Sony HDR-TG3 owners - what's your battery life?

[orpheus]

I'm trying to get some idea of what is a reasonable recording time for the TG3's battery. Currently I'm getting less than 30 mins on with stop/start recording on full HD. I leave the camcorder in standby mode, and use very little zoom.
It's disappointing, considering I barely have enough battery life to fill a 4GB memory stick (30 mins HD footage). The operating guide states a 'typical recording time' of 50 mins.

Would be very interested to know what kind of battery performance other owners are getting.

[orpheus]

I'm surprised there have been no responses to this. The Sony HDR-TG3 is a popular camcorder.

All I'm trying to do is establish if my camcorder's battery life is normal, as it's consistently giving half of the 'typical' recording time stated in the operating guide.

Today I used it to video my daughter's birthday, and barely managed to fill one 4GB memory stick before the battery gave up.

If this is normal, then it's a serious drawback to using this camcorder.

[senu]

The weekend was warm and sunny and folk may have been out shooting barbies ect
Lets see what happens from tomorrow

[orpheus]

Originally Posted by senu

The weekend was warm and sunny and folk may have been out shooting barbies ect
Lets see what happens from tomorrow

Just to be clear, I'm talking about stop/start shooting with the camcorder in quick start mode when not filming.

My observation has been that often when the camcorder powers on fully from quick start, the indicated battery life has reduced by 5 minutes!!

[twoodley]

I used mine in Scotland last week, taking 22 clips over 6 days with a total recording time of approx 25 minutes. It was not recharged, and is still showing 32 minutes battery remaining. Camera is always in quick start mode, and there was plenty of zooming, and some play back.
I must admit I have never found battery life to be an issue with this camera (or media card, but I do use a 16GB).

Terry

[gillsy]

Mine is really struggling at the moment similar to the OP, max time 30/35 mins in quick mode. Had to keep charging it at a recent wedding.