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 lower than shown below)
2700mAh now that's what I call power!
If you're still using two year old (or older) NiMH batteries -
replace them with a new set of 2500mAh or 2700mAh cells - you won't believe the
difference in power and stamina with the newer technology cells!
And check out the Sanyo Eneloop and Uniross Hybrio cells, these are new technology
NiMH batteries that are ready to use out of the package, can be recharged in any good
NiMH charger and they hold a charge for months when not used.
Accupower 2900mAh AA
batteries
$6.57 per 2 pack
Accupower 2300mAh AA
batteries
$7.97 per 4 pack
Accupower 2100mAh AA
batteries
$2.99 per 2 pack
Ansmann Batteries
2700mAh AA
batteries
$12.97 per 4
2600mAh AA
batteries
$11.97 per 4
2500mAh AA
batteries
$8.97 per 4
2300mAh AA
batteries
$7.97 per 4
2200mAh AA
batteries
$6.97 per 4
900mAh AAA
batteries
$3.97 per 2
250mAh 9V
batteries
$12.90 ea.
CTA 2400mAh AA high-capacity
batteries
$7.97 per 4
Delkin 2500mAh AA high-capacity
batteries
$16.97 per 8 w/8-cell tote case
Delkin 2500mAh AA high-capacity
batteries
$7.97 per 4
Delkin 2300mAh AA high-capacity
batteries
$6.97 per 4
Energizer NiMH 2500mAh AA
$8.97 per 4-pack w/battery holder
Energizer NiMH 2500mAh AA
$17.77 per 8-pack w/ 2 battery holders
Energizer NiMH 2100mAh AA
$6.97 per 4-pack w/battery holder
iPowerUS 2500mAh AA NiMH
$7.97 for 4-pack w/battery holder
iPowerUS 2300mAh AA NiMH
$6.97 for 4-pack w/battery holder
Kodak MAX 2500mAh NiMH AA
$8.97 for a four pack
Kodak PhotoLife 2300mAh NiMH AA
$7.97 for a four pack
Kodak PhotoLife 2100mAh NiMH AA
$6.97 for a four pack
Lenmar Pro 2500mAh NiMH AA
7.97 per 4 + battery holder
Lenmar Pro 2000mAh NiMH AA
4.97 per 4 + battery holder
Maha/Powerex are priced at:
and include this carrying case.
Nexcell NiMH AA 2200mAh priced at
$5.97 for 4 cells
Nexcell NiMH AA 2100mAh priced at
$5.97 for 4 cells
Sanyo Eneloop NiMH AA 2000mAh priced at
$13.97 for 4 cells
(According to Sanyo the Eneloop’s main property is that it has greatly improved the
self-discharge properties (residual charge after one year of storage is 85%, in temperature
conditions of 20°C).
Read an
independent user review of Sanyo Eneloop batteries.
Sanyo NiMH AA 2700mAh priced at
$11.97 for 4 cells
Sanyo NiMH AA 2500mAh priced at
$8.97 for 4 cells
(Note: These are industrial grade AA cells with the Sanyo label, highest capacity
available of any NiMH cell.)
Sanyo NiMH AAA 900mAh priced at
$8.97 for 4 green-label cells
Sony 2300mAh AA NiMH
$3.97 for 2-pack
See the Sony LCD Charger and battery kit below.
Ultralast NiMH AA 2600mAh priced at
$8.97 for 4 cells
Uniross Hybrio NiMH AA 2100mAh priced at
$9.97 for 4 cells
The Uniross Hybrio AA batteries are ready-to-use, meaning you can use them
right out of the package. The advanced technology
used in Hybrio batteries allows them to retain a long-term charge
(90% @ 6 months, 85% @ 1 year) - even if they are not used
- and they can be recharged up to 500 times.
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.
Just
$27.87 with free storage pouch.
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.
The MH-C9000 ships with
a worldwide travel power supply. A 12V car adapter is available as an option.
Order one now for just $59.97 .
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
$48.97 with four AA and four AAA NiMH batteries.
(includes carrying case, 4 C-cell and 4 D-cell adapters)
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 C-801D Charger sells for
$69.97 plus free travel case and battery tester.
The Maha C-800S Charger has the same 8-cell AA/AAA capabilities as the Profesional MH-C801D,
except the MH-C800S has a slower charge rate and a cheaper price.
$54.97
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 Maha C-808M Charger sells for
$89.97 plus a free travel bag and battery tester.
