Best rechargeable batteries

[galadrium]

I just got a digital camera and it eats batteries. I need to buy some good rechargeables. What are the best ones to get?

Thanks DU!

[happyslug]

1. See the following web site, has a good explanation:

http://nicdlady.com/batterytips.html
Nickel Cadmium (NiCd): This type tends to have a longer cycle life, though shorter run-times than NiMH and Li-ION. They can last up to 1000 charge cycles and are the most cost effective. NiCad's are a very hardy cell. They can handle extreme temperatures and are fairly forgiving when charging becomes adverse. Like all rechargeable cells, they need to be charged before their first use.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH): This type offers almost twice as much capacity as NiCd's. This is done without increasing the weight or physical size of the battery. They have quick charging capabilities and great reliability. They are especially good for high drain application, like digital cameras. Although they are not as bad as NiCd's and their memory effect, NiMH batteries can suffer a little from memory effect. As long as they are charged and discharged correctly, and conditioned from time to time, they will perform at their peak capacity. It should also be pointed out that NiMH batteries will suffer if they are being overcharged, so charge currents and time should be watched closely, if you're not using a smart charger that detects the NiMH chemistry.

Lithium Ion (Li-ION): This type offers a much lighter package and higher amount of capacity. They are considered the "smart" battery, which means that they communicate with the charger, by letting the charger know when they are finished charging. Another shining feature of Li-ION is the fact that they are very environmentally friendly.

[galadrium]

4. wow... the right person to ask... thanks

So i guess you would say I should use NiMH for my digital camera?

[happyslug]

9. I have used them all.

Including Rechargeable Alkaline.

I use a Bicycle so weight is important and the lightest batteries are the Lithiums. Some comment son each type of Battery:

First I have NOT used a rechargeable Lithium, but the regular Lithiums so far have been the best light on a turn signal light I use when riding my bicycle at night. Alkaline tend to run down very quickly below the Voltage needed to operate the turn signal. They operate the tail light part of the turn signal, but after a one night ride rarely have enough voltage left to operate the turn signal part of the tail light. Ni Cads tend to NEVER get the voltage up, Ni Cd tend to be 1.2 volts instead of 1.5 Volts of other Batteries. The best battery for that taillight/Turn signal has been the Lithium, which have lasted almost two months of use and still operating the turn signals (There are about done but lithiums keep up their Voltage till completely discharged unlike Alkaline Batteries which slowly reduce Voltage as the battery lose power).

My main off-road light is NiMH, and it runs quite well, until it is discharged and than it is dead (It last about 4 hours at full power). NiMH also keeps its Voltage up till the battery loses all power.

My Favorite light is Generator Powered, it never runs out of power unless I Stop Peddling. Good German engineering I can not tell the difference between a front wheel with it and a front wheel without the Generator (Unlike the Generators I had as a Kid, where you knew the generator was on when it was working).

Thus I am converting to the Lithiums by NiMH is a close second (Unless you can get a high end generator)

[olacan]

2. Try

ripvan100.com.

I use both their AA and AAA.

[tridim]

3. I use NiMH for all my remotes and my cordless mouse

I'm pretty happy with them so far.

[JayS]

8. I use the same for my digital camera and my portable radio. I...

...am on at least the thirtieth recharge cycle for the ones in my radio. The batteries and charger paid for themselves before week three.

[Mr.Green93]

5. Energizer

We got a four pack with charger on sale. They are the nickle type, last a long time and charge in 15 minutes.

[Submariner]

6. I use these in my GPS and digi-cam

Good battery.

http://store.yahoo.com/greenbatteries-store/index.html

[bif]

7. Use NiMH--they're supposed to be more environmentally friendly

I've heard Nicads are supposed to be the opposite.

[happyslug]

10. The problem is the Cadmium and Nickel

These are "heavy" Metals and are a real environmental hazard (Along with lead in a Lead-Acid Battery). The key is NOT if they are environmentally friendly or not (Neither really are) but the ability to recycle. Cadmium is in greater demand than Nickel so it is better at the present time. (Lithium would be the best choice being a Salt not a Metal. Lithium seems to have minimal affect on the environment.

Hazards of Nickel:
http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc108.htm#SectionNumber:1.8
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/cons/4017e.htm


Cadmium (A very Dangerous Heavy Metal):
http://www.cadmium.org/
http://www.keepmedia.com/ShowItemDetails.do?itemID=455235&extID=10032&oliID=213
http://www.kin.net.au/goble/Acta/articles/regional/brukunga/cadmium.htm
http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc135.htm
http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc119.htm#SubSectionNumber:5.5.2


INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY Site on Various Chemicals:
http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc119.htm

[sendero]

11. Nicads...

... are really crappy batteries. If you charge them before they are fully discharged, or fail to fully charge them when you do - you will shorten their life considerably.

Get NiMH - they are the best overall choice for digital cameras. Get 3 sets and always carry at least one extra charged set.

[galadrium]

12. Just picked up a set of NiMH and a charger

Seems like the best choice for a digital camera. Thanks for all the help all who posted!