Low battery life: CANON Powershot A530 model (Canon EOS, DSLR, Nikon) - Photography -Digital cameras, SLR, lenses, printing, processing, colors, black-and-white, wedding... - City-Data Forum

Sonieanam · 08-18-2010, 02:51 PM

Hi All,

I have a Canon Powershot A530 model. The battery runs out just after my taking 4 or 5 pics...Has anyone else faced such problem... Advise.

Thanks

mathjak107 · 08-18-2010, 06:09 PM

impossible to say. bad charger? bad battery? defective camera?

locolobo13 · 08-19-2010, 04:36 PM

I'm not a battery expert, but are you using NiMH or Lithium batteries? And is your charger the right charger for your battery? I don't recommend the Ni-Cd batteries. They never seemed to last long for me.

I'm using a powershot also and I had to play with that myself. My powershot came with NiMH so I kept that and looked for a charger that won't overcharge them. It costs a little more but is worth it. Mine wasn't top line but not bottom dollar either.

The next thing I did was buy spares. I keep pairs together, charge them together and change them often. I don't know if this is the best policy but it's working for me. Usually, my camera will take a couple hundred shots before noticably slowing, then change sets & keep shooting. If you're really serious, have a couple of spare pairs.

If you go with Li batteries, make sure you get a decent Li battery charger. My understanding is Li batteries are even more sensitive to overcharging.

You can find some pretty awesome technical articles by googling "rechargeable batteries".

You can try all this and still have problems. As mathjak107 said it could also be your camera. In that case you will have to take it to a shop or replace it.

diagpope · 06-05-2011, 10:25 AM

We own this model since 2006 and it has been showing this weird behavior:
1) Insert batteries, take picture,set camera aside for 2 weeks =>low battery
2) Change batteries to NiCd, NiMH, Zinc, Alkaline - has no effect
3) Using 10 different brands of rechargeable AAA batteries has no effect
4) Removing the apparent "low batteries", wait a minute, reinsert and the low battery warning is gone (wow)
5) Bought micoProcessor controller charger - no effect even with 2.850 mAH AAA batteries showing up charged as holding 3.05 Ah
6) Made an experiment how long batteries could last:
Charged and took >> 100 pictures inside with flash and NiMH batteries stayed strong

So my take is: The hard/firmware inside the camera is bad. It will detect a low battery even if the battery is not discharged. That said the message is unreliable BUT renders the camera useless. I assume there is a voltage threshold detection issue in mine or other models. The only way to trick is to remove the batteries. What I have not tried is to see if removing the coin size battery which keeps the settiings (like on the motherboard in a PC) could be used to reset the circuit...

7) measured leakage when camera is off - came up with 0 mA - so not it
8) googled some years back - did not find anything other than the recall of the battery cover spring/clip which does not apply to ours

Fact is that the annoyance level of this behavior is very high.

diagpope · 06-22-2011, 05:41 AM

I finally called up Canon - years too late of course
1) They are very helpful.
2) They do not know about this problem in particular.
3) They could not suggest a solution such as: Change settings for batteries (this model does not have a menu for it), resetting the camera by taking out the button battery (did this) but reset is not possible since the battery only serves to keep date/time

I ended up buying a refurbished one and sending this older model back under the recycling program: I paid 77.78 for a PowerShot A1100 IS Gray Refurb

diagpope · 03-29-2012, 02:43 PM

After I received the replacement of the Canon Shot I recently noticed very similar behavior wiht the newer model: Charged batteries are detected discharged. I had three sets of AAA/mignon NiMH cells with me of which both replacements pair gave up too early.
I am still monitoring the charge of these and the batteries are good. I am wondering if it makes no sense nowadays using anything other than Lithium Ion cells in a camera. Every body I asked owning a cam with that type of batteries has never experiences a problem.

