Recommend batteries, type & where to buy

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Our Kodak C340 accepts multiple types of batteries (KODAK KCRV3 lithium battery, KODAK KAA2HR Ni-MH battery, KODAK KAARDC Ni-MH AA batteries, KODAK KAADC oxy-alkaline AA batteries, AA lithium batteries or optional KODAK EASYSHARE docks).

To get started DH gave me Energizer e2 AA batteries, with intentions of getting some sort of recharagables. The e2 cost about $15 for a pack of 4 and do not last very long. While the e2 are fine for occasional use it would be a great expense on our Disney vacation, so rechargables are definitely an investment we want to make.

From the instruction booklet that came with the camera, the CRV3 offer the most picture-taking for the life of the battery. I have also been researching standard AA (NiMH) rechargables. Pricing is under $40 for either the CRV3 or rechargeable AA's for batteries and charger.

What batteries do you use/recommend.

Which website or retailer has the best deals?

 

[Alacrity]

I've had giood luck with the PowerEx batteries. The Energizer NI-MH batteries are supposed to be good as well, at least from a few articals I've seen. Along with the batteries you need a good charger. Maha is a brand that is supposed to be good and I have a C204W "world" charger. It's multi-voltage compatable and usuable world-wide. I've ordered from Thomas Distributing a time or two and have no complaints. They are at http://www.thomas-distributing.com/index.htm . They carry the Powerex batteries and Maha chargers as well as others. Energizer NI-MH batteries I have seen at Best Buy.

Here's a link to some battery info that might be useful:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have the LaCrosse BC-900 charger http://www.steves-digicams.com/nimh_batteries.html#chargers and the Energizer 2500 NiMH, both recommended on Steve's site, and both purchased from Thomas, mentioned above. Great service from all three, charger, batteries and vendor.

 

[robertchance]

Any name brand will give you what you need.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I stumbled upon the Thomas site yesterday, and thought the prices for the Ni-MH battery pack looked sharp, but didn't go further on the site. Steve's Digicams offers so much good advice (I probably have it saved on the computer at home).

The BC-900 charger with the LCD display, batteries and adapters for large size cells is in the price range we're shopping. I notice it comes with 2000mA AA batteries. What do these numbers mean and is 2000mA worthwhile for the casual photographer?

 

[Dan Murphy]

It is a great charger. Looks kind of like a gimmick, but the readout did detect one defective battery I got from Thomas, which they prompty replaced. I would suggest getting a set of the Energizers, in addition to those that come with it. They do last a long time on a charge with my new camera, I am impressed.

 

[ndelaware]

2000mA is a standard measurement of a batteries staying power. The higher the number the longer they will hold a charge. 1800mA would not last as long as a 2000mA battery, 2500mA would last longer. The only down side is the higher the mA, the longer it will take to charge.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Also bear in mind that certain charger can't charge anything beyond certain capacity. I had a 2200 mAh cherger that once it reads 2200 mAh from the battery, it automatically stops charging. Therefore none of my batteries higher than 2200 mAh can be topped up (they are only partially charged to 2200 mAh)

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Also bear in mind that certain charger can't charge anything beyond certain capacity. I had a 2200 mAh cherger that once it reads 2200 mAh from the battery, it automatically stops charging. Therefore none of my batteries higher than 2200 mAh can be topped up (they are only partially charged to 2200 mAh)

Good tip!

 

[Tuffcookie]

I ordered Power Exs 3 years ago for my 1st digital camera. Then I bought several other brands. The Power Exs are far superior, IMHO.

TC