I've got the same camera RBBH and yes I've left it off before too. But I have a question for you. Do you use the 6 extra batteries everytime or is this a waste? I think last year all my pics came out over the feeding stations with just the AA's in the camera but trail locations had fewer pics and I needed the reserve power. For what it's worth $99.00 it's very very good and shoots great pics.