Batteries?

[Spinning]

My camera takes AA. I have been using the energizer silver rechargables. For about 3 years. I am on my 3rd set (well actually 6th since I have 2 sets)
Is a year about the life of the batteries? I use my camera constantly!
The batteries now are not holding a charge once again. When they are charged they work well, but if I dont' use the camera for a day, they are dead.
I need to replace them again. So any suggestions? Or is this how rechargeables work?

 

[Dan Murphy]

I use the Energizer 2500mAH NiMH. Here is a spec sheet on them.....

http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/nh15-2500.pdf

I would think a year, with constant use, would be a reasonable use time.

 

[TwoOldPoohs]

here is some information on rechargeable batteries:

http://www.greenbatteries.com/nibafa.html

How many times can a rechargeable battery be recharged?

I normally answer that question by simply saying "hundreds". The reason I can't be more precise is because this is a more complex question to answer than it might seem. The number of times a battery can be recharged depends on how the battery is used. An analogy that is sometimes used is to compare a rechargeable battery to a loaf of bread. Suppose someone asked, how many slices can be cut from a loaf of unsliced bread? The answer, of course, depends on how thick or thin the bread is sliced. If the slices are very thin it can be cut into more slices. The same is true for recharging a battery. Every time a rechargeable battery goes through a charge and discharge cycle it loses a tiny bit of capacity.


If the battery is completely discharged before it is recharged, that takes a bigger "slice" of the battery's capacity, if it is only partially discharged a before recharging, it uses up a smaller "slice". A NiMH battery can be charged and discharged hundreds of times, but whether that means 200 times or 800 times has a lot to do with how big of a "slice" you take each time. ​

Also, there is some more info here: http://rechargeablebatteryinfo.com/rechargeable-batteries-faqs.php

 

[boBQuincy]

If the batteries go dead after being in the camera overnight they are probably defective or the camera is draining them. NiMH batteries have a fairly slow self-discharge rate and should not quit overnight when they are not being used.

I am not a big fan of Energizers (but I like the bunny), the best NiMH cells I have used are Maha, sold by Thomas Distributing. I am not sure who actually makes the cells but Steves-digicams reviews sold me on them and their chargers.

I hope this isn't too commercial.

 

[manning]

Sanyo, right now, is considered as one of the best brands. If you can't find them look at the Sony brand. But if you do, look for the initials "HR" on them. This indicates it as a Sanyo battery.

 

[ukcatfan]

Do not forget about the charger. If you are using one that came with the first Energizers that you bought, then you are right about normal for the life. Get a better charger that charges each cell individually to get a longer life. The Maha chargers from Thomas are a good choice. As for the batteries, I would avoid no-name brands, large volume discounts on Ebay, and cells made outside of Japan. I have heard bad things about new Energizers that are now made in China. My 6mo. old Energizers are from Japan.

Kevin

 

[Dan Murphy]

....I am not a big fan of Energizers (but I like the bunny), the best NiMH cells I have used are Maha, sold by Thomas Distributing. I am not sure who actually makes the cells but Steves-digicams reviews sold me on them and their chargers.

I hope this isn't too commercial.

Steves reviews, http://www.steves-digicams.com/nimh_batteries.html#chargers convinced me of this Lacrosse unit. It is great, being able to diagnose faulty batteries. Not too cheap, but WELL worth it. And again, available at Thomas, another great site.

 

[Spinning]

Thanks for the info.
I think that the batteries are just at the end of their life since this is the 3rd time to replace them and this how they all ended their life!
I really need new batteries by Tue afternoon. SO I have to purchase something either today or tomorrow. (either just buy throw aways till I can order something or get another batch of the energizer.) the engergizers when new worked great.

 

[ukcatfan]

You could get a pack of lithiums to hold you over until you can research it more.