This camera has an internal rechargeable battery for maintaining the date and time and other settings regardless of whether the power is on or off, or whether the battery pack is charged or discharged. This rechargeable battery is continually charged as long as you are using the product. However, if you use the product for only short periods, it gradually discharges. If you do not use the product at all for about 2 month(s) it becomes completely discharged. In this case, be sure to charge this rechargeable battery before using the product. However, even if this rechargeable battery is not charged, you can still use the product as long as you do not record the date and time.