Overcoming Low Battery: Tips For Photographers

Many smartphone users have encountered the issue of their device's camera not functioning due to low battery. This is a common problem, with some phones disabling the camera function when the battery dips below 15%. While this can be frustrating, there are several workarounds and fixes. One solution is to download a third-party camera app that can be used when your battery is low. Another option is to take a screenshot of what the camera is looking at. Additionally, cleaning the battery contacts and ensuring proper contact can help resolve this issue. It is also recommended to use lithium batteries or batteries with higher power ratings.

Try a third-party camera app

If you're looking to override your low-battery camera, one solution is to try a third-party camera app. While stock camera apps are usually better optimised for your phone, third-party apps can be helpful in certain scenarios.

One such scenario is when your phone's battery is low and your stock camera app won't work. In this case, you can try installing a third-party camera app that is designed to work in low battery situations. For example, the Low Battery Camera app for Android is specifically designed for this purpose.

Another advantage of third-party camera apps is that they often include additional features that are not available in stock apps. For instance, the ReLens app for Android offers a DSLR-grade large aperture, creating stunning blurred backgrounds and cinematic effects. It also includes manual controls, a 20x zoom, and professional auxiliary tools.

If you're an iPhone user, you can install third-party apps through the App Store or by downloading the app's .ipa file and installing it via iTunes. For Android users, you can download third-party apps through the Google Play Store or by sideloading the app's APK file.

• Adobe Lightroom: Includes a built-in camera app with HDR, RAW support, and various modes and presets.
• ReLens: Transforms your smartphone into a professional camera with advanced AI-powered computational photography and algorithms.
• Cymera: Offers mainstream features such as filters, stickers, special effects, and a beauty camera mode.
• Soda: Android beauty camera with one-touch makeup and filter combinations, real-time beauty effects, and skin-optimized colour filters.
• Manual Camera: Includes manual controls such as exposure, white balance, ISO, focus, and shutter speed.
• Open Camera: A popular app for serious photographers with features like exposure control, white balance, ISO, focus, shutter speed, and support for RAW files.
• Camera FV-5: Includes DSLR-like controls for shutter speed, ISO, focus, and exposure, as well as RAW capture and extended exposure capabilities.

Use a different camera model

If your phone's stock camera app is not working due to low battery, one solution is to use a different camera model by downloading a third-party camera app. Here are some suggestions and tips to help you get started:

• Try a low-battery camera app: There are dedicated low battery camera apps available on the Android Market/Google Play Store, such as "Low Battery Camera" (https://market.android.com/details?id=thepaksoft.net.lowbatterycamera). These apps are designed to efficiently manage power consumption, allowing you to take pictures even when your phone's battery is low.
• Explore other camera apps: In addition to low battery-specific camera apps, you can also try other third-party camera apps available on the Android Market/Google Play Store. For example, users have suggested Camerazoomfx, Camera360, and CameraMx. These apps may offer additional features and effects while still working in low battery situations.
• Set up automatic redirection: If you want to streamline the process, you can use a task automation app, such as Tasker, to set up automatic redirection. This will ensure that when you launch your stock camera app and your battery is below a certain threshold (e.g., 15%), it will automatically open the third-party camera app of your choice.
• Consider flash usage: If you need to use the flash along with the camera, keep in mind that not all low battery camera solutions support it. You may need to explore hacks or modded camera apps specifically designed to enable flash functionality at low battery levels.
• Evaluate alternative options: In some cases, you may be able to use other camera apps already on your phone, such as the Facebook camera. However, be aware that these apps may have their own limitations, such as requiring you to post any photos you take. Another option is to simply take a screenshot of what your camera is pointing at.

Clean the battery contacts

If you're having trouble with your camera due to corroded battery contacts, you can try cleaning them before replacing the battery or the camera itself. Corrosion can occur when you use a camera and then store it for an extended period without removing the batteries. This is because hydrogen gas is released from the battery and mixes with air and humidity, causing corrosion.

White Vinegar Method:

• Pour some distilled white vinegar into a small cup. You won't need a lot of vinegar, so the lid of the bottle or a small container will work.
• Dip a cotton swab or Q-tip into the vinegar.
• Scrub the corroded areas of the battery contacts with the vinegar-soaked swab. You may hear a fizzing sound, which is normal.
• For more severe corrosion, use a small piece of sandpaper to scrub the affected area. Fold the sandpaper in half and gently scrub until the corrosion starts to come off.
• Go back to using the vinegar-soaked cotton swab to remove any remaining corrosion. Continue alternating between the vinegar and sandpaper until the contacts are clean.

