Battery Grip

Hi, can anyone tell me how the battery grip works with the ist D. Does the ist D use its batteries first then move onto the grip or do they all work simultaniously. I suppose that when you get a low battery signal you change all the batteries, camera and grip?

Thanks
anna

Hi Anna,

Good question, an aspect of the *ist D I am also curious about.

I am using rechargeable batteries in all 8 positions.

With the batteries fully charged, I can usually get a full day's shooting done to the limit of the card (1GB). Without the battery grip, the camera batteries do not seem to last proportionately as long. The camera will not function with the batteries in the grip alone; the set in the camera body must be in place.

Using the LCD to review shots seems to deplete the batteries exceptionally quickly (especially if deleting the "duds"). I have found that if you get the low charge indication, by shutting down and giving the batteries a little rest, they seem to return with some functionality, usually enough to finish getting the images wanted. Also, in low light situations, switching to manual focus helps save a little power as the AF lense isn't continuously "searching".

When the batteries have indicated low charge, using a small hand held meter, the batteries will still test "good" with the voltage seemingly only down a couple of tenths max. I assume this is a fail-safe level to protect the data side of the camera although the batteries would be strong enough to fire the flash or focus the lense, etc. When testing, all batteries test evenly, indicating a simultaneous draw of power.

After a recharging cycle is complete (and the batteries have cooled), I rotate the battery position (grip to body, body to grip) every time. Although the testing would indicate the batteries work together, I remain apprehensive there isn't a primary secondary relationship between the sets.

Overall, I am pleased with the camera and the battery life (camera & grip) compared to my wife's P&S. As part of the "prep" routine, before going out shooting, all batteries are routinely charged. For an emergency, I also carry a spare set of alkaline AA batteries to swing into play if needed (a luxury not afforded with the P&S).

Thanks for providing the opportunity to share and I remain curious as to what others have found.

Al