The first thing a new digicam owner quickly realizes is that those AA
alkaline batteries included with their camera are next to worthless.
I've gotten many emails from folks who wondered if their cameras were defective
because they only got 20 or so shots before the batteries crapped out.
Today's digital cameras are extremely high-drain devices. The batteries must power
a color LCD, a motorized zoom lens, an autofocus system, the multi-megapixel
imager and the associated processing hardware.
The answer is simple ... use high power NiMH rechargeable batteries.
Over the last couple of years we've seen higher capacity NiMH batteries hit the market,
especially in the popular AA size which is what most of the digicams use. The first
cells were only 800-900mAh capacity but now we have a wide choice of cells ranging from
1500 to 2700mAh. As expected, the higher the capacity - the longer the run time.
Got some old rechargeable batteries? Instead of tossing them in the garbage, go to this
web page
and find out where to recycle them in your area!
NiMH Rechargeable Batteries
(Actual prices may be different than shown below)
Low Discharge NiMH Cells
What makes Low Discharge NiMH Batteries unique? The key-advantage of low discharge NiMH Rechargeable batteries compared to other NiMH batteries are their extremely low self-discharge. They retain capacity... Low Discharge NiMH Batteries retain their charged capacity even after 6 or 12 months of storage (Average 90% of Charged Capacity retained after 6 months, 85% Capacity after 12 months when stored at 69 degrees F - higher temperatures will cause a slightly higher self discharge but no where close to the much faster self discharge rate of standard NiMH batteries.)
These batteries come pre-charged and are ready for immediate use. Prices listed on this page are for AA type cells, to see
the listing of available D, C, AAA and 9V cells. Our best resource for batteries is Thomas Distributing.
They have supported our site for well over 10 years and helped with the prizes for our Photo of the
Day contest, so please visit them if you need batteries or the latest information on batteries.
Standard NiMH Batteries
Want to know technically how these batteries rate?
Check out the very
thorough and scientific
Great Battery Shootout
review from our friends at Imaging-Resource.
MINI-MBT Battery Tester provides a comprehensive
means of testing the state of charge or state of power for more than 15 battery types:
- 1.2v NiMH / NiCd rechargeable [AA, AAA, C, D Batteries]
- 1.5v alkaline [AA, AAA, C, D, N Type Batteries]
- 3v photo lithium [CR123, CR2, CRV3 Type Batteries]
- 9v alkaline & carbon zinc
The mini-MBT's microprocessor-based design makes battery testing simple -
using a patented, high accuracy pulse load test. After a fully automatic test cycle,
percentage of remaining battery capacity is indicated on the LED bar display. Battery types
are clearly labeled next to appropriate contacts. There are no settings, and test results are
easy to understand. Its small size makes it ideal for the gadget bag or home
utility drawer. Negative test lead conveniently stores in seam at side. Tests NiMH,
Alkaline, and Lithium.
For current pricing check with the folks at
Thomas Distributing.
NiMH / NiCd Chargers
Chargers for AA or AAA size cells
MH-C9000 WizardOne Charger/Analyzer
- Maha's most significant product in five years: the
MH-C9000 .
WizardOne Battery Charger &
Analyzer. Suitable for the casual consumer users, enthusiast and professionals, WizardOne is
capable of charging, conditioning, analyzing, cycling, forming and discharging one to four
AA or AAA batteries, all while digitally displaying the battery capacity and voltage. All
four slots can be operated independently in different modes and settings. A total of five
modes are available.
The large LCD screen, backlit by
ultra-bright white LEDs and measuring over 3.5" by 1.5", is more than three times
larger than its closest competition and shows a wealth of information that is easy to read.
In addition to the standard charging, conditioning and discharging, the WizardOne charger-
analyzer also offers two unusual operations modes. The "Break-In" mode allows the user to
input the capacity of the battery and performs a "forming" charge designed to properly break-
in new batteries. The "Cycle" mode allows user to charge and discharge batteries
consecutively while storing the capacity for up to 15 cycles.
There are ten selectable charging and discharging current from 0.2A to 2.0A and 0.1A to 1.0A
respectively. The charger also features four independent temperature sensors using Maha's
latest temperature rise detection algorithm in addition to the usual peak temperature
detection. It also armed with additional patented termination algorithms found in other Maha
chargers. The unit can be operated in a "basic" and "advanced" mode. In the basic mode, user
merely needs to insert the batteries with no further key press. The charger will select the
appropriate settings automatically, making it suitable for the casual users.
Image of MH-C9000 LCD status display
Image of MH-C9000 LCD program display
LaCrosse
BC-900 . Advanced Charger (updated model)
Charges one, two, three or four AA or AAA size NiMH or older NiCd type cells.
Individual LCD data displays for each of the cells being charged.
Comes bundled with four 2000mAh AA and four 700mAh NiMH cells, deluxe padded
carrying case, 4 C- and D-size cell adapters.
You can visually see each cell's charging current (settable from 200 to 1800mAh), voltage,
charging time, accumulated capacity and discharge current. You can have four different
rates of charging current going at the same time if desired. Refresh older batteries
with an automatic charge/discharge up to 20 cycles or until battery is refreshed to
full capacity. Test mode will help identify "bad" cells. Uses both voltage and
temperature to protect against over-charging and goes into safe trickle mode to
maintain full power after charging cycle is completed.
