Video only recording for very short periods, using high quality fully charged batteries

I would suspect poor quality batteries in the battery pack or memory in the pack from recharging a partially charged pack instead of letting it work to flat condition. New batteries take hours to fully charge so if you just plugged in the charger for a short time before use then the battery pack may nit have been fully charged to start with.

From what you describe and assuming the new battery was "new", I'd say you have an internal short which is draining the battery over a short period of time. I'd also investigate the accuracy of the battery charge indicator. Download this free utility which will give you a more accurate picture of your battery:
http://www.mioplanet.com/products/batterymeter/

I'm assuming you gave the battery a "commissioning charge" when you bought and used it?
If not, this is something you should do with all new LI batteries. This bit is reproduced from a website that sells batteries for the Toshiba satellite series:

"2. The new Toshiba Satellite a205-s4777 battery pack needs to be circled (fully discharged and recharged) three to five times to reach its optimum performance.
3. Toshiba Satellite a205-s4777 battery will undergo self-discharging when left unused for a long period of time. Thus, it should always be stored in a fully charged state and kept in a cool, dry and clean place.
4. It is normal if the new Toshiba Satellite a205-s4777 battery gets warm when being charged or used. However, please pay special attention if the battery pack becomes excessively hot. This may indicate there is a problem with the charging circuit of the electronic device. Please consult a qualified technician if necessary.
5. To maintain the optimum performance of Toshiba Satellite a205-s4777 battery pack, it is highly recommended to circle (fully discharging and recharging) it at least once a month.
6. New batteries are hard to be charged. Sometimes, your electronic device may indicate a fully charged condition about 10 to 15 minutes when Toshiba Satellite a205-s4777 battery pack is being charged for the first time. When this happens, remove the battery pack and let it cool down for about 10 to 15 minutes then repeat the charging procedure. Sometimes, the new Satellite a205-s4777 battery will suddenly refuse to be charged. If this happens, a suggested solution is trying to remove the battery from the device and insert it again. "

Sounds like the battery is probably faulty. If it is more than 6 months old that is the most likely cause, especially if you tend to use it plugged in a lot or plug it in for short periods.
Replacement batteries are readily available

Vivitar say this camera supports SD cards up to 8 GIGABYTES. That's hours of video I would think, depending on the quality you record at.

BATTERY TIPS

Now a days in LITHIUM BATTERIES are used no memory effect

always charge battery for 16 hours when first use new

never keep ur battery fully discharged for long time when u store ur camera always keep it half charged or fully charged when storing for longer period

it is good to fully discharge once in a month but dont make it ur habit

pls rate me FIXYA for help

Introduction
Combining a mirrored surface and metal body, Transcend’s MP840 catches people’s eyes. This new MP3 player is easy to carry because of its compact size (82mm long x 40.5mm wide x 12.5mm deep) and light weight (70g with battery). The 1.8-inch color TFT-LCD screen with high resolution (176 x 220 pixels), which delivers the best image quality, is especially designed for video and photo playback. The 3-phase wheel is easy to use and the brilliant graphic user interface displays clearly through the shiny screen.
As a portable multimedia center, the MP840 supports many audio and video formats such as MTV, JPG, BMP, MP3, WMA, WMA-DRM10, and WAV. This allows you to enjoy your favorite videos, music, or photos. In addition, you can read e-books with the MP840. It features a lyrics display, and is equipped with 7 equalizer effects that include a customizable USER EQ mode for you to create your own music style. With a fully charged battery, the MP840 supports up to 30 hours of continuous playback, so you can enjoy music all day.
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Features
- 1.8-inch (176 x 220 pixel) Super Color LCD Display for Playing Videos and Photos
- Plays Music, Video (.mtv) and Photos (.jpg, .bmp)
- MP3 Player supports MP3, WMA, WMA-DRM10 (subscription music) and WAV music formats
- FM Radio (FM Radio recording and the ability to preset 20 FM radio stations)
- Advanced Digital Voice Recorder
- Ability to read E-books (.txt)
- Karaoke-type lyrics display
- VAD (Voice Activation Detection), Very High quality Gapless Audio Recordings
- A-B repeat function allows you to continuously replay a designated section of a track
- Variable Track Playback speeds
- Supports 13 user languages including song/artist name display
(English, German, French, Japanese, Korean, Greek, Russian, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish, Simple Chinese, Traditional Chinese)
- USB Flash Drive capabilities for data transfer and storage
- Included Software can be used to Lock your computer and setup Passwords for your files
- 7 Equalizer effects, including a customizable USER EQ setting
- Powered using a rechargeable Li-ion battery (fully charged battery supports over 30 hours of
continuous music operation) *
- Hi-Speed Mini USB 2.0 port for easy computer connectivity and fast file transfers
- Real Time Clock (RTC) displays local and world times
- Sleep Mode, preset the player to Auto-Power OFF after 15, 30, or 60 minutes
- Automatic screen saver runs if the unit is idle for more than a few seconds, this acts as a battery saving measure




hope this info helps u....

there can be many reasons. rusted contacts, or blown up fuses, or a short circuit in the power board, and may be some thing else. No one can help unless he examines the camera.

Approximate number of recording images and playback times based on Minolta' s standard test condition* are as follows: *test condition: CIPA-compliant. (LCD monitor on, 1600x1200 size images, Normal image quality, Flash used with 50% of the frames) Recording Alkaline batteries : Approx. 80 frames Ni-MH batteries (2100mAh): Approx. 410 frames CR-V3 : Approx. 720 frames Playback Alkaline batteries : Approx. 275 min. Ni-MH batteries (2100mAh): Approx. 340 min. CR-V3 : Approx. 518 min.

Approximate number of recording images : AA size Alkaline batteries: 240 frames *1 AA size Ni-MH batteries (2500mAh): 420 frames *1 Test condition Conforming to CIPA(Camera & Imaging Products Association): *1: LCD monitor on, Full-size images: 2560x1920, Standard image quality, No instant playback, Flash used with 50% of the frames, No full-time AF, one image at every 30 sec., turning the power on/off at every ten images. Approximate period of playback images: Test condition Based on Konica Minolta's standard test method: AA size Alkaline batteries: 240 min. AA size Ni-MH batteries (2500mAh): 330 min. *Since the performance may vary depending on conditions, recording mode, and subjects, these are approximate values only.