Charging and caring for your battery

A flat battery ends a photography session very quickly. Learn how your camera is powered, how to charge it safely and how to avoid the common mistake of leaving home with an empty battery.

Before you start

Have the camera or phone beside you while you read. Do not try to memorise the page. Find each control or try each idea as it is explained. If a term is unfamiliar, the explanation here matters more than remembering the name.

Identify the battery

Check the battery label and the camera manual before buying a spare. Similar-looking batteries are not necessarily interchangeable.

Know how yours charges

Some batteries charge in a separate charger. Others charge while inside the camera through USB. Use a compatible charger, cable and power source.

Watch the indicators

A charger or camera normally shows whether charging is in progress and when it is complete. The exact colours and symbols vary, so check the manual rather than guessing.

Cold, screens and wireless features use power

Battery life can fall in cold weather. Long screen use, video, image stabilisation and wireless connections can also increase power use.

Store sensibly

Keep spare batteries protected so their contacts cannot short against metal objects. Avoid excessive heat and damaged or swollen batteries.

Common mistakes

• Charging the wrong battery with an incompatible charger.
• Putting a loose battery in a pocket with keys or coins.
• Assuming the battery percentage is perfectly accurate.
• Ignoring swelling, damage or unusual heat.

What you should be able to do before moving on

You should know how to charge the camera without guessing and be able to check the remaining power before leaving home.

If that still feels uncertain, repeat the practical. There is no benefit in rushing to the next lesson with a gap in the basics.