madcapmagishion · 03-29-2012, 03:46 PM

I have a Canon A560m PowerShot and until I replaced it with my Nikon D3100 I could shoot 3-4 days with regular Energizer bunny batteries. Not sure what type, but def. not rechargeable. Ohhhh I took 50-60 sometimes up to 100 shots a day with it, good for 3-4 days no matter what. I still take it out and shoot occasionally!

rainroosty · 03-29-2012, 04:34 PM

Always remove the batteries from a digital camera when not taking photo's for an extended period of time, otherwise they will drain.

diagpope · 06-12-2012, 11:07 AM

rainroosty, the batteries I my camera did not drain because they were in the camera. I measured the electrical current inside the camera when it was turned off and it was zero. The only reason for discharge then is either internal leakage current (which all batteries as chemical galvanic elements show) or excessive drain during normal use of which neither I was able to determine with certainty. All people I talked to owning a camera with recharg. Lithium Ion batteries (like smartphones, laptops etc. nowadays) say that they "never" experienced battery life shortage.

JL · 06-18-2012, 06:02 PM

OP,
Not sure if you're interested, but Canon has the loyalty program where you trade in your bad/faulty Canon camera or say it is bad for a refurbished Canon camera at a discount. The number to call is 1-866-443-8002 Canon Loyalty program. Just ask the representative what camera you are interested in to get price quote. Here is a list of what some people have traded in over the past several years:

May 1, 2012: Traded an S410 (10.45 from ebay) for a 5D Mark II body only. Total price with WA sales tax was: $1,541.06.

April 11, 2012: Traded Powershot A530 (broken) for a 60D body only. Total price was $689.xx with CA sales tax. Shutter count = 2689 total (1802 actuations, 887 live-view actuations). Data taken from Magic Lantern firmware)

December 1, 2011: Traded a PowerShot SX200 IS (broken beyond repair) for 60D + 18-135mm kit, total was 910.xx with WA sales tax. Shutter count = 574 (according to magic lantern)

November 28, 2011 Traded a Canon EOS 5000 (film camera manufactured in Europe in the 90's) for 60D (body only), total was $695.67 after tax, free 2 day FedEx shipping. Shutter count on the camera = 730.

October 24, 2011 Traded a broken G9 (was using for parts for another G9) for 7D, $1087.20+ tax = $1174.18, free next day air.

October 15th, 2011: Traded in broken (he asked) Powershot S410 (10.50 ebay) for T2i Kit for 512 + tax FS ($544 total)

October 5th, 2011: Traded in broken Powershot A70 ($10 from ebay) for 60D+18-135 for $831+tax ($872 total)

September 30, 2011: Traded in a broken Powershot a1100 ($13.50 from ebay) for 60D Kit for $831 + Tax ($899 total)

September 19, 2011: Traded in a broken Powershot A75 ($9 shipped from ebay) for a 60D Body for $640+tax with free 2 day shipping

August 30, 2011: Traded in Snappy LX Film Camera which purchased from a thrift store for $2 for T2i kit with 13 shots on it for $512 + CA Tax with 2 day shipping.

August 27, 2011: Traded in Powershot S410 (purchased broken off e-bay for $13) for Rebel T2i kit, $511 + Tax, free 2 day shipping

August 24, 2011: Traded in Film Sure Shot 85 zoom for EOS 7D. 1087 plus tax. Free 2 day shipping

August 21, 2011: Traded in Powershopt S410 (wife got it years ago) with dead lens for EOS 60D EF-S 18-135IS Kit, 831 + tax, free FedEx 2 day shipping

August 10, 2011: Traded in Powershot A620 with dead lens for Rebel T2i, $511.99 + tax, free FedEx 2 day shipping

August 8, 2011 Traded a non-working SNAPPY V ,1989 film camera.($3.99 + tax from thrift store) for 7D, $1087.20+ tax = $1174.18, free next day air.

