A Managing batteries
Your camera uses two AA batteries, either Alkaline, Photo Lithium, or rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH). Photo Lithium and NiMH batteries provide longer battery life than Alkaline batteries.
Top points about batteries
•The batteries shipped with your camera are AA Alkaline. These batteries have a short life and are intended to let you begin using your camera immediately. When the camera warns that the battery charge is low (see “Power indicators” on page 42), HP recommends replacing them with Photo Lithium or rechargeable NiMH batteries for longer battery life.
•Fully charge NiMH batteries before using them for the first time.
•The first several times you recharge NiMH batteries, they may not provide the number of shots per charge that you expect. Their performance will improve after the batteries have been charged, then discharged completely four or five times. You can use the camera normally to discharge the batteries during this conditioning period.
•Always insert the batteries in the camera correctly (see “Install the batteries” on page 4). If the batteries are inserted improperly, the compartment door may close but the camera will not operate.
•If you do not intend to use your camera for more than one month, remove the batteries from the camera.
•The performance of all batteries will decrease as the temperature drops. To improve battery performance, store the camera and batteries in a warm inside pocket when in a cold environment. To prevent
Extending battery life
To conserve battery power, the Image Display automatically dims and brightens based on lighting conditions and turns off after 45 seconds by default. Pressing any button wakes up the camera. After five minutes of inactivity, the camera turns off.
To further extend battery life:
•Set 
Display Brightness to Low (see Display Brightness under “Using the Camera Setup Menu” on page 33).
•Change the 
Display Timeout value to a shorter interval (see Display Timeout under “Using the Camera Setup Menu” on page 33).
•Set your camera to 
Auto Flash (see Auto Flash under “Setting the flash” on page 13).
•Use optical zoom sparingly.
•Use video recording sparingly.
•Use Image Display sparingly.
•If you are turning on the camera only to view images, slide 
to 
, then turn on the camera to start in 
Playback without extending the lens.
•When transferring or printing images, place your camera in an optional HP Photosmart dock connected to AC power.
Safety precautions for using batteries
•Always use two identical batteries of the same chemistry, brand, and age.
•Do not place batteries in fire or heat them. Always store charged batteries in a cool location.
•Do not connect the positive and negative terminals of the battery to each other with any metal object.
•Do not carry or store batteries with metal objects. Do not drop batteries into a
Managing batteries | 41 |