EOS R8 Battery life is ridiculously short

[Eaglesnest]

The battery life on my new R8 is ridiculously short. After a full charge, it shows low battery power after just a few of shots. Is there any reason why? Thank you for the tips. 

[Waddizzle]

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@Eaglesnest wrote:

I tried "View finder" only. Not in favor for that. Which is better Auto 1 or Auto 2?

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Which is best to use is entirely a matter of personal preference.  Experiment.

I believe #2 will only use the EVF, provided you keep the rear display fully closed and turned away from you.  This is how I usually store the camera.  When you open the display the exposure and AF point will switch to the rear screen.  

I like the “Live” version of the [Q] button display, without any sensor image.  It is a habit I developed from my using DSLRs, instead of using the tiny LCD display on the top of the camera.

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

Greetings,

In case your question about removing the battery from your camera when its not in use wasn't answered, I use the following as a guide.  

The longest I leave a battery in my camera is about 7 days.  If I'm not going to use my camera within that period, the battery comes out.  I never store a camera with a battery installed long term. 

If you aren't going to use a battery for an extended period, charge it to 50% or 70% and store it that way.  Cool dry place.  

Heat, my camera or lenses would never be subjected to a trunk, car interior or temps above 105*.  Either air conditioning or its with me.  If I was in the desert, or direct sunlight it would be shaded. 

If its too hot for me, its too hot for my gear.   Its a camera and I'm going to use it, but I'd try to protect it from extremes as best I could, taking reasonable precautions while enjoying it.  

[bama924]

I do not have a solution, I just want to add to your issue, because I have the same problem. These batteries are the same batteries that were used for my t7i and t8i and they lasted all day if not longer. I am a sports photographer and will shoot between 5000-6000 per day. Now that I have the R50 I will get a half day out of the new battery at most. It is not the battery, it is the camera.

[p4pictures]

EOS R50 has preview AF enabled by default. This is a huge drain on the battery. I suggest you disable it to improve battery life significantly. 

https://cam.start.canon/en/C011/manual/html/UG-06_AF-Drive_0070.html 

[bama924]

Thank you, I have disabled it, hopefully that will help, if not I carry 3 batteries with me at all times.