Flaky Nikon D200 battery life

In the September 6 blog entry, I reported trouble with the battery life of my Nikon D200, at that time less than 6 weeks old. The D200 was sent into Nikon for repair, and returned the day after I had left for my trip to Norway (That’s why my color photos in Norway were taken with a Canon EOS 5D). I used the D200 on a number of occasions since then, and it seemed to work fine, with normal battery life, though I didn’t put it to any rigorous test.

Two days ago, I pulled the D200 out of the drawer, not having used it for about 2 weeks. I turned it on, and the battery info showed 100% (using the “Battery Info” menu). I shot a frame or two as a sanity check, put it into the bag, and went to my shoot. About a dozen frames later, the red battery low indicator was flashing within the viewfinder, and the D200 died, corrupting the last NEF. Total shots on that battery: 46.

Fortunately, I had brought along a point and shoot camera (an infrared-converted Fuji S6000). Better than nothing. I won’t ever trust to having one D200 battery ever again.

Later in the day, I installed a freshly-charged battery. Today, two days later, “Battery Info” reads at 87%, with a “Pic. Meter” of 11.

My D2x never behaved so badly, exhibiting stellar battery life. I guess it’s time to send the D200 in for a 2nd repair.