Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Relative to your statement about wearing out the camera on-off switch.
I was curious how you may treat other switches.

BebuLamar

I always turn my camera off if I don't think I would use it in the next few minutes. I am so afraid of forgetting to turn it off when I put it away.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Ditto. Unless I think I may be taking more pictures shortly.
I don't remember when (how many minutes) I have it set to sleep.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

At least, it SHOULD go to sleep if working properly. Make sure you are not somehow defeating the sleep function and it does, indeed, go to sleep. Also, if you have activated features that drain the battery faster such as using the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder, or have mirror lock-up going, that could be the culprit.

I use off brand batteries in my T2i and it lasts months without the battery draining (with the camera off). I've had these batteries over a decade.

wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

Very true, I developed the habit of turning the camera off between series of shots when I sucked up a freshly charged battery as it tried to focus on the rough ground I was walking over.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Another camera setting that eats batteries is focus tracking.

19104 Loc: Philadelphia

I dont know your camera. There are companies that make external battery packs for your camera. some rechargeable and some that use disposable cells. Quantum makes rechargable ones in 6 and 9 volts.

The cool thing about them is that they give you a bunch of exposures. I use them when im shooting the new years day parade and in cold weather. they sit outside the body and can be put under your jacket.
they arent that exspensive and work great. so check them out.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I use a HAHNEL battery I bought for my 60D years ago, and kept it for use in my 6D mkII. Sold as 'high Capacity' I'd rate it the same as the Canon original, maybe a little less. Half the price of the Canon and never given me a problem through two camera's. AND I leave the camera on.

gessman Loc: Colorado

Something like this. I have multiple Canon and Sony cameras and have made a dummy battery harness for each of them and have six batteries I keep charged. One of these will last longer then several OEM or aftermarket replacement batteries and you can extend the charge on these batteries by sticking them in your waist band next to your body to keep them warm. Here in Colorado when up shooting in the mountains in sub-zero weather that can really make a difference and certainly can make a difference wherever a person is when it's cold. https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-703134-1.html

gessman Loc: Colorado

Back in the days of film, prior to digital, Canon produced a "battery pack" akin to a hard case "fanny pack" that your belt slipped through and it held 4 "D" cell batteries wired so they were equal to one of the batteries that cost $15 and lasted for about 3 rolls of 36 exposure film, or less in cold weather, in a Canon A2E which was my last film camera. I could shoot for weeks with a set of batteries and eventually bought 3 sets of rechargeable batteries and saved a wad of money and, among other obvious conveniences, I could shoot a long timed shot like a "time lapse" without fear of my battery draining before I was ready for it to be over. That experience inspired me to seek out a way to eliminate the necessity to be constantly replacing dead batteries in my Sony a6500s, which I bought to be able to benefit from the IBIS with some non-IS lenses, with the undersized battery that you can drain just looking to change a menu setting you need to change while shooting when you're not used to the menu yet. There was absolutely no way I was going to live with the problem nor should anyone else.

You can get dummy batteries for about any make and model camera on ebay and with the universal connector the battery then can be transferred from one camera to others.

LXK0930 Loc: Souh Jersey

You are making a common mistake in assuming that Panasonic batteries made for Canon are the same as those made for after-market companies. Manufacturers make their products to specs that the customer sets. Some may want only the best, others will accept "good-enough". This is true for everything from cereal to auto parts.

KarenKaptures Loc: New Jersey

I have had a Canon 80D for years. I bought 2 Manfrotto batteries after the original stopped holding its charge. They work well and I have a 90D which takes the same battery and take a Manfrotto battery as an extra when I shoot events. They are red in color which I really like too 😊

gsmith051 Loc: Fairfield Glade, TN

I use Canon batteries as primary and generic as a back up. Never had a Canon battery go down while shooting.

TonyBot

It has already been mentioned about setting the camera to "sleep" after two minutes. Check that setting first.
And live view ... well, that sure uses a lot of power, and will drain the battery quickly.
And "chimping" ... make sure your 'review' is set to turn off after a short period of time.
Finger on the button engages the IS function of your lenses - another battery drain - as is "follow focus".
Your charger may be defective and not charge fully. I *have* had a Canon charger fail, so I have three others now.
I have five batteries, some Canon and some aftermarket. Never a battery failure, although my first Canon battery is getting old and will only go 5-600 shots with a lot of live view.
A battery "grip" is a good idea - with two batteries *of the same manufacturer* purchased together will also help, but is not inexpensive, especially if you [preferably] but OEM.
HTH

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Generics die quickly.
I have both and have the same results.
I have usually 4-5 batteries with me just in case.
No big deal to me but your choice.