Poor battery life D5100?

bechdan

Senior Member
When I was using the D60 I could take well over 600 shots with one battery, including checking them on the screen and some flash use.

Since I moved to the D5100 Im finding that I can probably only get 2-300 shots before it dies. I replaced the original charger for an non branded one as the original ones mostly seemed to have faults including mine which wouldnt even charge the battery (it was out of warranty). I checked the output voltage for the charger and it was good. I bought a spare battery - non nikon brand, but neither the original nor the replacement last any longer than the other.

I dont use live view generally and dont often check the imgages on screen for more than a few seconds. So whats going wrong? Any advice welcomed please.
 

bechdan

Senior Member
Ive checked the prices on ebay for a battery grip - they hold two, but Id rather just carry a spare one in my pouch and swap when needed rather than add the bulk of the battery grip.
 

weebee

Senior Member
Keep in mind that even if a charger is showing voltage it may not be delivering the required current. Also, are you using flash or a lenses with VR on?
 
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Bill16

Senior Member
I always used a battery grip on any Nikon I had including the D5100, so I can't say if mine did any better or worse.

I always buy the battery grip either just before or just after buying the Nikon DSLR! My buddy @Blacktop can vouch for that, since I bought his D300 and had a grip just waiting for the D300 to get here! Lol :D
 

bechdan

Senior Member
thanks for the replies so far - I wouldnt have bought a non oem charger if the reviews for the original one werent so poor.

In terms of lens - Ive mostly been using a Sigma 18-200mm but not much with the IS (VR) or flash.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I use a version of this dual battery charger for my batteries and it's been great over the past several months. Both the girlfriend and I use Wasabi batteries for our Nikons and those too have been great; we both think think they're at *least* as good as the Nikon OEM version. I don't mind spending more on accessories if I think I'm getting more, but neither am I looking to spend money I don't need to.

....
 

JohnFrench

Senior Member
I have a D5100 that I used as a primary camera in 2012 and noticed no issues with the battery. I did only take about 50 shots with each use though, and charged it in between. I never shot video, and had the rear display timed for its' minimum just to get a glance.
 
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Lawrence

Senior Member
I have a D5100 and only the battery and charger that came with it.
My battery lasts me well over 600 shots and that is with both jpeg and RAW, image review (after each shot), VR on, some flash etc. In other words I haven't changed any settings with a view to conserving or prolonging battery usage.
 

J-see

Senior Member
I don't know if the D3300 battery is that much different but I take 1500-2000 shots before depleting. I however rarely use the LCD screen. It's always on off unless I want to change A, S or ISO.
 

bechdan

Senior Member
thanks ill order one now!

I suspected that it was sub normal for the camera (hence this thread) so thanks again everyone for your insight. Ill update this thread soon
 

bechdan

Senior Member
splendid as always Don, ta

edit - I wonder why it uses more power shooting in RAW than in Jpeg, I would have thought itd take a tiny bit more whilst compressing the image.
 
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