D40 Shots per Battery Charge? (or how can I power the camera for long sessions)

[saintcore]

Hello everybody, I'm new in this forum and I have been experimenting with photography in the last months.
I'm doing time lapse photography with my D40 and Nikon's Camera Control Pro 2. Last night I calculated the shots needed for a 30 seconds 24fps video, in 7 hours of night wich resulted in a shot every 35 seconds.
I configured everything and went to sleep. When I woke up I went to see the camera, but the software had an error because the battery of the camera was empty and it just took about 3,5 hours of pictures (~275 photos).

The question is: Can I power the D40 with some especial cable or something so it can last all night taking pictures?
Am I doing something wrong with my method?

Thanks a lot for your time.
Best regards.

[CiiVii]

The only thing that comes to mind is getting a vertical battery grip which will hold an additional battery and/or AA batteries as well. There may be other/better solutions.

[lil red bird]

not sure but nikon does offer an AC power cord for some cameras.
There is one for the D50 ac adapter EH5

[Almond.Butterscotch]

how exactly do you have your d40 programed? I can usually get away with ~800 shots on a full charge

[CiiVii]

Was searching my manual for something else and came across this today:

EH-5a or EH-5 AC adapter can be used to power the D40 for extended periods. Needs EP-5 power connector.

[saintcore]

Originally Posted by Almond.Butterscotch

how exactly do you have your d40 programed? I can usually get away with ~800 shots on a full charge

Maybe it is because of the long exposure of the photos at night (P mode, WB AUTO 0)
I think I have to use that, otherwise the more shiny sky photos would be overexposed....


I was exploring accesories and I found this:

EH-5A AC Adapter from Nikon

...But the price everywhere is around 80 bucks!!

Is there another cheaper option?
Thanks guys for replying

[dcclark]

Long exposures will kill the battery fast. Taking back-to-back 30 second exposures to make star trail photos, I can usually get only about 90 minutes' worth.

I agree, the EH-5A may be the only option.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

if you dare, you could try eBay...

[saintcore]

Originally Posted by Almond.Butterscotch

if you dare, you could try eBay...

On eBay is even more expensive!

EH-5A, Cameras Photo, Electronics. Great deals on eBay!

Anyways, thanks guys. I appreciate your help.
I guess I will have to keep on searching, maybe get an used one.

See ya!

[Almond.Butterscotch]

I meant cheap Hong Kong off-brands.