Rechargable Batteries

[CamHam]

A few years ago I purchased eight 1800 mAH AA Rayovac IC3 batteries with the 15-minute charger for use with my Canon A80. At the time, I think they were pretty much the best deal available. They've always worked great for me in the A80 and seem to continue working great in my new S2 IS. However, I wonder if I'm missing something by just having 1800mAh batteries. I see a lot of posts about 2500 mAh batteries of different brands. I checked out Wal-Mart and found the same Rayovac IC3 batteries, but they were mostly 2000mAh, and there were about 3 packs of 2200mAH way in the back of the shelf (I assume these were the newest ones). So, since I already have the Rayovac 15-minute charger, along with the cigarette lighter adapter that came free with the charger, should I buy the 2200 mAh Rayovacs, or stick with what I've got until they die out, or get a whole different brand of batteries & charger? BTW, that cigarette lighter adapter has been handy a few times. I can charge all of my batteries in the car instead of delaying my trip an extra 30 minutes (15 min charges for each set).

[TampaJim]

The current "top of the line" NiMH AA batteries are 2500mAH. The CIPA tests are done with 2300mAH batteries and the test showed the S2 at 550 shots. That means mathematically speaking - my batteries at 2500mAH are good for approximately 598 shots and your 1800mAH batteries are good for 430 shots. So ... definitely throw away all your 1800mAH batteries and buy all new. Who would possibly carry around a camera that could only take 430 shots before dying? And just because you have two sets - totaling approximately 860 shots, doesn't mean it would be a safe bet to go off on a trip without proper replacements.

Ciao!

[Severin]

I wouldn't upgrade until you see a need. After a while your batteries will not hold their charge as well, when that happens I would buy new ones and probably upgrade.