Baking Soda Method:

• Create a mixture of baking soda and water. Use two tablespoons of baking soda and mix it with two cups of water in a pot or jug.
• Pour the baking soda mixture over the corroded battery contacts. The mixture will neutralise the rust.
• Wait for a few minutes to let the mixture do its work.
• Use a brush or a piece of sandpaper to carefully scrub off the remaining corrosion. Be gentle, as the terminals are sensitive and can be easily damaged.
• Let the battery contacts dry completely before putting in new batteries. This step is crucial to prevent a short circuit.

To prevent future corrosion, consider the following:

• Use new batteries instead of mixing new and used batteries.
• Avoid mixing different battery brands in your camera.
• Store your camera in a cool, dry place, and remove the batteries if you plan to store it for an extended period.
• Apply battery-terminal grease to the contacts to protect them from corrosion.

Check the battery charger

If your camera is indicating a low battery and shutting down, there are several things you can try to check the battery charger.

First, ensure that you are using the correct type of batteries for your camera. Some cameras may require lithium batteries, while others may use AA or rechargeable batteries. Check your camera's manual or the manufacturer's website to determine the recommended battery type.

Next, check the battery contacts in the camera and the charger (if you are using rechargeable batteries). Clean the contacts with a dry cotton swab or isopropyl alcohol to remove any dirt or residue. Gently bend the contacts upward if they appear to be loose or not making good contact with the batteries.

If you are using rechargeable batteries, also inspect the charger itself. Ensure that the charger is compatible with your camera's batteries and that it is functioning properly. Plug the charger into a working power outlet and check for any indicators, such as a charging light, to ensure it is operational.

Additionally, consider the following tips for general battery and charger care:

• Always keep the battery terminals and camera charging slot clean and dry.
• Turn off the camera before powering it down and replacing the battery.
• Do not expose the batteries or charger to excessive heat, low temperatures, or strong magnetic fields.
• Use charging accessories made by the same manufacturer as the camera and battery whenever possible.
• Do not leave the batteries charging overnight or for extended periods once they are fully charged.

Use batteries with higher power ratings

The power rating of a camera is listed in its specifications. Voltage and current are important factors to consider when choosing a battery. Voltage is the potential difference that drives electric current in a circuit, and current is the flow of electric charge. The unit of voltage is Volts (V), and the unit of current is Amperes (A).

The power of a battery is related to voltage and current by the formula: Power (W) = Voltage (V) x Current (A). Therefore, a higher power rating means a higher voltage or current, which can be achieved by using larger batteries with more chemical reagents.

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the most common type of camera battery and have a higher energy density, allowing them to be smaller in size while providing more power. They also have a low self-discharge rate, volatile nature, and unstable terminal voltage. The energy delivered by a Li-ion battery is measured in Watt-hours (Wh) or Amperes per hour (Ah).

When choosing a Li-ion battery, it is important to consider the device's voltage requirements. Most cameras run on Direct Current (DC) power with a voltage of 7.2V or 7.4V when used with batteries and 8.4V when powered via a DC outlet. The voltage of Li-ion batteries is typically 3.6V or 3.7V, and they are designed to be used in standard voltage-sized cells.

To calculate the Watt-hours of a battery, you can multiply the voltage by the Ampere-hours (Ah) and divide the result by 1,000. For example, a Canon BP-970G battery with a voltage of 7.2V and 7,200mAh would have a Wh value of 51.84 (7.2 x 7,200 / 1,000 = 51.84 Wh).

The runtime of a battery can be calculated by dividing the battery capacity in Wh by the camera's power rating in Watts (W). For instance, the Dionic 90 battery has a capacity of 90Wh and can power a Sony FS700 camera for 13 hours.

It is important to note that the runtime calculation is not entirely accurate due to factors such as discharge, charging cycles, battery life, and current draw. As a rule of thumb, it is recommended to deduct 20% from the calculated runtime to ensure reliability.

Temperature also affects battery life. Li-ion batteries discharge faster at higher temperatures, and their performance improves at lower temperatures, typically between 0°C and 45°C (32-113°F). Therefore, it is advisable to keep batteries warm when using them in cold environments to maximize their runtime.

In summary, to override a low battery camera, consider using batteries with higher power ratings. Look for batteries with higher voltage, current, or Watt-hours to ensure your camera has sufficient power to function. Li-ion batteries are a popular choice due to their high energy density and small size. Calculate the Watt-hours of the battery and divide it by the camera's power rating to estimate the runtime. Finally, consider the impact of temperature on battery life and keep your batteries warm in cold environments.

Frequently asked questions