A300 battery problem?

[D0csDarlin]

I am having a problem and I was wondering if maybe someone could help me understand what is going on.

I have had my a300 for over a year and love it. On a photo shoot at the end of May (it was very hot out - in the low 100s) my batteries started displaying that it was exhausted. I had to keep switching from one to the other to finish the shoot. I haven't done much with the camera since then but every time I put either of my two batteries in the camera it allows me to take a few pictures telling me I have something like 93% battery life then it quickly shows the white battery exhausted screen.and I can't take any pictures.

I don't know why this is happening. I don't think its my charger since it is displaying that my batteries are charging fully. I am starting to worry its the camera not the batteries. Has anyone else experienced this? Its driving me crazy and I am afraid to book anything else until I get this issue resolved. ANY help would be greatly appreciated!

[Anbesol]

Li-Ion batteries are sensitive to extreme temperature. I would be sure to store them in a climate controlled location. Not saying that you need to take them in a cooler, but just don't leave them in the car.

Also - Sony brand will last longer and more reliably than third party, however all batteries are not permanent. There are certain ways to use them that will drain them quicker, they do have the memory effect and draining them to 0% each time helps that.

The fact that it is happening on two batteries is indicative of a problem you are having, however it is occuring. I'd be surprised if the camera had an issue that caused it to drain the battery, the simple fact that it works properly makes me think the circuit is fine. Or, are you having any problems with the camera besides the battery?

Another issue may be your Charger, which may be recharging at a lower voltage that provides barely enough amps unless on a full load at 90% and higher. Are you using a Sony charger? The battery is the NP-FM500H, correct?

[D0csDarlin]

Thank you so much! I have one Sony and off brand battery that came with an accessory kit. I am not sure of the specifics of them though. I am having more problems with the off brand and as I said they were out in the heat for several hours so this is likely what is wrong. I feel much better knowing this! Batteries are easy to replace. :-) Luckily we are moving soon to a climate that rarely sees temperatures like that! :-) However just in case, is there an easy way to keep them cool/warm in my bag while I am shooting? I assume cold will have the same effect?
Thanks again!

[Anbesol]

Cold is even worse than hot. Though, usually negligible until it gets well below freezing. Humidity exacerbates the extreme heat/cold too. Where are you at that its so hot? Where you going thats moderate?

is there an easy way to keep them cool/warm in my bag while I am shooting?

I dont know really, thats a good question, I've always had an AC building or shade nearby in the high 90/100's times. Are you in situations where you lack either of those options, for several hours?

I also use a pelican case, which is particularly useful at blocking out the elements. I would not reccomend putting ice in your bag though :arf:

[PWhite214]

I live on the gulf coast of Texas, it was 95 F today. I did not notice any battery problems. It could be that it is a battery "memory" problem caused by recharging the batteries before they are significantly discharged. I usually put the battery on charge when the level indicator is 10% or less. I often charge one in the car while shooting.

Another thought, I have 2 SONY batteries and the others are aftermarket. I think that the aftermarket batteries don't last quite as long, but have never tried to devise a test. I see batteries available with ratings of 1600-2000 Milliamp / Hour, so ratings are different too.

Phil

[D0csDarlin]

Right now I am in central Texas and its really not bad today. It was over 100° the day I began having the problems and I was outside taking pictures of one of our soldiers for about 2.5 hours before moving indoors. I am moving to Maryland in October. The average high where we are going is only about 90° but right now watching the weather, they have been hotter than we have (thanks to some really nice rainy days here). I am beginning to worry a little, lol.

I also use a pelican case, which is particularly useful at blocking out the elements. I would not reccomend putting ice in your bag though :arf:

I will have to look into that. The pelican case; not the ice, lol. My husband has one for his point and shoot but never even thought about one for my 300.

I usually put the battery on charge when the level indicator is 10% or less.

I haven't really been paying close attention to what percentage the batteries are before charging. I know several times they have said they were exhausted before I charged them but I am sure there were times I charged them when they had more than 10% life left too.


It's amazing how much the 'little' things can matter. There is so much to learn! lol I really appreciate the help!