Power on - or power off? When you're walking about, looking for a photo op but with none in the immediate forecast, do you routinely turn off your camera, or do you allow the preset...

gym Loc: Athens, Georgia

When you're walking about, looking for a photo op but with none in the immediate forecast, do you routinely turn off your camera, or do you allow the preset timer to kick in and shut off the power? Or does it really matter? I've done a 'Google' but have found nothing. Clearly I haven't chosen the right code words.

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

gym wrote:

When you're walking about, looking for a photo op but with none in the immediate forecast, do you routinely turn off your camera, or do you allow the preset timer to kick in and shut off the power? Or does it really matter? I've done a 'Google' but have found nothing. Clearly I haven't chosen the right code words.

off

gym Loc: Athens, Georgia

Dang those double posts......... Please put any comments in this thread. Perhaps Admin will delete the other.
Thanks

randymoe

I leave the power on with my D7000. It does not seem to use any battery up unless I press the trigger half way to focus.

The D7000 will stay on and ready for days.

However I install a freshly charged battery every time I take the camera out to use it.

gym wrote:

When you're walking about, looking for a photo op but with none in the immediate forecast, do you routinely turn off your camera, or do you allow the preset timer to kick in and shut off the power? Or does it really matter? I've done a 'Google' but have found nothing. Clearly I haven't chosen the right code words.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

My Nikons have the power switch surrounding the shutter release button and I have gotten into the habit of turning the switch off after almost every shot, and turning it back on automatically as I bring the camera back up to my eye. On a tripod is different as I seldom turn the power off when mounted unless I am walking away for a period of time.

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

randymoe wrote:

I leave the power on with my D7000. It does not seem to use any battery up unless I press the trigger half way to focus.

The D7000 will stay on and ready for days.

However I install a freshly charged battery every time I take the camera out to use it.

I agree. With my D300s I have left the power on for eight hours with no appreciable drain more than I would have had turning it on and off for a similar number of shots.

I also always have a freshly charged spare battery with me.

barbkelly Loc: Delaware

I never turn it off until I'm done. My battery seems to last for days and I do a lot of shooting at any given outing.

Hammster Loc: San Diego, CA

I leave mine on while I'm out and about and wearing it around my neck. I turn it off when it goes into the bag or when I'm changing a lens.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

gym wrote:

When you're walking about, looking for a photo op but with none in the immediate forecast, do you routinely turn off your camera, or do you allow the preset timer to kick in and shut off the power? Or does it really matter? I've done a 'Google' but have found nothing. Clearly I haven't chosen the right code words.

I tend to leave electronic stuff ON. Power cycling computers is one of the hardest things you can do to your system. I think I've just carried over this thought to my camera. It probably doesn't matter. Of course, when I store it or change lenses, it goes off.

randymoe

I often shoot D7000 with a SB 800. I always leave both on. The camera wakes the SB 800 as soon as I touch the trigger.

Both D7000 and SB 800 can wait well over 8 hours for a shot and not drain the batteries.

This last weekend I shot 250 flash pictures a day for 4 days. I used a fresh charged battery in the D7000 each day and 5 new Duracell AA in a SB 800 each day.

Plenty of power for both over 8 hour days.

I have also left the camera on for days in the camera bag and it just patiently waits at full power.

Why wear out the switch?

14kphotog Loc: Marietta, Ohio

Pentax works the same way. I have left mine turned on for days in the bag and see no power drain. Camera has a timer that turns off power after 5 min. of none use of shutter button.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

gym wrote:

When you're walking about, looking for a photo op but with none in the immediate forecast, do you routinely turn off your camera, or do you allow the preset timer to kick in and shut off the power? Or does it really matter? I've done a 'Google' but have found nothing. Clearly I haven't chosen the right code words.

It dependes on the camera, but most have an auto off feature that saves the battery life

Iowegan

randymoe wrote:

I often shoot D7000 with a SB 800. I always leave ... (show quote)

The only time I power down is when I'm transporting it, pulling the battery, or, dumping memory cards.
Otherwise, it's on all the time.

If on a tripod for indoor shoots, I use the external power supply.

gerhel Loc: Sweden

Camera 50D goes on when I leave the house and stay on until I get back home. The auto power off keep it from draining the battery and it re-starts quicker than I can turn on the switch

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

gym wrote:

When you're walking about, looking for a photo op but with none in the immediate forecast, do you routinely turn off your camera, or do you allow the preset timer to kick in and shut off the power? Or does it really matter? I've done a 'Google' but have found nothing. Clearly I haven't chosen the right code words.

Power Off Doc ...