Experiences with different rechargeable batteries

[magicbar]

First time digital camera owner( CanonPowershot A540)

I am interested in getting a set of 4 rechargeable AA batteries and charger and I am interested in what experiences you have had and what you might suggest I get?

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

 

[boBQuincy]

Maha (from Thomas Distributing) are the best I have found yet.

 

[tinksdad]

I agree with Bob! The PowerEx batts that Thomas sell are top notch. Their chargers are also very good as well.

 

[ang]

Good question...I started to wonder too. Also, How many do you need?

 

[magicbar]

Are the batteries compatible with any NI MH Charger (?) or do you have to purchase the battery charger for the specific brand of batteries.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have found this http://www.thomas-distributing.com/la_crosse_bc-900_battery_charger.php to be an excellent charger, for AA and AAA. It was highly recommended on Steve's Digital site. One thing that is very helpful is that it can pinpoint a defective battery, something a regular charger will not do. In the past 18 months I have found 2 defective batteries, both replaced, (and then some) by the battery manufacturer.

 

[Geoff_M]

Are the batteries compatible with any NI MH Charger (?) or do you have to purchase the battery charger for the specific brand of batteries.

All that matters is that the charger be for the specific type of battery (NiCad vs. NiMH vs. Li Ion). Each type of battery has a certain electric "potential" based on the materials used, meaning their voltages actually deviate from 1.5V somewhat. I don't know if this is the reason why the chargers are different, but I have a Eveready charger that has a slide switch to indicate whether you're charging NiCad's or NiMH batteries.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Can I use the Maha PowerEx batteries for my Sony H5? The batteries say they are 2700 mAH while the specs for the Sony H5 says "Battery Capacity: 1.2V, 2100 mAh x2". Does that mean I shouldn't get a battery higher than 2100 mAh? Not that I understand any of what that means.

I would really love to get better battery performance.

Thanks for all help understanding this!!!!

 

[dr50ca05]

I had a broken Sony W-1 that took NIHM AA Batteries. I bought a bunch as it allowed me to take a lot of pictures with minimal charging. I have switched to a Sony W-100 and that takes Sony's Proprietary Battery G Series and doesn't let me take the amount that i would like.

 

[Groucho]

Can I use the Maha PowerEx batteries for my Sony H5? The batteries say they are 2700 mAH while the specs for the Sony H5 says "Battery Capacity: 1.2V, 2100 mAh x2". Does that mean I shouldn't get a battery higher than 2100 mAh? Not that I understand any of what that means.

You should be fine. Your camera will probably work on any AAs put in there - theoretically, they all provide 1.5v, just like AAAs, Cs, Ds, etc. The mAh rating is more a measure of how long they'll provide the charge, not how much charge.

(Yes, not all batteries actually do produce 1.5v. But that's generally the assumed amount.)

I go between an old Maha charger and a cheapie 1-hour Rayovac (mostly because the Rayovac will change a single battery, while the Maha needs pairs - this isn't an issue on the new ones) and mostly Lenmar 2500mAh batteries - got a 20-pack for $21, I couldn't refuse that deal!