Rechargeable AA's and your camera

[Melissa_E]

Can you give me an idea of how after market rechargeable batteries work in your camera? I'm considering getting Duracell or Energizer rechargeable batteries and I'm wondering if they would be worth it. How long do they last, is it comparable to the rechargeables that came with your camera?

I have a Sony H5, similar to the Canon S3/S5.

 

[Melissa_E]

OK dokie.... I just googled this and found this:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM
http://www.steves-digicams.com/nimh_batteries.html

More about batteries you ever wanted to know. But I'd love to hear other experiences!

 

[mabas9395]

I haven't tried them myself, but in other photo discussion boards highly recommend Sanyo Eneloop batteries.

And if you find a 15 minute charger, those supposedly wear your battery down so six month to a year from now, they won't be able to hold much of a charge.

 

[ukcatfan]

I personally prefer Duracell over Energizer, but have a mix of both. I find that having three sets is all you will ever need. One in, one in reserve, and one in the charger back at the hotel room or at home.

Kevin

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I've been using these Powerizer batteries from BatterySpace.com ... they are cheap and reliable and their compact smart charger works great!

I easily get 300-400 shots (with LCD and occasional flash) with a set of these in my Canon Powershot S3 IS.

People on other forums swear by Sanyo Eneloops, too ... they don't slowly lose their charge like standard NiMH batteries do, but they've got lower mAh ratings.

 

[Amy]

I haven't tried them myself, but in other photo discussion boards highly recommend Sanyo Eneloop batteries.

And if you find a 15 minute charger, those supposedly wear your battery down so six month to a year from now, they won't be able to hold much of a charge.

I used to use a 15-min charger with my old camera; went to Best Buy to try to find a longer charger when I bought my S3 IS. The salesman looked at me like I was crazy when I asked for a charger that takes overnight to charge batteries! They did have an Everready charger that takes 7-8 hours to charge a set of 4 AA's, and I've been using that quite successfully.

Just remember that rechargeable batteries lose their charge if they're just sitting around, so don't think that just because you charged a set 3 weeks ago that they'll still work. I've been burned a couple of times like that. Now for my spare set of batteries, I carry a set of regular lithium ion AA's.

Once my current Everready rechargeables die, I'm going to invest in the Eneloop batteries and charger. I've been reading lots of good things about them.

 

[Melissa_E]

I used to use a 15-min charger with my old camera; went to Best Buy to try to find a longer charger when I bought my S3 IS. The salesman looked at me like I was crazy when I asked for a charger that takes overnight to charge batteries! They did have an Everready charger that takes 7-8 hours to charge a set of 4 AA's, and I've been using that quite successfully.

That is funny.

Just remember that rechargeable batteries lose their charge if they're just sitting around, so don't think that just because you charged a set 3 weeks ago that they'll still work. I've been burned a couple of times like that. Now for my spare set of batteries, I carry a set of regular lithium ion AA's.

I'm worried about the batteries going right when DD4 is about to meet Cinderella and not having a spare, plus, I hate just getting 50 shots or so from regular batteries. I'm definitely thinking of doing 3 sets, one in the camera, one in case, and one charging.

thank you all for your posts!

 

[ducklite]

I use them in my DiMage, they'll last for about a gig of photos, probably more, but I've never taken more than that with that camera.

I don't use them in my Nikons, but I use them in my Nikon SB-600 Speedlight, and they last about as long as regular Duracell's do--30-40 photo's.

I think mine are Energizers, charger is not a 15 minute quick charge model. I'm still using the original set I bought to use with the DiMage back in 2003 or so.

 

[Anewman]

We have a FRYS nearby... At times they offer cheap rechargeables at around the price of alkalines and include a charger, we stock up. The kids use them and lose them often(controller for the xbox 360), but considering the price it is no big deal.

 

[MICKEY88]

I use them in my DiMage, they'll last for about a gig of photos, probably more, but I've never taken more than that with that camera.

I don't use them in my Nikons, but I use them in my Nikon SB-600 Speedlight, and they last about as long as regular Duracell's do--30-40 photo's.

I think mine are Energizers, charger is not a 15 minute quick charge model. I'm still using the original set I bought to use with the DiMage back in 2003 or so.

wow, that seems really low..

I can get 100's of pics out of 1 set of duracell 2650 mh rechargeables in my flash..

 

[grumpy&princess]

wow I have been using energizers 15 in rechargables for awhile now and never had a problem with them not holding a charge. I can get over 200 photos out of mine and thats with leaving the camera turned on for awhile. I never travel without an extra set of batteries just incase. Its just my 2 cents though

 

[ducklite]

wow, that seems really low..

I can get 100's of pics out of 1 set of duracell 2650 mh rechargeables in my flash..

To be honest the batteries are going on six years old, and have probably seen better days. I jsut bought some new ones but ahven't tried them yet.

 

[folieadeux]

Not the brands you're wondering about I know, but I use old Radioshack NiMH rechargables (old as in Radioshack doesn't exist where I live anymore!) and also the new Sanyo Eneloop batteries. The latter are fantastic because unlike other batteries they are good right out of the package and don't discharge on their own very much.

Anyway, with those I can get a good 400-500 pictures out of them on my Canon A75 before I need to recharge them.

 

[MICKEY88]

To be honest the batteries are going on six years old, and have probably seen better days. I jsut bought some new ones but ahven't tried them yet.

good grief...sounds like you worked the poor things to death...LOL

 

[ducklite]

good grief...sounds like you worked the poor things to death...LOL

Yeah, the regular Duracell's are old, too. In 2004 my DH bought 200 Duracell AA battery's. Don't ask. He does things like that sometimes. For my own sanity I've given up trying to figure it out.

 

[emmabelle]

Hello,

I didn't want to start another thread on this subject, so I posted onto this one. I just bought a Canon sx100 and now what to buy some rechargeables for it. It sounds like I should go with the 8 hour recharger instead of the 15 minute one because the batteries will last longer in the long run? (I'd keep a set of regular batteries around just in case).

 

[Alacrity]

I stated using rechargables (NiMH) in about everything I have after traveling to a few islands. They asked you to take your dead batteries with you when you leave since they have no way to get rid of them in their finite space! Since then I have used Maha PowereX batteries and some Energizer rechargables. They have worked well and for the money, probably saved me quite a bit. Not to mention environmental concerns.

I also use a Maha "World" smart battery charger, rated at multiple voltages for world travel. As I understand it, a good charger is an important addition. What I have seen says the quick chargers do not offer a really good charge and will shorten the life of a battery. I have used all the batteries I currently have for over 5 years and am just now feeling that they need to be replaced.