38
A
Managing batteries
Your camera uses two AA batteries, either Alkaline, Photo Lithium, or rechargeable Nickel Metal
Hydride (NiMH). Alkaline batteries provide far less battery life than either Photo Lithium or NiMH batteries.
Top points about batteries
● Fully charge NiMH batteries before using them for the first time.
● Always insert the batteries in the camera correctly (see
Install the batteries on page 7 ). If the
batteries are inserted improperly, the compartment door may close but the camera will not operate.
● If you do not intend to use your camera for more than two months, remove the batteries unless you are using rechargeable batteries and are leaving the camera connected to an optional dock or HP AC power adapter.
● The performance of all batteries will decrease as the temperature drops. To improve battery performance, keep the camera or batteries stored in a warm inside pocket when in a cold environment.
Extending battery life
To conserve battery power, the Image Display turns off after a period of inactivity. Pressing any button wakes up the camera. After five minutes of inactivity, the camera turns off.
To further extend battery life:
● Set Display Brightness to Low (see Display Brightness under
Using the Setup Menu on page 31
).
● Set your camera to Auto Flash (see Auto Flash under
Setting the flash on page 15
).
● Use optical zoom sparingly.
●
If you are turning on the camera only to view images, hold down camera to start in Playback without extending the lens.
while turning on the
● Connect the camera to the optional HP AC power adapter when you transfer or print.
Safety precautions for using batteries
● Always use two identical batteries of the same chemistry, brand, and age.
● Do not place batteries in fire or heat them. Always store charged batteries in a cool location.
● Do not connect the positive and negative terminals of the battery to each other with any metal object.
● Do not carry or store batteries with metal objects. Do not drop batteries into a change-filled pocket.
● Do not pierce batteries or subject them to strong impacts or shocks.
● Do not solder directly onto batteries.
● Do not allow batteries to get wet.
● Do not disassemble or modify batteries.
● Immediately discontinue use of a battery if, while using, charging, or storing the battery, the battery emits an unusual smell, feels excessively hot (note that it is normal for the battery to feel warm), changes color or shape, or appears abnormal in any other way.
● In the event batteries leak and the fluid gets into one’s eye, do not rub the eye. Rinse well with water and immediately seek medical care. If left untreated, the battery fluid could cause damage to the eye.
Power indicators
When the batteries are low or the camera is connected to AC power, one of the following icons appears in the Image Display. If no battery icon appears in Live View or Playback, the batteries have sufficient power to function normally.
Icon Description
Battery level is low. Camera will soon power down.
Battery is depleted. Camera will power down.
Blinking
Camera is operating on AC power.
Animated battery filling up
Camera is operating on AC power and is charging the battery.
Camera has successfully completed battery charging and is operating on AC power.
Note If the camera is without batteries for a prolonged period, the clock may be reset and you may be prompted to update it the next time you power on the camera.
Number of shots per battery type
The following table shows the minimum, maximum, and average number of shots that may be obtained using Alkaline, Photo Lithium, and rechargeable NiMH batteries.
Battery Type
Alkaline
NiMH
Photo Lithium
Minimum
77
215
365
Number of Shots
Maximum Average
180
380
600
120
290
485
CIPA
80
205
423
For Minimum, Maximum, and Average numbers, four pictures are taken per session with at least a
5 minute break between sessions. In addition:
● The minimum number of shots is obtained with extensive use of Live View (30 seconds per picture), Playback (15 seconds per picture), and Flash On. Optical zoom (both directions) is used on 75% of the shots.
● The maximum number of shots is obtained with minimal use of Live View (10 seconds per picture) and Playback (4 seconds per picture). Flash and optical zoom (both directions) are used on 25% of the shots.
● The average number of shots is obtained with Live View used for 15 seconds per picture and
Playback used for 8 seconds per picture. Flash and optical zoom (both directions) are used on 50% of the shots.
● The CIPA number is obtained using the standards established by the Camera and Imaging
Products Association.
HP Photosmart M425/M525 Digital Camera 39
Appendix A
Battery performance
The following table shows how Alkaline, Photo Lithium, and rechargeable NiMH batteries perform in different types of use scenarios:
Type of Use Alkaline Photo
Lithium
Poor Fair
NiMH
Good Most economical if you take more than 30 pictures per month
Most economical if you take fewer than 30 pictures per month
Heavy use of flash, frequent pictures
Heavy use of video
Heavy use of Live View
Overall battery life
Low temperature/winter use
Infrequent use (without dock)
Infrequent use (with dock)
Want to recharge battery
Fair
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
Fair
Fair
No
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
No
Fair
Good
Good
Good
Fair
Fair
Fair
Good
Good
Recharging NiMH batteries
You can recharge NiMH batteries in the camera when the camera is connected to an optional HP AC power adapter. You can also charge the batteries in an optional HP Photosmart dock that has a battery bay or with an optional quick recharger.
The following table shows the average recharge time for a fully discharged battery, based on recharge location.
Signals Charge location
In camera with the HP AC power adapter connected
Average charge time
12–15 hours
In camera connected to the
HP AC power adapter through an HP Photosmart dock
12–15 hours
Charging: Camera's Battery Charging light blinks and the animated battery icon is displayed.
Charging complete: Camera's Battery Charging light turns on solid and the battery gauge changes to on the Image Display.
Charging: Dock's camera battery charging light blinks.
Charging complete: Dock's camera battery charging light turns on solid.
40
(continued)
Charge location
In battery bay of the HP
Photosmart 6221 Premium
Camera Dock
In HP Photosmart M-
Series quick recharger
Average charge time
2–3 hours
Signals
1 hour for 2 batteries.
About 2 hours for 4 batteries.
Charging: Dock's battery bay light blinks.
Charging complete: Dock's battery bay light turns on solid.
Charging: Quick recharger light is yellow.
Charging complete: Quick recharger light is green.
Safety precautions for recharging batteries
You can recharge the batteries in the camera or purchase an optional dock with battery bay or a quick recharger. These devices may be warm while charging NiMH batteries. This is normal.
However, you should follow the safety precautions below.
● Do not charge any batteries other than NiMH batteries in the camera, dock, or quick recharger.
● Insert NiMH batteries in the correct orientation.
● Use the camera, dock, or quick recharger in a dry location only.
● Do not charge NiMH batteries in a hot location, such as in direct sunlight or near a fire.
● When recharging NiMH batteries, do not cover the camera, dock, or quick recharger.
● Do not operate the camera, dock, or quick recharger if NiMH batteries appear damaged.
● Do not disassemble the camera, dock, or quick recharger.
● Unplug the HP AC power adapter or quick recharger from the electrical outlet before cleaning the power adapter or quick recharger.
HP Photosmart M425/M525 Digital Camera 41