Click here to see a diagram of LCD displays and modes
The Advanced
MH-C801D Deluxe Professional Charger - World Travel Conditioning Battery
Charger and Recovery System. Features 8 Independent Charging Circuits - Charges any
combination of 1 to 8 batteries. Mix and charge AA / AAA rechargeable batteries all at
the same time. Normal Charge time of about 1 hr regardless of the number of AA or AAA
batteries. Soft charge mode recharges in about 2hrs regardless of the number of AA or
AAA batteries. LCD Display - shows charging and conditioning status of each battery
independently. English Display showing "CONDITION", "CHARGE", and "DONE". Built-In Deep
Battery Conditioning System - Cycle charges, discharges, and then recharges batteries
without requiring several repeat cycles. Restores batteries to their optimal
performance level. Reduces any memory effect. Selectable Soft and Rapid Charge Modes -
Soft charge option for highest battery life, or choose the Rapid charge option for the
shortest charge time. Recharges your batteries correctly each and every time. No over
charge, no under charge. Just the right charge each and every time. Heavy Duty
International AC Adapter - Universal auto-ranging switching adapter assures Worldwide
voltage compatibility.
The Maha Advanced
MH-C808M
Deluxe Ultimate Professional Maha Battery Charger Eight
Independent Charging Circuits - Charges any combination of 1 to 8 rechargeable batteries.
Mix and charge AA / AAA / C / or D rechargeable batteries all at the same time. Normal
Charge time of about 1 hr regardless of the number of AA / AAA or 2 to 5 hrs for C and D
rechargeable batteries with the Maha MH-C808M charger. Soft charge mode recharges in
about 2hrs regardless of the number of AA or AAA batteries. LCD Display shows charging
and conditioning status of each rechargeable battery independently. English Display
showing "CONDITION", "CHARGE", and "DONE". Cycle charges, discharges, and then recharges
rechargeable batteries without requiring several repeat cycles. Restores rechargeable
batteries to their optimal performance level. Reduces any memory effect. Soft charge
option for highest battery life, or choose the Rapid charge option for the shortest
charge time. Recharges your batteries correctly each and every time. No over charge, no
under charge. Just the right charge each and every time. Heavy Duty International AC
Adapter, universal auto-ranging switching adapter assures Worldwide voltage
compatibility. Integrated Safety Protection Device - Battery Polarity Reversal Protection
- Alkaline battery Protection - Short circuited Battery Protection
The Sony
BCG-34HRMD Super Quick Charger for 2 or 4 AA or AAA NiMH cells.
As you can see, it has an LCD display on the front to show the state of the charge
of each of the cells being charged. It's bundled with four Sony 2300mAh
NiMH AA cells and will recharge two/four cells in 135/270 minutes.
It can charge two/four 800mAh AAA size cells in 70/140 minutes.
The refresh cycle takes 4.5 hours for 1-4 2300mAh AA cells.
This charger uses voltage monitoring with a safety timer and temperature monitoring
function. It runs worldwide on 100 - 240V AC with a builtin power supply and an
interchangeable AC cord.
The Maha PowerEx he charger
MH-C204W One Hour Worldwide charger can be used internationally without
the need of a power brick. An integrated 100-240V 50/60Hz worldwide switching adapter is
built into the charger and comes with an interchangeable AC cord. The MH-C204W has an
integrated battery conditioner to rescue old and degraded NiMH batteries by applying high
current pulses. The MH-C204W can reach a 98% charge level in the batteries when the lights
turn green, without the risk of undercharging or overcharging! It has four unique charging
phases: startup charge, rapid charge, top-off charge and maintenance charge. The startup
charge delivers a smooth ramp-up of current when the batteries are inserted. The top-off
charge is applied for two hours after the completion of the charge to ensure that
batteries are topped off to their maximum capacity. The low rate pulse maintenance charge
ensures that batteries are not overcharged when left in the charger for extended periods
of time and are always ready to use. Finally, the microprocessor driven negative Delta V,
Zero Delta V and the temperature termination system ensure complete charging.
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It is important to note that NEW NiMH batteries need to be cycled
3-5 times before they hold a FULL charge. This doesn't mean charged
3-5 times in a row but rather over the first 3-5 cycles the batteries will
hold a better charge each time until they take a full charge.
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Self Discharge
Common to all types of rechargeable batteries is a thing called "self discharge" where the
battery actually loses power even though the device it's in is turned off. I'm not
a "battery wizard" and I don't know the exact rate of self discharge (it varies between
capacity and battery chemistry) -- but it is something you should be aware of. If you
leave your camera sitting in a bag for long periods of time the NiMH batteries will not
have much power left.
It's a good idea to charge the batteries just before you need to use them whenever
possible. I always leave a set in my Maha C-204W charger (see info above) on maintenance
trickle charge. You might also want to consider carrying a set of one-use lithium
photo batteries (in case your rechargeables all go dead.)
Lithium batteries have a very long shelf life so they're always ready.
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NiMH Battery Info
Rechargeable CR-V3 Li-ion
Many of today's digital cameras that are designed to be powered by two or four AA type
batteries can also be powered by one or two CR-V3 lithium batteries as well. These Li-ion
batteries hold a charge for a
longer period of time, perform better in lower temperatures and they're also lighter in
weight. Until recently the only type of CR-V3 batteries were expensive (approx. $9-13
ea.), one-use disposables, but that's now changing.
Note: It is advisable to check with your camera manufacturer before using RCR-V3 type
batteries for the first time. Some of these batteries can output as high as 3.7v
versus the 3v output of the one-use CR-V3 batteries. Some cameras can take this higher
input voltage and some can -not- ...
You can't "mix-n-match" rechargeable CR-V3 batteries and chargers unless you're
sure they were made by the same company. I have seen three types of CR-V3 batteries
so far: (1) MobyPower has a second set of charging contacts on the opposite end of the
battery, (2) Omicron has a third contact between the "+" and "-" contacts for charging,
and (3) Power Vision (and Delkin) batteries look just like non-rechargeable CR-V3's and
have no special charging contacts.
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