I'm going to Africa & am concerned re: AA battery life in the SX1. Should I get Panasoic FZ28 to avoid problem?

Although its not out, I feel that the SX10 and SX1 will be the top of their ultra zoom field. I am worried that battery drain and life of the AA batteries will not be satisfactory while out in the field on an African trip. My question is " would I be happier with the Panasonic FZ28 which has its own type battery pack?

Hi Sam,
I have been several times in Africa with my OLYMPUS 550UZ witch has also rechargable AA batteries.
I had always some spare Duracell AA batteries in case of.. Even without the possibility of charging them I could buy everywhere AA batteries even by the primitive people in the south of Ethiopia.
I used the 2700Mah fast charging with possibility of charging them on the sigaretlighter of the Toyota.
And one more thing they are much cheaper than those special LI-on batteries of other cameras
That's why my next choise will be the new Canon Powershot SX1 IS.

Thanks. I'm looking forward to getting the camera. It's on back order right now. I was concerned that the AA batteries wouldn't have sufficient capability for the camera; however, it looks as if the new one's will do fine. Thanks again for the input.

I alway use Sanyo eneloop batteries they seem to work for longer they also hold their charge for a year.You will also need the sanyo charger for them.

Thanks. I returned from the trip and had no problems with batteries. I took 3 sets of Sanyo Enelope batteries so that I would always have a ready spare. My only problem was that I 'Fried' my charger using the 240 volt African current. I have two Sanyo chargers. One is 110-240 volt input. The other one (which I assumed to be the same) would only accept 110-120 volts. Moral: Read the instructions before use.

Sanyo Eneloop AA or AAA battery, period.
I have about 10 sets (4 cells each set) of rechargeable AA/AAA (4 brands). Now, they are gradually replaced by Eneloops (already have 6 sets and increasing).
1. Digital camera must using rechargeable (hi-output will kill the alkaline batteries in a short time, but they can be re-used next day) .
2. Eneloop holds the charges by time. Its internal leakage by time is almost zero. It can hold 85% for a year or two. It means you don't need to charge them every time before using them. Keep a spare set, it is always fully charged. You can use the set in the camera until it all drained. Each set of the battery life is much longer.
3. AA rechargeable is much cheaper than Li-Ion battery. You can buy them from Costco at $29 for 8 AA, 2 AAA, 4 C adaptors, 4 D adaptors and a very nice charger (Delta V type, never over charge) . What a deal.

The new Costco charger for the Sanyo Eneloop is much better than the older model. It will accomodate 110-240 volts while the older model can only handle 120-120 volts. My original (old) charge came in a neat carrying case while the newer one is just encased in plastic. Verify the input voltage for the charger before making the purchase. The Eneloop is a great way to go.

Why not just buy a charger that covers up to 240 volts, and then a plug adaptor? Unless you're going bush.

I just wanted to say that I think AA is the way to go. you can get them anywere..unlike, the Li-ion for my EOS.
was in Africa in october 08 and had to loose shots trying to conserve my batteries. If i had the AA adapter or, the sx1/sx10 is, i would have been fine.

Thanks. I bought the Canon as well as Sanyo Eneloop AA rechargeable batteries. I am happy with both. If you do Africa, I can't emphasize how valuable a strong telephoto is. My Canon with 20X zoom allowed me to get shots that my travel companions couldn't possible do. The batteries were fantastic. I had 3 sets since I was concerned about locations where the only power was a temporary generator. I probably could have gotten by with 2 sets. I would guess that I got about 300 shots per charge. The double A was no problem at all and the Eneloop didn't discharge while in my camera case being unused.

How did the batteries go when you recorded HD video?