August 7, 2011: Traded a non-working Elan II for a Rebel T2i w/EF-S 18-55 IS + SLR Gadget bag /strap /charger /sync cable /memory card folio /manuals /lens covers for $512 + tax. Free Fedex 2 day

August 2, 2011: Traded a working Powershot A70 for a Rebel T2i w/ EF-S 18-55mm IS for $512 +tax. Free Fedex 2-day shipping included

July 31, 2011: Traded a non-working Canon something or other for a Rebel T2i with w/ EF-s 18-55mm IS for $512 + tax. Free Fedex 2day- shutter count 403.

July 16, 2011: Traded a non-working Powershot S500 for a Rebel T2i w/ EF-S 18-55mm IS for $512 +tax. Free Fedex 2-day shipping included.

July 15, 2011: Traded a non-working Powershot S400 ($13 from eBay) for Rebel T2i w/ EF-S 18-55IS for 512 + tax. Free 2-day shipping.

Jun 21, 2011: Traded an old non working Canon A60 model for Rebel XS DSLR + free 2GB SD card + free Canon SLR bag for $320 + tax. Free Shipping as well.

Jun 21, 2011: Traded in S410 ($14 from eBay) for 7D body. $1171.46 after tax and free 2 day Fedex shipping. Like new condition with less than 100 actuations.

Jun 20, 2011: Ordered a refurbished T2i kit. Was asked for the model of my old camera but not serial. Told them it was an S100. Called back on Jun 21,2011 and told them it was actually an SD500 (I got the SD500 from a local recycling center for free.) No problems. Total cost for T2i was $559 shipped to San Diego.

Jun 19, 2011 - Traded in Powershot SD600 for 7D and was asked for serial number. Total price of $1164.66 after tax ($1087.20 before tax). Free 2nd day air.

Jun 17, 2011 - traded in S400 from ebay for T2i kit, total price $471.99 with no tax to Oregon. No gadget bag or memory card to be included. Was not asked for serial number

Jun 17, 2011 - Traded in A75 and was asked for serial number. MY total was $409.59+TAX shipped to CA for T2i Kit. I dunno how I got this price but I got lucky!

Jun 17, 2011 - Traded in Elph2 Film camera and was asked serial number. Total was $472 + tax (free 2 day shipping) for T2i Kit. Does not come with memory card or Gadget bag according to CSR.

Jun 17, 2011 - Trading in S230 from Craigslist. Called and asked for T2i Kit (shows in stock online) - told it wasn't in stock. Called 2nd time and the CSR checked with Sales - it was in stock. $511.99 plus tax. Said to come with memory card and gadget bag.

Jun, 13 2011 - Traded an A590IS that I bought off craigslist broken for $5. Wasn't even asked the serial number. $665 plus Tax for 50D kit. Planning selling the lens with my old XTI back on craigslist.

Jun 13, 2011 - Traded Elan II bought on ebay for $15 bucks, broken door. Paid $665+ Tax for 50D Kit. Was asked for serial number. **NOTE** Tech support was closed so I called Canon Loyalty Directly. Let the CSR know I had a "broken" camera and was offered (XS,XSI,T1i). I went on the website and they had the 50D + 28-135lens in stock. I asked if their website was updated in "real time" and was told that a shipment just came in. Thanks all for all the posts, INVALUABLE.

Jun 3, 2011 - Traded Elan -II (my own purchase of year 2000), non functional. Paid $665+Tax for 50D Kit. No serial number was asked. Free 2 day shipping, and free shipping of the broken camera. Will arrive next week. Thanks...

Jun 1, 2011 - Traded T50 bought on ebay for $10, broken. Paid $512 for the T2i Kit with IS lens. As posted above/below, no S/No was asked, just that it was a Canon camera I was sending in. Will arrive tuesday.

May 31, 2011 - Traded broken Elan IIe bought on Ebay for $9.90 for 50D kit. Paid $665+$59 (8.875% NY tax). No serial number was asked. Free 2 day shipping. Came with around 30 actuations!!! Great deal!!!

