Steve'sDigicams

coachjames · Feb 27, 2007, 2:44 PM

I have a DSC H5 and I love the photos it takes. However, I have noticed that my flash is very slow to regenerate. It can sometimes take 20 seconds or more for the flash to be ready between uses. I have tried a variety of batteries and no luck. Cheaper batteries take longer, of course, but even with the expensive ones, it takes a long time. Obviously, it does depend on how bright the flash is, but even just on normal setting, it can take up to 20 seconds. Does anyone else have this issue? Is there some fix? Is it a problem with my camera? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated because this can really stunt my photo taking opportunities.

CyberShotNut · Feb 27, 2007, 3:06 PM

20 seconds? Something is definitely not right, the longest ittakes minewhen shooting at furthest flash range is about 5 seconds to recharge the flash capacitor.

CyberShotNut · Feb 28, 2007, 8:59 PM

I was just testing different batteries in my H5 and it seems like the Sony 2500 batteries that came with it make the flash recharge time much longer than the other different types of batteries I normally use. With all the different batteries I've tried, the Lenmar NoMem 2000mAh NiMH batteries charged the flash capacitor the quickest followed by the Sony 2100mAh ones. the slowest were the Energizer 2500mAh and the Sony 2500mAh for some strange reason. All of the batteries I tried were fully charged.

coachjames · Mar 1, 2007, 11:48 AM

Excellent, thanks for the info! I will give all those a try and see how it goes. Fortunately, I purchased the extra warrenty, so I shouldn't have any trouble if it needs to go back.

paniolo · Mar 1, 2007, 12:46 PM

Sorry for responding late - my H5 takes about 10-12 seconds when flash is discharged at full power (25 feet). I have not checked different battery brands but the Sony seems to be the most consistant and holds charge MUCH better than the 2650 Duracells. I have had good luck with Panasonics also - Duracells have been a major disappointment as I purchased three 4-packs and will trash these as they are not reliable when stored for a short period of time (few days).

Wirraway · Mar 1, 2007, 11:44 PM

I don't know if you can get them in theU.S. but SANYO Eneloop AAbatteries seem to be best for holding charge, I find that occasional shooting my eneloop 2000mah are still fine after 7 weeks on my H5.

paniolo · Mar 2, 2007, 12:28 AM

I believe that they are available in the USA. Whay are your flash recycle times like when shooting at max distance?

coachjames · Mar 3, 2007, 2:56 PM

I'll try some of those different batteries. It may be just that I am expecting too much out of my batteries.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Steve'sDigicams

Recent Camera Reviews

Most Active Forums

Most Popular Deals

Latest Feature Articles

Feb 27, 2007, 2:44 PM	#1
coachjames Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 75	I have a DSC H5 and I love the photos it takes. However, I have noticed that my flash is very slow to regenerate. It can sometimes take 20 seconds or more for the flash to be ready between uses. I have tried a variety of batteries and no luck. Cheaper batteries take longer, of course, but even with the expensive ones, it takes a long time. Obviously, it does depend on how bright the flash is, but even just on normal setting, it can take up to 20 seconds. Does anyone else have this issue? Is there some fix? Is it a problem with my camera? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated because this can really stunt my photo taking opportunities.

Feb 27, 2007, 3:06 PM	#2
CyberShotNut Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 673	20 seconds? Something is definitely not right, the longest ittakes minewhen shooting at furthest flash range is about 5 seconds to recharge the flash capacitor.

Feb 28, 2007, 8:59 PM	#3
CyberShotNut Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 673	I was just testing different batteries in my H5 and it seems like the Sony 2500 batteries that came with it make the flash recharge time much longer than the other different types of batteries I normally use. With all the different batteries I've tried, the Lenmar NoMem 2000mAh NiMH batteries charged the flash capacitor the quickest followed by the Sony 2100mAh ones. the slowest were the Energizer 2500mAh and the Sony 2500mAh for some strange reason. All of the batteries I tried were fully charged.

Mar 1, 2007, 11:48 AM	#4
coachjames Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 75	Excellent, thanks for the info! I will give all those a try and see how it goes. Fortunately, I purchased the extra warrenty, so I shouldn't have any trouble if it needs to go back.

Mar 1, 2007, 12:46 PM	#5
paniolo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hawaii Posts: 569	Sorry for responding late - my H5 takes about 10-12 seconds when flash is discharged at full power (25 feet). I have not checked different battery brands but the Sony seems to be the most consistant and holds charge MUCH better than the 2650 Duracells. I have had good luck with Panasonics also - Duracells have been a major disappointment as I purchased three 4-packs and will trash these as they are not reliable when stored for a short period of time (few days).

Mar 1, 2007, 11:44 PM	#6
Wirraway Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Posts: 421	I don't know if you can get them in theU.S. but SANYO Eneloop AAbatteries seem to be best for holding charge, I find that occasional shooting my eneloop 2000mah are still fine after 7 weeks on my H5.

Mar 2, 2007, 12:28 AM	#7
paniolo Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Hawaii Posts: 569	I believe that they are available in the USA. Whay are your flash recycle times like when shooting at max distance?

Mar 3, 2007, 2:56 PM	#8
coachjames Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 75	I'll try some of those different batteries. It may be just that I am expecting too much out of my batteries.