Olympus Camera Battery: How Long Does It Last?

The battery life of an Olympus camera depends on a variety of factors, including usage patterns and settings. On average, users can expect around 3 hours of battery life when taking photos, with this duration varying based on specific usage patterns. For example, just looking through the camera yields about 3.25 hours of battery life, while constantly changing focus reduces this to approximately 2.5 hours. Other factors that influence battery life include the use of sleep mode, focusing the lens, display brightness, and the type of SD card.

The Olympus LI-50B battery can take between 300 and 600 shots per full charge

The Olympus LI-50B battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery used in select Olympus cameras. It has a capacity of 925 mAh and 3.7V output. The performance of the LI-50B battery can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of camera, the settings used, and the environmental conditions.

According to user reviews, the LI-50B battery can last between 300 and 600 shots per full charge. One user reported taking about 300 shots per charge while shooting high-resolution JPEGs and RAW images, with only two pictures requiring a flash. Another user mentioned that the battery lasted for 220 shots (JPEG + RAW) and a short video before needing a recharge.

It's important to note that battery life can be influenced by factors such as the camera's power-saving settings, temperature, and the age of the battery. Proper care and maintenance of the battery, such as regular charging and discharging, can help prolong its life and maximize its performance.

To ensure uninterrupted shooting, it is recommended to have a contingency plan, such as carrying a spare battery or a portable charger, especially when shooting in remote locations or during extended photo sessions.

The Olympus BLN-1 battery can last for 2-3 hours

The Olympus BLN-1 battery is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery used in select Olympus cameras, such as the E-M1, E-M5, and E-P5. It is essential to understand how long a camera battery lasts, as this can impact your shooting experience, especially during extended photo or video sessions.

• Power-saving settings: Enabling power-saving features such as sleep mode and turning off the camera when not in use can significantly extend battery life. Keeping the camera off or in sleep mode for extended periods can make a noticeable difference.
• Display settings: Using the electronic viewfinder (EVF) instead of the rear LCD screen can help conserve battery power. Additionally, turning off the auto-review feature and reducing the display brightness can also prolong battery life.
• Focusing: Activities that require constant focusing, such as burst mode or video recording, consume more power. Avoiding excessive focusing and using manual focus when possible can help extend the battery life.
• Shooting mode: The shooting mode also affects battery life. For example, longer exposures and live time/comp time settings can result in battery life of around 4-5 hours, while video recording may provide approximately 2.25-2.75 hours of usage.
• SD card: Different SD cards can impact power consumption and battery life. Using a faster SD card may draw more power and drain the battery quicker.
• Climate conditions: Climatic conditions can also influence battery performance. The reversible chemical reaction in the battery is thermally activated, so varying temperatures can affect battery life.

To maximize the battery life of your Olympus BLN-1, it is recommended to adopt a combination of these power-saving strategies. Carrying a spare battery or having a contingency plan with a charger is also advisable if you anticipate extensive shooting sessions.

Turning off the camera is the most effective way to save battery life

For example, an Olympus camera user reported that they were able to capture 1428 photos and some videos over a three-hour period, with the battery indicator still showing two-thirds full. They attributed this longevity to their practice of turning off the camera when not taking shots. Similarly, another user noted that they always turn off their camera if not needed for more than 30 seconds, as it comes to life quickly, and they see no problem with mostly having the camera turned off.

The type of usage also affects battery life. For instance, just looking through the camera, you can expect about 3.25 hours of battery life. Constantly changing focus reduces this to about 2.5 hours, while burst mode further decreases it to about 2 hours. In comparison, longer exposures offer about 5 hours of battery life, and live time/comp time provides 4-4.5 hours, depending on the display update rate.

Video recording is particularly demanding on battery life. Shooting video continuously will deplete the battery in about 2.25 to 2.75 hours. Additionally, constantly taking stills during video recording can shorten the battery life by about 0.25 hours.

To maximize battery life, it is recommended to turn off the camera when not in use. This simple practice can make a significant difference and ensure that your camera has sufficient power to capture all the moments you want.

Focusing the lens takes a good amount of power

It's important to understand that focusing the lens of a camera requires a significant amount of power, which can impact the overall battery life of your Olympus camera. The autofocus feature, in particular, demands a lot of energy from the battery. Here's what you need to know about how focusing the lens affects battery life and how you can optimise your camera's performance:

Autofocus Power Consumption:

The autofocus system in modern cameras, including Olympus models, uses advanced algorithms and complex mechanics to ensure your images are sharp and clear. However, all that processing power and motor movement requires a good amount of energy. When you activate autofocus, especially in continuous AF modes or when shooting in low-light conditions, the camera's processor has to work harder, drawing more power from the battery.

Impact on Battery Life:

The amount of power drawn during autofocus operations can significantly impact the overall battery life of your Olympus camera. If you're shooting in situations that require constant autofocus adjustments, such as sports or wildlife photography, you may find that your battery drains faster than expected. Additionally, certain autofocus modes, like tracking AF or face detection, can further increase power consumption due to their advanced processing requirements.

Optimising Battery Usage:

To maximise your Olympus camera's battery life while ensuring optimal focusing performance, consider the following:

• Use Manual Focus: When possible, switch to manual focus. This eliminates the power-intensive autofocus operations and gives you more control over your composition.
• AF Mode Selection: Choose the appropriate autofocus mode for your shooting scenario. Single AF points or smaller AF areas require less processing power than wide-area AF or tracking modes.
• AF-Assist Illuminator: If your camera has an AF-assist illuminator, consider turning it off when not in use. This feature aids in low-light focusing but can drain the battery faster.
• Power Saving Settings: Familiarise yourself with your camera's power-saving settings. Olympus cameras often include features like auto-off timers or LCD brightness adjustments to help conserve battery power.
• Carry Spare Batteries: Ensure uninterrupted shooting by carrying fully charged spare batteries, especially when travelling or during extended photo sessions.

By understanding the power requirements of focusing the lens, you can better manage your Olympus camera's battery life and be ready to capture every moment. Balancing your focusing needs with power optimisation will result in the best overall performance.

Sleep mode can extend battery life to about 16 hours

Sleep mode is a great way to extend the battery life of your Olympus camera. By putting the camera into sleep mode, you can effectively reduce its power consumption and make the battery last longer. In fact, according to some users, the sleep mode can help you get up to 16 hours of battery life.

Sleep mode is a power-saving feature that is available on many Olympus camera models. It is designed to kick in when the camera is not in use for a certain period of time. During sleep mode, the camera's power consumption is reduced, allowing the battery to last longer.

To enable sleep mode on your Olympus camera, you can usually find the setting in the camera's menu. The steps to enable it may vary depending on your specific model, but it is typically found under the Battery or Power settings. You can also refer to your camera's user manual for detailed instructions on how to enable sleep mode.

It is important to note that sleep mode may not be available in certain situations, such as when the camera is connected to an HDMI device, a smartphone via Wi-Fi, or a computer via Wi-Fi or USB. Additionally, some Olympus cameras offer a "Quick Sleep Mode" feature, which allows the camera to enter sleep mode more quickly and save even more power.

While sleep mode can significantly extend your battery life, it is still recommended to carry extra batteries or a charger when you plan to do a lot of shooting. This will ensure that you don't miss any important shots due to a dead battery.

By utilising the sleep mode feature and following other power-saving tips, you can maximise the battery life of your Olympus camera and focus on capturing the moments that matter.

Frequently asked questions