Rechargable Nimh batteries for digital camera?

Question

Hi. I am looking for some rechargable NiMH batteries for my digital camera. The ones I have used, alkaline and some rechargables have all drained very quickly while using them, causing the loss of some great photo opportunities with my granddaughter. At seven months, she not so willing to "strike a pose" again for Grandpa. Aren't most batteries made by just a few different manufacturers and specific labels, (e.g. Kodak, Sony, etc) put on them? What is a good brand to buy that is reliable? Thank you. Chuckie

Answer 1

NiMH batteries do not hold their charges very long, but if used soon after charging should be able to produce 200 or more images as long as you use good energy management control.  Turn off the camera between shooting sessions, keep the LCD turned off unless it is absolutely necessary to have it turned on.  Do not use your LCD to show off you images.

As long as the batteries you buy are rated at least 2500 mAh, you should be able to get good runs from them (a four pack of them with a charger is under $30)

The next camera you buy look for one that uses a Li-ion battery.  They are the state of the art batteries used in digital cameras and can last up to 5 years ... and hold their charges for weeks on end.  My newest one can get nearly 1000 shots per charge

Answer 2

You may want to consider the hybrid battery made by Rayovac. NiMH (nickel metal hydride) holds nearly triple the power capacity of alkaline but self-discharges or loses its charge in weeks or few days even if not used. Alkaline batteries hold their charges for months, you may keep them in storage for half a year and they are ready for use once you pop it in your camera.

The new hybrid battery by Rayovac promises to deliver high power capacity inherent in the NiMH and the slower discharge characteristics of the alkaline. You can buy a set which includes the charger, 6 AA and 2 AAA for about 20 dollars. The caveat: a set of 4 AA batteries need 8 hrs or up to overnight to charge fully. (Some NiMH batteries can be full of juice in 15-30 minutes if using a compatible charger.)

Lithium ion AA battery (not to confuse with the plain lithium battery which is non-rechargable) holds greater power capacity than alkaline and NiMH and has a low self-discharge rate. However they are harder to find and costs nearly two to three times the price of NiMH or hybrid.

PS response to your additional info: If "off brand" battery is what you are looking for, I recommend the brand UltraLast. I have been using a set of 4 AAs (rated at 2600mAh) for more than a year. Last July 4th I had those batteries in my digital SLR, at the end of fireworks show and 200+ pictures later (some of them timed exposures from 1 to 10 seconds, no flash, manual focus) my camera's battery meter still had 1 out of 2 bars.

The company that makes the Ultralast brand has introduced a new hybrid NiMH branded as Hybrio. I have not tried them though. Regular Ultralast NiMH 4 AA pack costs about $10 while the Hybrio costs the same by itself and $15 with an included charger. (Prices quoted are actual instore retail price by a large electronics store in California.)

Answer 3

have the same experience, those cameras sure suck batteries. i have heard & read reviews about sanyo eneloop batteries which although they have a lower ma/h rating (2000) compared to some other rechargeables (some go to 2750) they are SUPPOSED to last longer because they hold their charge better & don't self discharge as quickly. i.e. they still retain almost full charge whenever left for weeks or even months without being used. SUPPOSEDLY they do last longer when shooting continuously but i haven't yet tried them, i will do so sometime soon....good luck