May 31, 2011 - Traded Sureshot Telemax found at my local Goodwill for $4. Paid $512+tax for the T2i kit. No model or serial asked when I called. Free 2 day shipping, and free shipping of the broken camera. Came with only 62 actuations!! Thanks

May 27,2011- Traded Powershot sd 630 (fleabay cost 18 bucks). Paid 512+ tax I didnt have the serial number on me when I called in, the rep said no problem and completed the order. Got 2 day shipping and finally in my hands Friday eve.. YEAY thanks SD and SD'ers..

May 27, 2011 - Traded A2 film camera (mid-90s vintage) gathering dust for a 50D with 28-135 IS USM lens. $665.09 plus NJ tax. Rep did ask for the A2 serial number. If you need a lens this is a great deal, as you are getting a $379 lens (lowest price on Amazon in the past year) for $103 over the cost of the body alone. The 18-55 IS lens included with the T2i isn't a bad deal either - $64 over the cost of the body gets you a lens worth $150 or more new on Amazon.

May 27, 2011 - Traded S30 and A520 for 2 x 50D kits with 28-135 lens. $831.36 - $166.27 + $39.91(6% Taxes) + Free Shipping = $705 total for each. Plus 4(!) Free 1GB CF memory cards. Had both cameras' serial #s, but was not asked for. I asked about CL program for lenses and flashes - no such a program. You can buy refurbished lenses from their list, but with no an additional 20% CLP discount.

May 26, 2011 - Traded Canon Elph110 (very old digital almost 10yr old S110) for T2i kit, I had serial# but was so old Canon could not find it on system. Total with tax $542.45 (free 2 day Fed-ex shipping). This is my second loyalty purchase. I asked for lenses but they do not have lenses available on loyalty program (I asked for camera body plus a lense from the refurbished list. It is not available).

May 25, 2011 - Traded Canon A80 for T2i kit, did not provide serial #. Total with tax $542.45 (free 2 day Fed-ex shipping, free return of broken camera) bugsnest

May 23, 2011 - Traded Canon IXUS (older film ELPH) for T2i kit, provided serial # when asked. Total was $554.xx after Texas tax (free 2nd day shipping, free return shipping for broken camera).

May 19, 2011 - Original called to trade in a Super Shot 115U Point and Shoot camera for a T2i kit and was told I could only purchase point and shoot with that trade in. Called again but traded a Rebel G film camera instead of the 115U for the T2i kit. I was told from the rep that there were only 7 T2i kits available (6 now) and I made the purchase. Came out to $561.xx after CA tax. No serial number required.

May 18, 2011 - Traded Canon A550 purchased from ebay for Canon T2i Kit for $512 + tax (free 2nd day shipping). The broken camera hasn't been shipped to me yet, but Canon didn't require the serial number anyway. If you call the loyalty program, you can tell them email tech support referred them to the loyalty program and they shouldn't ask any questions about the camera you're trading in.

May 18, 2011 - Called and asked about point and shoot cameras and was offered SD1200 for $86.94, A1100 for $72.45, SX120 for $119.13, and stated the SD 960 is OOS but owuld have been $135.24. The S95 is still not a part of their loyalty program. CSR stated that it didint matter which camera I traded in for this pricing and she did not even ask if my camera was still functional.

May 16, 2011 - Traded Canon Sure Shot Owl (film camera) purchased from ebay for $7 (shipped) for Canon T2i Kit for $512 + tax = $554 shipped (free 2nd day shipping)

May 14, 2011 -- Traded an EOS RebelX for a T2i kit for $512 shipped. (I bought the EOS with a broken focal plane for $5 off of Craigslist!) Note: this was done on Saturday 5:35pm PDT by calling the Canon Loyality number above.

May 13, 2011 - Traded broken A75 for T2i kit for $512+tax with free shipping.

May 13, 2011 - Traded A75 for T2i Kit for $512+tax w/ free 2 day shipping.

May 12, 2011 - Traded SD400 for T2i Kit for $512+tax w/ free 2 day shipping.

