Digital Photo Tips by Duane Brovan

 

Digital Camera Batteries

The life-blood of a digital camera is its batteries. The batteries are used to record the images and view the photos on the LCD screen on the back of the cameras. The more the LCD is used the faster the batteries are used up. Thus, rechargeable batteries are required or you could spend a fortune in regular batteries. There are many different kinds of rechargeable batteries usually classified by Design/Size (AA, specific Brand), Strength-mAh (how long charge lasts), and type of material inside the battery (NiMH, Lithium-ion, NiCad). One also will need a battery charger that handles your camera’s required batteries. It is advisable to have two sets of rechargeable batteries. Below is a brief description of these battery classifications and components:

Design/Size of Batteries:

Most digital cameras take 4-AA size batteries or a brand specific battery pack. Consumer point-and-shoot digital cameras usually take 4-AA size rechargeable batteries. Which makes it easy to find replacements and spare batteries. And if in a real pinch, one could use regular batteries in place of rechargeable batteries. The brand specific battery pack usually only fits in one model digital camera and is found mostly in DSLR cameras. This type is more difficult to find replacement batteries and might have to be ordered, so a spire battery pack is a necessity. Check with your owner’s manual to see what design/size battery your camera needs.

Battery Strength (mAh):

The strength of a battery is measured in mAh, which stands for Milliampere (one thousandth of a ampere). The larger the mAh the more energy is stored in the battery and the battery last longer, and the higher the mAh rating, the more expensive the battery. Typical rechargeable batteries range from 1100mAh to 2400mAh. I would suggest 1600mAh or higher. A set of four AA batteries have a cost range from $10-$30. Brand specific battery packs range from $30-$100.

Battery Material:

Rechargeable Digital Camera Batteries are made of three different types of materials that are listed below:

NiMH - nickel metal hydride, performs the best of the three and has technology that features no memory effect, this lets you recharge partially drained batteries without reducing performance. Lithium-ion – lithium, also allows you to recharge the batteries at any time while still holding their capacity.It holds its capacity fairly well but not as good as NiMH. NiCad - nickel cadmium these are more temperamental, creating a "memory effect" if not charged properly. NiCad batteries will lose their capacity over time. So if given the choice, choose NiMH or lithium-ion batteries.

Battery Chargers:

All rechargeable batteries require recharge by a battery charger. Most digital cameras come with a set of batteries and a charger. Some chargers recharge batteries in 90 minutes and some take 4-6 hours. Charges also are specific in battery type they will charge, so make sure your charger matches your batteries (i.e. NiMH battery and NiMH charger, etc.). If you have a choice get the quicker chargers, when shooting a lot of photos you then could have an endless amount of energy to capture the moment!

 

Duane is available for digital photo consultations and tutoring:

Call (530) 474-4041
Email: Duane@DuaneBrovan.com
Visit: www.duanebrovan.com and www.goshingletown.com