Full Story:

There is a new Re-chargeable battery out called “Eneloop” by Sanyo and it is ready to use off the store shelf and seems to keep a charge. I was tired of my Point “n” Shoot camera always reading “Low Batteries” when I wished to take a photo. That is why I have a Point ‘n’ Shoot camera, so I could capture shoots that I could not get with the DSLR (and people seem to change when the DSLR comes out, at least at first).

After buying some “Eneloop” Re-Chargeable batteries by Sanyo from Costco, I have not had a problem with the “Low Battery” light coming on. These batteries are amazing they are designed to maintain 85% of their charge for one year (a typical Re-Chargeable battery does not seem to stay charged for a few months). And so far they have not disappointed me.

The long shelf life of the batteries charge is due to a very low self-discharge. This also allows the Re-Chargeable batteries to be used right out of its package, most Re-chargeable batteries have to be charged for hours before their first use. This can cause problems when you need a charged battery and can’t wait. The alternative before the “Eneloop” was to purchase through away batteries (they just never seem to last when used in a digital camera).

It was surprising to find out that the “Eneloop” batteries cost the same as the other re-chargeable batteries, but can be used out of the pack and maintain their charge (I have experienced both claims). So, if you are in the market for some new re-chargeable batteries or tired of seeing the “Low Battery” light on your camera buy some of these batteries. I purchased mine at Costco. Circuit City and BHPhoto.com appear to carry the batteries. Have not found them anywhere else, but they must be sold at other locations.

 

Here is a link to Sanyo’s web site for the Eneloop: http://www.eneloop.info/home_en.html

 

For more information on the batteries a five page PDF was created at: http://www.eneloop.info/fileadmin/redakteur/Articles/Teraoka_Article_EN.pdf

 

Happy Shooting

Duane Brovan