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Digicam Buying Guide

What kind of battery is best?
Most digital cameras use their own proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, although some budget models still rely on AA-sized cells for power. Find out what works best for you.

Proprietary batteries come in all shapes and sizes, to best fit a given camera.

1. Model-specific
Batteries designed specifically for a particular model or product line.

Chemistry: Lithium-ion (Li-ion), Lithium-polymer (Li-polymer) or Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)

Advantages:

  • Lasts longer than alkalines.
  • Makes ultracompact designs possible.
  • Allows for more intelligent battery gauges that more accurately
  • measure remaining capacity.
  • Better for the environment than disposables.
  • Less expensive in the long run than disposables.

    Disadvantages:

  • Expensive to replace.
  • Requires a dedicated charger which will add on to the gear.
  • Can't use in other cameras or electronic devices.
  • Loses charge over time.


    2. Universal rechargeable batteries

    Most universal rechargeable batteries for cameras are AA size.

    These rechargeable batteries usually come in AA size with different charge capacities, ranging from 1,100mA to 2,700mA.

    Chemistry: Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)

    Advantages:

  • Longer-lasting than alkalines.
  • Better for the environment than disposables.
  • Many compatible brands available.
  • Less expensive in the long run than disposables.

    Disadvantages:

  • Usually requires at least two AA-size units to power a camera, which adds to weight.
  • Loses charge over time.
  • Requires a charger which will add on to the gear.


    3. Disposables

    Disposable Lithium batteries last far longer than their alkaline counterparts.

    These single-use batteries adhere to standard conventions and typically come in AA size.

    Chemistry: Lithium, alkaline

    Advantages:

  • Lithium batteries last longer than some rechargeables.
  • Readily available in stores; convenient to replace.

    Disadvantages:

  • Alkalines don't last long in high-powered devices like cameras.
  • Not good for the environment.
  • Lithium batteries are expensive to replace.

    • What else can my digital camera do? »

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