Battery types

El Gringo · 30 Jan 2008 at 13:22

I don't really know anything about the differences, and I've been faced with a friend saying she refuses to buy a camera because it takes standard AA batteries and not the sqare one's she's been recommended. As dumb as this is, I realised I don't really know anything about battery times, I'm faced with replacing the standard AA non-rechargeables with Li-ion or NiMH ones. What are the pros and cons of both types? From searches, the formers seem to hold their charge more, is this correct?
Any enlightenment would be great

RaV · 30 Jan 2008 at 13:36

My DSLR takes 4 rechargeable Ni-mh's.(AA's) Personally i think the are excellent. as long as they have a high capacity. eg 2700 mAh Im really surprised at how long they last. and if you get a decent charger with them, they ll be charged within a few hours.

Though ive had no experience with Li-ion's and cameras.

Amp34 · 30 Jan 2008 at 13:43

I think non rechargeable 'standard' AA batteries do hold ther charge longer and work better in the cold. The problem is you spend a fortune replacing them all the time. You could buy rechargeable AA's but IMO they have all the cons of Li-ion and none of the pros of non-rechargeable AA's. They cost a bit (inc the charger) and they have the same issues with holding charge and working in the cold.

Li-ion on the other hand come with the camera so are free, are (practically) free to charge and will usually last as long as the camera before needing replacing. They don't last as long (charge wise) and can be iffy in the cold but they are easy and quick to charge up when they do run out of charge. They are also usually smaller and lighter than a couple of AA's.

Up untit a couple of weeks ago i didn't realise cameras were still coming with AA's, all the digital cameras I and my family have had have always come with Li-ion batteries.

Aod · 30 Jan 2008 at 14:23

incase you eventually decide to go with the AA cam, get yourself some decent AA rechargeables from here:

http://www.component-shop.co.uk/ 4x 2900mAh AA's for under a fiver, brilliant. i use these in my 430EX, and they last forever!

Amp34 · 30 Jan 2008 at 14:40

Aod said:
incase you eventually decide to go with the AA cam, get yourself some decent AA rechargeables from here:

http://www.component-shop.co.uk/ 4x 2900mAh AA's for under a fiver, brilliant. i use these in my 430EX, and they last forever!

How much is the charger going to cost though?

3dcandy · 30 Jan 2008 at 17:04

I have always bought the charger's when they're on offer in supermarkets. have got a 15min charger with car adapter plus 4 x 2500mAh battery's for under a tenner before...and with the amount of stuff that requires AA batteries it's a godsend.

Dave L · 30 Jan 2008 at 19:02

Ansmann energy 8 charger here, a great investment.