Purpose of the CR123 Batteries?

[rockoon]

Are the CR123 batteries necessary for shooting pictures when using an external flash like the SB24 which has a infra-red focus assist? I'm shooting without them but wondering if I'm causing any write delay problems like I see in Raw mode.

[Tom V]

According to the manual, the CR123A power the auto focus, aperture, shutter operation and exclusively charge the internal flash. In the absence of the CR123A batteries, all functions except the internal flash charging are handled by the AA batteries or AC Adapter. Image processing is handled exclusively by the AA battieres or AC Adapter.

Read the S2 Forums FAQ about batteries to learn more.

Go to http://www.botachtactical.com/toscr123a3vo.html to buy CR123As in bulk, 20 batts. for $25 - I use these and they work great.

I don't understand your trouble with write delays in RAW mode. I don't think the CR123As have anything to do with writing functions (image processing is handled by the AA batteries). However, if you don't use the CR123As, the AA batteries have to do everything, which drains the AAs faster, and may slow down overall operations because there is simply less power to go around.

I am not an electrical engineer.

[rockoon]

You do well for not being an electrical engineer. I tested your theory by using an external adapter and the picture write delay went from 2-3 seconds to milliseconds. So it's not a good idea to remove the CR123's since they source the extra current needed for write time.

While you have your EE hat on, I have a cheaper external 6 volt battery solution - do you know if I can use that since 4 x 1.5 batters = 6 volts.

Thanks,
Rocco

[Gabriel17]

the camera uses only 5 volts...

[rockoon]

When my AA's are low and I don't have CR123'a, the S2 delays a few seconds between multiple snapshots or it sometimes doesn't write the picture. But new AA's or just new CR123's with weak AA's fixes this.

I do see about a 10second write time for each raw picture though I can take multiple (tried 4) without a snapshot delay. I'm guessing there's a good memory buffer in the camera because the delay now goes to about 40 seconds for 4 pictures. Anyone know how many raw pictures it can buffer?

Any help on a memory card that would allow the S2 to write faster? I'm using a Lexar 12x 500 Meg.

[rgalang]

Just this afternoon, my camera wouldn't start. I thought something major was wrong. I replaced the AA batteries and thought I might have fried something...

Alas, I came home and plugged the adaptor while removing both battery sets and the camera started again.

Looks like, there's a dependence on the CR123A batteries when powering the camera. It's the first time mine has run out after about 2 weeks of continous shooting.

Raymond

[rgalang]

I took out the CR123A completely, and loaded the AAs. The camera started, it focused, it set aperture and shutter, and shot. Turned on the preview pane, and even played around with some function settings and the illumination button. All's working.

I loaded the dead CR123As again, and now the camera won't start.

Conclusion.
1. If the CR123As are dead, the camera won't start at all.
2. If you remove the CR123As, the camera will start. All camera functions will work except for the flash.

Raymond

[longman]

ya, If CR123 drain and still left in the body, We can't power on the cam.