Thread: AA Size Batteries

Originally Posted by craigb

I'm afraid I didn't read it.

Me either, I dont think Ive read that much stuff in me whole life time.

Al

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to reply to my questions. I didn't realise that there was so many variants on this issue - can be mind boggleling to an illiterate person like I. Unknown to me the wife had purchased some lithium ones on EBay this morning. She said the cost (and hassle) of charging them wasn't worth the aggro. As I only use them for the camera (an old Olympus - 3 years) then it seems OK to me but if they are for general use within the family (as stated here) then I may look into it further pertaining to the recharging of the lithium and Dick Smith type that seemed to get positive recommendations here.

Thanks once again to everyone.

Have a great weekend.

Regards
David

Its probably already been mentioned in the masses of text above but I couldn't find it.....

One of the main reasons some rechargable batterys don't last in digital cameras is that they have slightly lower vlotage than the disposables.
Depending on the camera this may have no affect. It could also give a low battery warning but keep working for some time. Or it may just shut down.

If your camera dosen't like the lower voltage it is a waste of money to keep buying higher power rated batterys (mAH).

Originally Posted by Metal Head

Hi,

Late last year I purchased a pack of Energizer Rechargeable AA NiMH 2500 mAh batteries (X 4) this came also with a recharger. However, the batteries (two @ a time)have only every been able to take about 15 - 20 images before they had to be replaced by the other set:eek:. However, the wife rightly said that this was no good and we should try the lithium ones which we did on our short break to Noosa this week. I took around a 100 shots there without any problems (and the batteries are still going OK). So it begs the question if the rechargeable batteries (or charger) aren't working OK. I will check this out over the next day or 2 with my multimeter.

I was wondering whether anyone else here has had the same problems with their rechargeable batteries/charger, or are they only expected to last such a short time?.

Cheers
David

I think what may be the problem is that digital cameras are energy hogs and your camera only takes two AA batteries. I have the same batteries as you. I have a small coolpix 2100 Nikon that takes only 2 batteries and I also have a Canon S2IS that takes 4. I suspect that the Canon draws more milli-amps than the Nikon but I can kill the batteries in the Nikon very quickly no matter what type I use. The Canon on the other hand lasts a very long time with the same batteries. It also doesn't help that digitals won't even power on if the batteries are below a fairly high minimum level of energy.

It used to bug the hell out of me that I could kill the batteries so quickly. So my intensions were to buy the Canon and get rid of the Nikon, didn't at that time think I would have a use for 2 cameras. The Canon has been a fantastic camera but I've found I actually like the Nikon more now because it's a compact cheap camera that I can drop in my pocket and go anywhere. I'm even thinking of getting a waterproof case for the Nikon so I can take it under water.

Luckily he wasn't charging in the car. One Lipo had gone......

And electric chopper do the same, charged with an incorrect cell count.
ie set the charger for an extra cell so it thought the pack was undervoltage so pumped heaps in till the explosion and fire.

Originally Posted by bennylaird

Luckily he wasn't charging in the car. One Lipo had gone......

I see the cameraman was in position - but where the hell was the firecrew???

Good point, and one that makes good sense. Most clubs are set up for the possibility especially with large turbine powered jets flying etc. If you fly in parks etc then a good extinquisher might be the way to go.

Some people charge their batteries in a brick enclosure with a plastic bag of sand for the roof. When the plastic melts the sand puts out the fire. It's where people charge in the aircraft thiongs like this happen.

Originally Posted by Bob38S

I see the cameraman was in position - but where the hell was the firecrew???

Batteries were flat