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 charger is
$34.97 with eight Sony 2300mAh NiMH batteries.
(Comes with U.S. 2-prong power cord, other cords optional)
The Maha PowerEx 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.
The charger
is $29.97 plus free travel case and battery tester.
(Comes with a U.S. two-prong power cord, other cords/adapters optional)
The Lenmar Mach1 Gamma Speed Charger
is the next fastest charger that we have used to
date. It charges one to four AA or AAA cells, NiMH chemistry only, no NiCD types. Using
Lenmar's patented NeoTherm active pulse speedcharging technology it recharges batteries
as fast as possible yet they remain cool thanks to the pulse charging and a built-in
cooling fan that runs during the charge cycle. Approx. charge times: 55 min for 1600mAh,
60 min for 1800mAh, 65 min for 2000mAh.
The charger and four 2000mAh NiMH batteries is
just $37.87.
The 60-160 minute
Maha C204F NiMH/NiCD rapid charger.
Small, fast and not too expensive. It charges two pairs of AA or AAA cells.
Can also "refresh" Nicads.
Price is just
$18.47 w/AC or $21.47 w/AC and 12V power cords.
Travelling? Thomas Distributing now has a
European power transformer for the
C-204F and C-124S chargers.
Click here to read
Steve's Maha C-204F Review
The 100 minute
Maha C401FS NiMH/NiCd rapid charger.
This is the latest "smart" charger from Maha featuring four independant charging circuits
and a selectable FAST (100 minute) or SLOW (5 hour) and very cool charge rate. Comes
with a lifetime warranty.
$34.97 w/AC and 12V power cords.
C401FS w/four PowerEx 2500mAh NiMH
$42.97
Click here to read
Steve's Maha C-401FS Review
MAHA POWEREX Deluxe Custom Padded Traveler Bag for PowerEx Batteries & Chargers. This new
case from MAHA is specially designed to carry, protect, and store
your Maha Battery Charger and batteries. The case is made of high quality wear
resistant nylon canvas material with protective padding, is splash proof and has an
attached 5" carrying strap. This case measures 2" D x 5.5" W x 6" H. There are 2
separate zippered compartments inside.
The larger compartment is designed to hold and carry the MAHA PowerEx battery chargers and
their power adapters and/or DC power cord with even room to spare for possibly some extra
batteries. ( Easily holds chargers such as the Maha MH-C204W, MH-C401FS, MH-C204F, and the
MH-C490F ) The smaller zippered compartment which will hold several 4 pack of rechargeable
batteries or the new 8-cell battery holder which is also included in this Case Combo. Both
compartments are then sealed by a zipper that fully protects your charger and batteries.
The Maha Charger Travel Bag sells for just
$6.87
The Ansmann Deluxe "Energy 16" may be the last charger that you'll ever need. It has a
total of ten charging positions; six for AAA, AA, C or D size cells and four for 9V
cells. The six top positions can handle two AAA or two AA cells or one each
of the larger C or D cells. It can charge both NiMH and the older NiCd chemistry
batteries at the same time. It analyzes before charging to identify "bad" cells and will
display each cell's current charge level with a green, yellow or red LED. Before
charging it automatically refreshes and then thoroughly charges each cell independantly.
Charging stops once the cell is fully replenished. Operates worldwide on 100-240V
50-60Hz AC.
The "Energy 16" charger retails for
$124.97 (includes eight 2000mAh AA). The smaller but similar "Energy 8" charger retails for
$85.97 (includes eight 2000mAh AA), it has four AAA/AA/C/D and two 9V positions.
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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.
NiMH Battery & Charger Sources
Sanyo AA and AAA NiMH from RipVan100
NiMH and more from OnlyBatteries.com
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.
This is the Delkin eFilm Li-ion rechargeable RCR-V3 outfit.
It's an OEM of the PowerVision unit shown below.
Thomas Distributing is now carrying this battery and charger outfit, it sells for
$29.97 and $47.97 with TWO batteries.
And here we have the rechargeable CR-V3 and charger kit from Omicron.
Many different vendors are carrying it with prices from $50 down to as low as
$37.95 from "As Seen on TV". Additional batteries are $15 each.
This is the Moby Power 2300 Plus Li-ion rechargeable CR-V3 outfit. The battery is fully
charged in 120 minutes or less and can be charged up to 1,000 times.
Thomas Distributing has this battery and charger outfit for $24.97.
Additional CR-V3 rechargeable batteries are $14.97. And a 12VDC vehicle power cord is $4.97
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