What whine goes with your camera?

Every time I read of someone's disappointments with their new digital camera, the whines fall into three categories:
  • The batteries don't last long at all.
  • The camera manual is inadequate.
  • I can't see the LCD in bright sunlight.
Quick answers:

Batteries: alkaline batteries weren't ever intended to run a high-drain device such as a mini-computer with an always-on LCD (which is what a camera is). Buy some name-brand rechargeables. I use Duracells, and I've heard good things about Sanyo Eneloop AAs. To avoid frustrating yourself, buy a charger that doesn't require 8 hours to charge your batteries. As for the lithium-ion batteries that come with most cameras: they need to be charged first, then completely drained, then recharged before you get optimal performance.

Manuals: Funny, hardly anyone read these things when they came with film cameras. Learn how to download the full PDF version from the CD that came with your camera, or the manufacturer's website. Print out ONLY the pages with essential information, then photograph them in "Text" or "Document" mode so they're in your camera's SD or fixed memory. Problem solved.

LCDs in bright sun are always hard to see. Buy a pop-up shade that's the same width as the LCD on your camera. Delkin makes pretty good shades, and the shade part can be unclipped from the camera when you don't need it. (Note: you can't use Delkin shades on a camera with a touch screen LCD. I've tried.)

Okay? Any other whines, please leave a comment below. Thanks.

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