May 12, 2011 - Traded (Super old) T50 for T2i Kit for $512+tax w/free 2 day shipping

April 29, 2011 - Traded SD100 for T1i Body for $416+tax w/ free 2 day shipping

April 26, 2011 - Traded A590 for T2i Kit for $512+tax w/free 2 day shipping...it worked effortlessly

April 26, 2011 - Traded A1100IS for T2i Kit for $512+tax w/ free 2 day shipping.

April 25, 2011 - Traded S30 for T2i Kit for $512+tax w/ free 2 day shipping.

April 13, 2011 - Traded working (soon to be broken) LT260 for T2i Body for $481.03 (inc. NY tax of $33.04) shipped w/ free 2 day shipping

April 13, 2011 - Traded EOS Elan II for T2i body for ~487.00 (CA tax

) w/ free 2 day shipping

April 9, 2011 - Traded broken SD550 for T2i kit for 551.67 w/ free 2 day shipping

April 9, 2011 - Traded Canon Rebel Xs 35mm for 50D kit for $723.28(CA) w/ free 2 day shipping.

March 29, 2011 - Traded broken A80 for T2i kit for $559.39 w/ free 2 day shipping.

March 28, 2011 - Traded working SD870IS for T2i body for $447.99 + tax = $479.35 w/ free 2 day shipping.

March 25, 2011 - Traded broken A80 for T2i kit for $556.79 shipped w/ free 2 day shipping.

March 24, 2011 - Traded old Rebel XS (35mm Film) SLR body for T2i Body for $447.99 w/ free 2 day shipping.

March 24, 2011 - Traded broken sd1100 for Rebel XS kit shipped to Virginia 335.99 w/ free 2 day shipping.

Mar 24, 2011 - Traded In Broken AV-1 for T2i kit for $561.91 shipped to California w/ free 2 day shipping!

Mar 22, 2011 - Traded broken A95 for T2i kit for $546.55 shipped w/ free 2 day shipping!

Mar 21, 2011 - Traded broken SD 750 for T2i kit for $556.79 shipped + 2 day free shipping!

Mar 20, 2011 - Traded broken SD 870 IS for T2i body for $447.99 shipped + 2 day free shipping!

March 16,2011- Traded Broken LT260 for T2i kit for $550.39 shipped w/ free 2 day shipping!

Mar 16, 2011 - Traded SD300 for T2i kit for $511.99+tax...$554.23 shipped w/ free 2 day shipping!

Mar 11, 2011 - Traded Elan IIe body for 7D body for $1087 + tax... $1152.43 with free shipping!

Mar 8, 2011 - Traded 1999 Canon Elph LT260 for T2i kit for $511+tax...$556.79 shipped w/free 2 days shipping!

Mar 8, 2011 - Traded semi-dead (lcd screen is busted) S500 for T2i kit for $511.99+tax. Total shipped was $537.59!

Mar 3 2011 - Traded dead S400 for T2i body for $447+Tax with Free 2 Day shipping; 7d for $1087.xx + Tax, free shipping too. 5D Mark II is back in stock but unavailable for the program. Rep says it hasn't been offered for trade-in since before September and doesn't expect it to be offered again.

Feb 26, 2011 - Called about T2i kit, was offered T2i kit with 18-55IS lens for 511.99+tax. Total shipped was 551.67-will be here Wed. Undecided as to which "broken" camera to send them, likely A530

Feb 11, 2011 - Traded S400 for T2i (as the T3i has been announced), read as T2i FINALLY AVAILABLE - 610.xx with Free 2 Day shipping.

Feb 11, 2011 - Traded in a SX110IS for a T1i. Cost: $374.xx After tax and shipping I paid $407.xx

Jan 31, 2011 - Powershot A85 with a bad sensor. Was offered an EOS 7D for $1087.20. I also inquired about a T2i, but it was not available yet in this program.

