights should be tested every couple of months.
Final Thoughts
With just a little preparation and regular maintenance, your batteries will be ready when you need them most. A dead battery can turn an exciting shoot or a necessary task into a major headache. Don’t let it happen—charge, check, and be prepared.
Who are we……….
Paterson Photography Ltd. has served southern Alberta since 1985. Mike has done work for many individuals, companies and organizations. With work published locally as well as internationally and photos in collections around the world Mike has been taking pictures longer than many photographers have been alive.
Paterson Photography Ltd. / First Choice Photo is the only custom photo printer in Lethbridge and area. We offer prints from wallets to wall size on a variety of media. No cheap, poor color poster prints – all our printing is done on archival photo media at the highest resolutions. We print for many individuals, companies and groups that want quality prints that look amazing.
