rechargeable batteries

[hockeymom52]

We just purchased our first digital camera- a Canon A510. What advice,if any, do I need to know about rechargeable batteries. Which ones should we purchase? Is there a difference in the batteries or the charger? Some say one hour, some 15 minutes, some 8 hours What do I get? Thanks for all suggestions

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

I use Energizer with the rapid charger. They recharge in about 10 minutes.
I take the batteries out of the camera every night and recharge them for the next days adventure. Love them!

 

[Greg]

I think it works best to have two sets, use one set untill its dead then switch to the second set. Having two will also give you a backup set in case you use up the first set before the day is over.

Greg

 

[mommyx2]

I use the Energizer recharger as well.

It works just fine. Mine holds four batteries.

 

[bicker]

I believe there are differences between rechargers and between batteries.

Besides the different technologies available (NI-CD versus NiMH), I know NiMH batteries have a rating on them that indicates how much energy they can hold. The ones I have here are 2100 mAh. I've seen it go as low as 850 mAh and as high as 2500 mAh. The higher a rechargeable battery's mAh rating, the more run-time you'll get out of your device.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

Yes, there are different batteries and chargers. In the instructions that came with my charger it says NOT to mix batteries with different mAh ratings/levels. My rapid charger takes the Energizer 2300mAh and holds 4 batteries. I agree with the other poster about having an extra set-- just in case.

 

[mulgar]

My wife bought a set of rechargable aa batteries at the local Big Lots for about seven dollars. but no charger.
So yesterday we went out to Wal Mart and I got a Energizer charger for 9.99
It came with no batteries but then again i already have those.
They also have the same charger with Four AA's for I believe about 17.00

 

[ARIEYELLOW]

Just curious, how long do the energizer batteries seem to last? I got a knockoff version I think of batteries and the charger from Walmart for about $17.00 or so and these things don't seem to even last an hour!!

 

[bicker]

Again, it depends on the mAh. I have some Energizers that last about 20 shots in my camera, and I have some Energizers that last about 70 shots.

 

[chiconh]

I have 2 different Nickel metal Hydride 4 battery chargers. One is only AA and the other is AA and AAA. I charge them both overnight and bring the 8 batteries to the parks. They usually last me all day. Just in case I keep 4 regular AA batteries in my fanny pack. I hate paying for them at DW! Way to expensive.

 

[la79al]

We have the Energizer rechargables and I severely dislike them. They seem to last for only about a dozen pictures and then I have to switch them out. I have found that the generic non rechargable ones last longer and once they don't work in the camera anymore they still have enough power to be used in something else.

 

[alloyd1170]

As some have mentioned, there are different "strengths" available. I just got the new Sony DSC-H1 which came with a charger and set of batteries which were I believe NiMH and 2100. If you look at the battery there will be a number on it. One set of batteries wasnt going to do it for me, so I went to Best Buy. They had a bunch of compact chargers and 4 batteries. Be sure to check to packaging-youll want something the same strength or a bit less. I wouldnt go more as it could damage your camera (which it said in my manual). I found some 2100s along with a compact charger (small boxlike thing and the plug flips out so no cord) for around $40 or so. They had some rapid chargers, but they were really low strength. I figure I will charge them up at night, and they will be ready to go by morning! You can probably order extra batteries through the camera manufacturer as well, but youll pay more. Sony wanted around $9 for one set. The charger that came with the camera is pretty bulky too (long cord with a small box on it).

alison