Camera batteries

[ukdodger]

Ok. So I went out and bought a digital camera that does what I want but then oh dear I discovered it has it's own purpose made battery which costs £30+ to replace. What are peoples opinion of these things? Should I take it back and change it for one that uses standard AA batteries? I have little use for a digital (I still like film. They are 'proper' cameras ) and at least I could use those batteries for something else will the digital isnt in use which will be often. What do you think?

Roger

[SpecialK]

Hi Roger:

Why buy a digital camera if you don't like them? And, if you don't use it much, then you probably won't deplete the battery in one day, so what's the issue?

The majority of cameras have semi-proprietary batteries. The Canon A series uses AA's for the most part, however.

I'd return the camera if the seller accepts ussed merchandise, and get a brick of film :-)

[ukdodger]

Hi SpecialK. So I can use it for eBay. That's about it. Plus using 35mm for getting in close, about 1cm, means buying a very expensive lens. Thanks for your reply.

[mattdm]

In general, I think the proprietary lithium batteries are preferable to AAs. They're smaller and lighter for the same amount of stored power.

Worse, because of voltage characteristics, Alkaline AA batteries will only get you a few dozen shots per charge, so you'll need to buy NiMH rechargeables and a charger separately. (Still cheaper than a second proprietary lithium battery, but you don't really need a second one anyway.)

[ukdodger]

See now I didnt know that. Which is why I asked the question rather than rush back to the shop. If I take the batt out when not in use will that lengthen the batt life? Thanks for your reply.

In general, I think the proprietary lithium batteries are preferable to AAs. They're smaller and lighter for the same amount of stored power.

Worse, because of voltage characteristics, Alkaline AA batteries will only get you a few dozen shots per charge, so you'll need to buy NiMH rechargeables and a charger separately. (Still cheaper than a second proprietary lithium battery, but you don't really need a second one anyway.)

[mattdm]

See now I didnt know that. Which is why I asked the question rather than rush back to the shop. If I take the batt out when not in use will that lengthen the batt life? Thanks for your reply.

It shouldn't matter too much. Lithium batteries do a pretty good job of holding the charge. If you're not using the camera for a long time, it's actually better for it to store it at around 40% charge -- but this isn't a significant deal. It should last a really long time and be able to be recharged many many times. Really, the only reason you'd need to buy a second one is if you're out shooting for an extended period of time, and sounds like you won't be doing that.

[ukdodger]

Excellent I'm nearly convinced it wasnt a bad deal after all. One more question. Is there a way of telling what 40% of charge is?

If I remember my college days right. The difference between a fully charged (I cant recall if it was a wet or dry cell) was only about 0.2v. 40% would therefore be difficult to measure using a meter.

[mattdm]

Excellent I'm nearly convinced it wasnt a bad deal after all. One more question. Is there a way of telling what 40% of charge is?

If I remember my college days right. The difference between a fully charged (I cant recall if it was a wet or dry cell) was only about 0.2v. 40% would therefore be difficult to measure using a meter.

Yeah, I have no idea how you'd practically tell. I'd generally interpret it as "not all charged up, but not dead either". Personally, I store my batteries all charged and haven't had a problem. (But they're only stored for a week or so at most between rotations.)

[reppans]

If you upgrade your equipment every 2 years or so, Li-ions are great for the reasons mentioned above. If you hold stuff for much longer, they may be come the reason you throw your equipment away.

Li-ions degrade, like any other rechargeable, but because they are so expensive to replace, you just suffer the increasingly poor performance (starting around the 2-3 yr mark) for longer, until performance is really bad. Then the cost of replacing a Li-ion can actually exceed the worth of the 3yr old equipment, so you might as well just upgrade your equipment. And if you keep stuff even longer, you may not even be able to find a replacement battery. I've got lots of fully working and functional (but older), Li-ion toys around my house that are no longer portable (can only run on A/C adapter, no available batts).

Then of course, there's the issue of running out juice while away from a plug, or you just forgot to charge. No drugstore back-up, the equipment's dead in the water. You can, of course, get a 2nd Li-ion as a back-up, but that costs $ and it is not good to leave the 2nd battery unused. NiMh AAs you can always use in other items and when they degrade, use for kids toys or lower drain equipment.

[mattdm]

Li-ions degrade, like any other rechargeable, but because they are so expensive to replace, you just suffer the increasingly poor performance (starting around the 2-3 yr mark) for longer, until performance is really bad.

I've seen the 2-3 year figure quoted before, but in practical use, I've had a lot better experience than that. I've got a laptop from 1998 which still keeps a good charge. Time will tell with the camera, I guess -- my current batteries are over the two year mark and still seem fine.