Batteries for Digital Cameras

Batteries are arguably the most important digital camera accessory. Unlike traditional cameras, which can often go months without needing a battery replacement, some digital cameras can consume power at an alarming rate, providing no more than a few hours of continuous shooting time before the battery is drained. Other cameras are renowned for their batteries' longevity, allowing users to snap away with barely a thought to power consumption. Knowing how you intend to use your camera and what type of battery it needs is key to making an informed purchase.

Battery Types

Digital cameras can be broken down into two categories: those that accept standard AA-size batteries and those that use a rechargeable battery made by the manufacturer, otherwise known as a proprietary battery.

The key points to remember about AA and proprietary batteries are:

• While proprietary batteries offer the advantage of being lighter and more compact, they are substantially more expensive, making the prospect of buying one or two backup sets much less appealing.
• More often than not, AA-compatible cameras ship with disposable alkaline batteries (the type used in most small electronic devices). Unfortunately, digital cameras generally exhibit pathetically short life - less than an hour in extreme cases - when used with these batteries. While alkaline batteries make acceptable emergency backups, particularly if you are traveling with your camera, Digital Camera HQ highly recommends buying at least one set of rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries and a charger with any camera that ships standard with alkaline AA's. For less than $50 dollars, rechargeable NiMH batteries offer substantially longer life at an affordable price.
• Other options for AA-compatible cameras include non-rechargeable Lithium batteries and rechargeable Nickel Cadmium (NiCD) batteries. While lithium batteries have superior life to alkaline AA's and offer good cold-weather performance, their price and non-rechargeable nature make them less useful than rechargeable NiMH batteries; in addition, certain cameras are not compatible with Lithium cells - be sure to check before using them. NiCD batteries offer the advantage of retaining their charge while unused, unlike NiMH cells, but have shorter lives and need to be discharged completely before recharging, making them inconvenient for most users.

Digital Camera HQ's Battery Tips

• A digital camera's LCD screen consumes power at a rapid rate. If battery life is a concern, use the LCD only when necessary.
• Whenever practical, carry at least one set of backup batteries so that a dead set doesn't leave you powerless. This is particularly true if you plan on being away from power outlets for an extended period of time. If you have the money, three sets of batteries are ideal - one for the camera, one carried as backup, and one always being charged.
• Despite their short life, universally-available alkaline AA's can make convenient emergency backups when away from a power source. Though more expensive than alkalines, Lithium batteries also make good emergency backups (check to be sure that your camera is compatible with Lithiums before using them). Since buying a backup proprietary battery can be so expensive, travelers and outdoor enthusiasts should seriously consider AA-compatible cameras.
• Rechargeable NiMH batteries will lose their charge even when they are being stored. Be sure to charge them before use, even after relatively brief periods of inactivity.
• Alkaline AA batteries have the nasty habit of leaking when left in a camera for too long. Do not leave alkaline batteries in your camera for prolonged periods of time.