I've seen a few posts by early K-x customers saying they were having battery problems with the included Energizer Lithium batteries.
As I typically grab a few sample cameras from early production runs, I've checked my three different units (as pictured in a previous post). I wanted to see if by chance I had units with bad batteries to eliminate that as a factor. All performed properly with the provided batteries.
Note, the specs in the K-x operating manual are based on both CIPA standards as well as our own measuring conditions. Having said that, your actual results with AA Lithium battery life will vary based on shooting conditions (cold weather) and shooting modes. The manual states for "normal recording" you should get 1900 images; with flash, "50% use", you should get 1100 images; and in "playback time" the batteries should last 680 minutes.
Since I wanted to confirm my own tests, I also asked one of our product support specialists to test another K-x sample to see how that unit performed with the provided batteries. In his tests, he did not shoot video, but simply took photos with the K-x. Here's his feedback: "So far, I've shot over 3,000 pictures with the same set of included batteries (FA 50mm f1.4, Program and Auto Pict modes, autofocus on each shot, Shake Reduction on, single shot mode, flash on over 1/3 of the images, camera defaults, varied subjects and distances). The low-battery indicator has come on 3 times (after 1200 exposures) but a 1 or 2 minute rest from shooting restored the full battery indicator and I kept on shooting. The battery indicator has just turned red." While your own results will vary, these results are positive and I thought it'd be worthwhile to share with you.
I should add that with regards to the provided batteries (or any batteries you use with the K-x), you should wait a few seconds before you turn "on" the camera after installing new batteries. I'm not an engineer, but in simple terms I think the batteries need to be recognized by the camera as part of "start-up", and if you boot the camera immediately it might not have time to identify the type of battery installed.
From a camera setting standpoint, I've tried switching the camera's "Select Battery" setting from "Auto-detect" to "Ni-MH", and I have not found this effects my performance with batteries whatsoever. I believe these settings are primarily used in case you're inserting non-fresh or somewhat depleted batteries, and by selecting the precise battery it helps the system more quickly identify the battery type.
As I am a long time user of rechargeable AA Ni-MH batteries, I've also tested both my Maha Powerex batteries as well as my Eneloops, and they work fine with the K-x. My advise to new users of these type of rechargeable batteries is to make sure you buy a good charger that provides a slow and cool charge to the batteries, as well as the ability to "condition" the batteries. To learn more about batteries and chargers, I'd suggest you check out Thomas Distributors (http://www.thomasdistributing.com). I've bought batteries and chargers from them for many years. Their range of products and service is great. They also have good information about batteries on their website if you'd like to read up on this topic.
So from my limited tests, it appears the units we have access to are working properly. The different type of batteries I have tested are recognized by the K-x, and the battery level indicator seems to be reporting charge level accurately. Of course, we'll continue to monitor the experiences some of you are having.
Hope this information helps and happy shooting with your K-x!
