Abstract: In order to reduce the power requirement of the recording device (1) and thereby to achieve long operating readiness, the recording device (1) is placed in a stand-by state (Z3) during phases when recording is inactive, in which state its control electronics (22) function in power-saving mode. When a charger (3) is connected, the accumulator (2) is charged. The recording device (1) is placed into an operative state (Z4), if the accumulator (4) has a sufficient charge. To further reduce the power requirement, the recording device (1), from the stand-by state (Z3, is separated from the accumulator (2) by opening an electric switch (12), if it has remained in the stand-by state for a certain period of time. The state of charge of the accumulator (2) is monitored, and if it falls below a certain level and the charger (3) is disconnected, the recording device (1) is placed into the electrically shut off state (2), and if the charger (3) is connected, it is placed into the stand-by state (Z3).