AA battery question

Joe Delaronde · Post by **Joe Delaronde** » 29 Dec 2007 11:19 am

I am using an HP 812 digital camera.
I use it a at high resolution and it takes beautifull pics.

It uses AA bateries. I have been using Duracell NiMH/1.2V/2050mAh rechargeable batteries. They don't last very long. Whenever I go to use the camera I have to change batteries.

Do these batteries have to be drained dry before recharging and do they have memory?

What would be the best brand and type of batteries to use with this camera?
Thanks
Joe

Ron Page · Post by **Ron Page** » 29 Dec 2007 11:26 am

Joe,

Try the new "Hybrid" rechargable batteries. Their main advantage is a longer shelf life. The normal batteries discharge sitting on the shelf. Don't worry if they are a slightly lower powered (2100 mAh), because they're going to be near a full charge when you take the camera off the shelf at Christmastime. I use the Rayovac 2100 Hybrid in my Canon.

If you do a Google search you can find the info. These batteries are fairly new on the market.

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 29 Dec 2007 11:50 am

I use a Canon 156 for vids and stills. I use about a set for a full 1 gig card videos with active monitor. I don't know how long they'd last with just pix with no live monitor.

I don't care, as cheap and easy as AAs are.

Rechargeables are a PITA, and they don't last for kitten. ( As Arch would say.)

I think I paid 11 bucks for a box of 48 Kirkland AA Alkalines at Costco.

I just grab a couple packs of 4 and head out for days of shooting.

CR rated them the highest and best value in 06.

Just my HO.

EJL

Keith Cordell · Post by **Keith Cordell** » 29 Dec 2007 2:55 pm

I use the lithium ion batteries that are out now. They last an unbelievably long time in a camera, I've had a set in my minolta for about 2 months now.

Kevin Mincke · Post by **Kevin Mincke** » 29 Dec 2007 3:41 pm

Yep, go with lithium for digital use.....it's all we use at he PD because of the increased longevity.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 29 Dec 2007 8:42 pm

Joe, the NiMH batteries don't have the "memory" problem that NiCads do, but they're only slightly better in the life department. As mentioned, the new lith-ion batteries are far superior, but they usually require a special charger.

Meanwhile, keep in mind that most of the power that these new digital cameras use isn't used to take and store photos, but to illuminate that cute little LCD screen. The longer that screen is activated, the shorter the battery life will be, so it's best to shoot more pictures faster, and do your editing and viewing after the photos are downloaded to your computer. The power you waste reviewing all the photos you've taken on that little screen (and deciding which ones to keep) would have probably allowed you to take many more shots.