Digital Camera Batteries: What You Need To Know

Your digital camera uses either a rechargeable battery pack or a set of AA batteries. Either will serve you quite well if you follow some simple advice.

If your camera uses AA batteries, never ever use the common alkaline cells—even if they were in the box with your camera. Save them for the TV remote, and immediately buy a set of NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries and a charger. It will set you back very few bucks and save you big bucks in the long run. Properly cared for, these rechargeable nuggets outlast disposable cells four to five times per outing—and can be replenished up to 500 times.

For those times when a rechargeable isn’t available, step up to an Energizer E2 Lithium battery. Although they’re not renewable, they do last a very, very long time. Smart travelers will keep a few sets of lithium batteries in the trunk of their car so that they have power to spare when they’re far away from an electrical outlet.

Your camera might use a proprietary lithium-ion (Li-Ion) rechargeable battery—many do. The technology is terrific. These cells have no memory (that is, even if you disrupt the charge-depletion cycle, they’ll still continue to provide top performance).

The best advice for using proprietary lithium-ion batteries: Buy several (at least two). At the minimum, have one for the camera and one for the charger. Three lets you keep one in the camera, one in the bag for backup and one charging for immediate use later.

Yes, Li-Ion does provide firepower for an extended period of time, but today’s modern cameras have extra-large 2.5-inch LCD monitors, which use more battery energy. Take two, and always be ready.

Read more advice for choosing digital camera batteries and avoid being stuck with a powerless camera.