Which batteries for digital camera

Lugh_Chronain

If they were rechargeables then I guess they would be very expensive. I think I must have been reading about the type you use in vehicles, laptops and phones mostly. What I was reading was interesting though a bit vague. It did actually mention the latter though I was thinking along the lines of the type we are discussing here. I think I was getting my wires crossed as I'm constantly thinking AA & AAA type batteries as people appear to enquire about these quite frequently.

Country_Cousin

I buy the Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries for my camera (not rechargable). They are expensive but last for months.... Theyare on BOGOF at Argos at the moment (sorry cannot post a link).

Lugh_Chronain

Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries might be cheaper if bought from 7dayshop.

16 batteries are currently £15.39 and 4 are currently £5.19 as opposed to Argos who are selling 2 x 2 packs for £7.49.

I just read as well that the Extra Long-Life Alkaline Battery Value Packs at Maplin are more cost effective than the lithium batteries. According to what I read they cost just 25p an hour to run in very high-drain conditions, compared to 40p an hour for the Energizer lithiums. I'll leave that to you to decide. Not very environmental though!

http://www.maplin.co.uk/extra-long-life-alkaline-battery-value-packs-37067

bcl999

Not sure about those Maplin Extra ones. On the item page it says they have 20% more cpapcity than standard but Lithium are supposed to be 6 times more.

Thanks for confirming that you canstill get them about £1 each on internet as I am needing to buy some again.

Lugh_Chronain

Yeah, you could be right. Don't know where the poster of the above info got it from or how they worked it out either so can't verify it.

MiliM

I worked in a camera shop for years, we only used to use lithium batteries and rechargeables. Most people don't realise that some standard batteries are not strong enough to even power up a camera these days so using something strong is the only way to get the most from your camera.

I recommend the energizer ultimate lithium batteries - these are the strongest around and the best for digital cameras in my experience. As for rechargables, going for the cheapest isn't always best, a lot of cheaper makes take longer to charge - up to 8 hrs which is really not cost effective when you consider the electric bill. Also, buy cheap and you'll probably buy twice, maybe three times. When you buy rechargables check the charge time and also, its essential that the batteries are 2000mh or more otherwise you're getting very little power into the camera and this will affect its features and make it run slower.

Lugh_Chronain

It also depends on the charger too. Can be a bit contentious though as some people say the best way to charge a NiMH battery is with a fixed low current (trickle charging). Though this can be inconvenient for some as was pointed out here.

This was also pointed out recently on HotUKDeals as well:

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/7dayshop-super-fast-808lcd-battery-charger-for-aa-aaa-type-batteries-5-19-delivered-1149032?page=3#post13768311

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/7dayshop-super-fast-808lcd-battery-charger-for-aa-aaa-type-batteries-5-19-delivered-1149032?page=3#post13768368

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/7dayshop-super-fast-808lcd-battery-charger-for-aa-aaa-type-batteries-5-19-delivered-1149032?page=3#post13770131

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/7dayshop-super-fast-808lcd-battery-charger-for-aa-aaa-type-batteries-5-19-delivered-1149032?page=4#post13773270

Another thing to consider, make sure to bring spare batteries when heading off to take photos as well, just incase. I made this mistake when I was last abroad, I didn't want to bring my charger with me as I didn't fancy the hassle of taking it out before boarding the plain, unfortunately the battery died quicker than I expected.

Lugh_Chronain

Incidentally, the 808LCD charger has gone up to £7.79. Still a fairly good price though as this is normally around £7.99. I wouldn't take much notice of the RRP though as this appears to be misleading, these where never that price. I notice too that the normal price is marked up as £10.19, yesterday it was £9 something, makes it look like you're getting more of a bargain. Still it's pretty good charger all the same.

Lugh_Chronain

Just discovered 7dayshop's 808LCD charger is also listed on eBay priced £5.55 plus free delivery.

See here.

CpHarding

Don't forget rechargeable batteries are only 1.2V rather than 1.5V, if the camera uses multiple batteries, say 4, then when the batteries are fully charged you are 1.2V below what the camera expects. This can cause shorted battery lives with rechargeable, as the camera may cut out at 1V per cell.

MiliM wrote: »

I worked in a camera shop for years, we only used to use lithium batteries and rechargeables. Most people don't realise that some standard batteries are not strong enough to even power up a camera these days so using something strong is the only way to get the most from your camera.

I'm guessing this is what MiliM is talking about, Power is a measure of voltage and current, AA batteries have a standard voltage of 1.5V for alkaline and 1.2V for rechargeable, regardless of brand. It is easily possible to draw 1.5A out of AA's so current isn't an issue. The main difference between the different types of batteries are the lifetime ( this will also differ with different loads). Lithium are great for long life applications, but they generally are pricey. If you are going through Duracells on a daily basis, perhaps the problem is leaving the screen on when the camera isn't in use, or overusing a flash?