My Sony HDR-HC9 camcorder invariably runs out of juice EXACTLY when I’m in the middle of a vacation shot. I’ve learned to carry a spare in my pocket as well as a spare tape. I have five of the biggest batteries as well as the medium size one that came with the camcorder. I suppose it is possible to have too many batteries, but six seems to do the job. Remember, the hot shoe with your light , IR light, or shotgun microphone uses power. Just leaving the little cable plugged into the battery when the camcorder is off uses power. It may say UP TO NINE HOURS on the box, but you should figure on about three hours of continuous power if you are on a guided tour.
