Rechargable Batteries

Youdontseeme

Wasn't sure where to put this so please move if needs be.

I need to get some rechargable batteries for my new camera and was wondering are some better than others?

I was looking at this Duracell one http://www.rechargeablebatteries.co.uk/products/480/Duracell_Multi_Charger__13_Batteries

Is there much difference in the brands I seem to spend a fortune on batteries these days. so something that will do more that one type would be handy... or do they all do more than one type??

Any advice?

Ta
YDSM

sillygoose

I always used to think they would be pretty much the same, if you compared the capacity of one to another - the higher the mAh value (the amount of energy stored) the better but they are not! (makers telling porkies!)

I tried numerous cheaper but high capacity ones and my camera was rapidly showing low battery warning after little use, I was forever faffing with recharging to ensure they would last or the camera was usable in a hurry if needed.

I then tried the Duracells, what a difference! despite being lower rated they last forever in comparison before the low battery indicator comes on.

Just came back from a 2 week holiday, took over 450 pics on my Fuji Bridge camera, a lot with flash due to bright backgrounds and screen on. I charged once before going and they are are still going strong.

Put it this way, I wouldn't risk buying anything else now, I know these perform for a fact.

PS - another factor, I found the other brands 'self discharge' even when not used at a much faster rate, a real pain if you want to grab the camera for a quick occasion - the Duracells are still good for weeks and weeks in standby - don't know how long exactly!

sillygoose

The charger is only £11 on Amazon, so if you don't want to spend so much in one go you could get it and add batteries as you go.

Youdontseeme

I have a Fuji too (HS10) and so far have been using ordinary batteries but noticed a huge difference in the amount of shots between Duracell and other brands.

I had forgot about amazon and had a gift voucher so the charger and 8 betteries for a tenner = result!

Now I really have to work out how to use my camera properly!

Thanks for the help
YDSM

DCFC79

Sillygoose which is the charger and batteries your refereing to, been after some rechargeables for the camera but not got round to buying any

pogofish

I have been very pleasantly surprised by the quality and capacity of the nimh rechargables Lidl occasionally sell these last few years. Last time I looked, they were 2700mAh for AA cells.

Right-up there with brands costing 4-5 times as much.

sillygoose

pogofish wrote: »

I have been very pleasantly surprised by the quality and capacity of the nimh rechargables Lidl occasionally sell these last few years. Last time I looked, they were 2700mAh for AA cells.

Right-up there with brands costing 4-5 times as much.

I know, got a cupboard full of them!!

as I was saying above just because they 'say' 2700 doesn't mean they are.

But actually I think its down to internal impedance - Lidl ones 'may' hold 2700mAh of energy in total and be fine for some things, but for other thing that may have a short term, high current demands - they struggle to release that energy quick enough causing the device to play up. The Duracells don't have this issue so give a much longer usage time in practice.

Youdontseeme

sillygoose wrote: »

I know, got a cupboard full of them!!

as I was saying above just because they 'say' 2700 doesn't mean they are.

But actually I think its down to internal impedance - Lidl ones 'may' hold 2700mAh of energy in total and be fine for some things, but for other thing that may have a short term, high current demands - they struggle to release that energy quick enough causing the device to play up. The Duracells don't have this issue so give a much longer usage time in practice.

So in very basic terms the Lidl ones would be perfectly fine for the tv remote and me pepper grinder but not so good for stuff like cameras??

All this mAh stuff goes over my head a bit!

sillygoose

DCFC79 wrote: »

Sillygoose which is the charger and batteries your referring to, been after some rechargeables for the camera but not got round to buying any

Can't vouch for if it any good (I have a lidl special fast charger myself) but its a good brand and price and seems to cover all the bases...

Batteries I use are these... makes the cheaper ones at a couple of quid cheaper not worth it, as I said above.

or more..here

not saying best deal around, may be worth searching Amazon, often the best deals on there if you find free shipping suppliers.

sillygoose

Youdontseeme wrote: »

So in very basic terms the Lidl ones would be perfectly fine for the tv remote and me pepper grinder but not so good for stuff like cameras??

All this mAh stuff goes over my head a bit!

You got it! although for example in a TV remote that uses little power not often the Lidl ones would still need charging more often as they 'self-discharge' quicker. Not a great problem though. Pepper grinder isn't going to complain either.


PS - some electronic devices (like TV remotes may not like the lower voltage from rechargeables. For these things and clocks etc I use Kodak non-rechargeable batteries from Poundland.. pretty good quality and value packs for £1.

SteveJW

Problems I have found is that some of the rapid chargers do not charge high capacity batteries fully.

I use an old charger that does not automatically cut off, look on the net for the required charging time for the batteries in question, this is calculated using the charging current of the charger and the rating of the batteries. Plug the charger into a timer and set the appropriate time

Steve