Jan 31, 2011 - Called about SD870IS with a bad LCD was offered SD1200 - 86.40 or the SD960 - 134.40

DEC 28, 2010 - Called about SD850IS with "lens error" Offered the following SD1200IS $86.94 <> SD960IS $135.24 <> SX120IS $119.13 XS T1i BODY ONLY $450.99 WITH 18-55 $479.91<> XS 7d BODY ONLY $1087.20

December 5, 2010 - SD110 with dead CCD sensor: SD1200 @ $86.40, SD960 @ $134.40, G11 @ $258.91, SX120 $119.59 (Includes 2nd shipping both ways) - DTN107

November 15, 2010 - Was offered for my old Powershot G3: G11 @ $259.99, SD1200 @ $86.40, or SD960 @ $134.40 -- prices include 2nd day shipping. - wxforecaster

November 8, 2010 - 5D Mark II is no longer available for trade through the Loyalty Program!!!

October 20, 2010 - Elph LT 260 (film) for 5D Mark II for $1599 plus local sales tax, free 2 day FedEx shipping.

October 11, 2010 - SD800 for Rebel XS for $319 + free shipping

October 11, 2010 - SD800 for G11 at $249 (no G12 available), 7D for $1119.99, 5D MkII for $1599. Add local state taxes + free shipping.

October 1st, 2010 - Rebel XSN (film SLR) in exchange for XS body at $320, XSi body at $335, XSi kit at $400, T1i body at $455, T1i kit $519. free 2nd day shipping. They said they have a lot of T1i black kits in stock. (bogatas)
- SD1100IS in pieces in exchange for SD1200IS for $87, SD960IS for $135 (bogatas)

September 24, 2010 - EOS 7D (Body) for $1119.99 (tech specified any Canon camera valid for this trade-in)

Sept 17, 2010 - SD600 is eligible for the SD1200 for $86.90, or the SD960IS for $134.40, I opted to buy the SD940IS from Newegg.

September 14, 2010- Traded SD940IS for G11- $259 (free 2day ship) offered XSI for $399, SD960IS for $134, SX120IS for $119

September 4, 2010 - traded in Powershot A530 for SX10IS - 199$. At my time G11s were available as well. Leave your number with the CSR. They are kind enough to call you back once the item of your interest is available.

September 1, 2010 - traded in G2 for Xs $359 total - No more G11, was told to check back on 9/3 if wanting a G11.

August 30, 2010 - traded an S230 for the G11 (back in stock as of tonight) ($259)

August 27, 2010 - SD550 for Canon SX1 IS ($369), Rebel XS w/lens ($319), SD1200 ($86.49).

July 26, 2010 - traded-in EOS 30D, offered 40D body only ($560), 40D w/28-135 ($719), 50D body only ($719), + higher end models that I didn't get the prices for. Also offered free 2nd day shipping.

July 23, 2010 - SD750, offered sd960is $134.40 (+10 ship), sd1200is - $86.40, sx120is - $119.59

July 21, 2010, I was told the following upgrade options for my A530: (all were refurbished) A1100IS $72+tax, SD960IS $134+tax, SX120IS $119+tax. All three options included free 2-day shipping and free return shipping for the dead camera.

July 2, 2010 - SD800IS for sx120is ($129), SD960IS ($169) or G11 ($249)

June 28, 2010 - S400, offered same as below, ordered G11 (on back order)

June 22: S70 --> same options as below

June 16, 2010 S500 was offered SX10IS $199, G11 $249, EOS Digital Rebel XS Kit (Black w/18-55 IS Lens) $359

As of June 7, 2010 SD400,550,600,750 was offered SX120IS $129, SD960 $169, G11 $249 (I'm guessing the SD series offers this one.)

May 20, 2010: Broken S100 (Old Elph). Was offered SX10 IS - $199.00, G11 - $249.00, EOS Digital Rebel XS Kit (Black w/18-55 IS Lens) - $359.00. I was hoping for SD1200 type camera, not these big ones..