digital camera batteries

Ron Victoria · Post by **Ron Victoria** » 24 Aug 2005 9:55 am

I've been using this CV3 battery for my camera w/o realizing I could use lithium AA's. These are probably less expensive but may not last as long. What's your experience?

Ron

Jim Peters · Post by **Jim Peters** » 24 Aug 2005 10:20 am

I use NiMH rechargebles, not to expensive. Get them anywhere,get 2 sets and a charger. Mine are rayovacs, but I doubt there is much difference in brands. JP

Ron Victoria · Post by **Ron Victoria** » 24 Aug 2005 11:42 am

I just checked, Walmart, 4 batteries, overnight charger, $10. Can't beat that. To think of how many batteries I've already bought for the camera.

Mark Vinbury · Post by **Mark Vinbury** » 24 Aug 2005 12:12 pm

I was using lithium AA when I first got my camera (Olympus 4040) Then switched to rechargables.The lithiums lasted about as long as you'd expect batteries to last in a device.
The rechargeables run out almost every time I use the camera and seem to loose power just sitting there.
Only way this system works for me is to always keep a spare set in the charger.

Joe Delaronde · Post by **Joe Delaronde** » 24 Aug 2005 6:43 pm

Rechargeables come in different power ratings. i.e. 1500, 1850, 2300, etc. The rating can be found on the battery in very small print. Make sure you don't mix them up when charging & using in the camera.

I use several sets with different power ratings. I was having problems with the batteries going dead in a short while. In the battery instrunctions it gave me the obvious clue.

Now I use them in matched sets and all's well.

Joe

Mark Krutke · Post by **Mark Krutke** » 29 Aug 2005 1:16 am

Ron,

You can also buy a charger (Wal-mart) that charges the NiMH batteries in as little as 15 minutes, but the unit is a bit more expensive ($30ish). I've been using the Energizer 2500 mA batteries and get a good 60 to 80 pictures before changing batteries.

If I leave my batteries in a warm area like my car on a sunny day, the batteries will tend to not hold a charge that long. My camera holds 4, I keep about 16 of 'em around, just in case

.

------------------
Mark Wayne

<A HREF="http://www.authenticrecording.com" TARGET=_blank>www.authenticrecording.com</A>

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 29 Aug 2005 1:34 am

I used to hear that the refrigerator is the place to keep batteries. Don't know if that's true with rechargeable ones.

Ron Victoria · Post by **Ron Victoria** » 29 Aug 2005 8:14 am

I picked up a charger w/4 batteries at Walmart for about $15. It's light for travel. Plugs directly in w/o a separate ac adapter.

Johnny Cunnyngham · Post by **Johnny Cunnyngham** » 29 Aug 2005 10:38 am

Rave on, guys! When I'm not steeling, I am a professional photographer, and it looks like everyone has been doing their homework.
One note, however. batteries have a memory and it is best to discharge them on occasion and start with a negative or zero charge status. They will hold a charge longer. If you do not discharge, they will begin charging at a preset level.
Johnny

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 29 Aug 2005 12:48 pm

What he means by "memory" is that the battery can no longer deliver it's full load of milliamp hours without dropping below minimum voltage. NiCads are notorious for this. I also find it with my NiMH cell phone batteries. Long slowed cooked by my wal-wart they give 3 days service. Fast cooked by my car charger they die after only 1-1/2 days.
Same goes for your portable drill batteries. If you exercise them every couple of months they'll give years of service. What you don't want is for one cell in a pack to go to zero. It may then go into reverse charge due to the opposite polarities of the cells connected to it. Getting these things back from reverse can be done, but it's trial and error with a 12 volt car battery and sparks.