Digital Cameras and Batteries?

kestrelx · 11-09-2014, 17:02

I am considering buying a camera that takes regular AA batteries but am wondering if anyone has experience of a camera using regular non rechargable batteries? How much life do you get out of them?

I have a camera with rechargable batteries and have found using 2 sets of batteries satisfactory and cost effective and been enough power to last a day or 2 of use.

But would like any advice on camera's that use regular batteries - I would assume they are not really cost effective to run - but anyone who has experience please post here and help me come to a decision - thanks.

maxthecollie · 11-09-2014, 17:43

I had a little kodak camera that took 2 AA batteries .They do not last long. Your better going for a camera with a lithium rechargeable battery. It's all down to how much you want to pay.

DaveinGermany · 11-09-2014, 18:36

As Frank said, the Lithium are the better option, but if you're going to use a camera that uses normal batteries I'd give quality rechargeable batteries a shot, I used them in my old camera & it did well enough for my needs.

One thing though, always make sure you're carrying some fully charged spares!

Margaret Pilkington · 11-09-2014, 18:44

I have had cameras that used AA batteries and the lithium rechargeable.
I would choose the camera that came with a lithium battery every time........the only advantage of having a camera which uses AA batteries is that they are freely available almost everywhere........but the disadvantage is the cost.(camera's need quality AA batteries to run them...like Duracell...not cheap)
I always have two batteries with me......and when I buy a camera I always buy an extra (camera specific) lithium battery as a back up.

Neil · 12-09-2014, 11:27

I think you will find that most new decent cameras won't last long at all on alkaline non rechargeable AA's like Duracell or whatever that you can but everywhere. They just can't supply the current needed by modern cameras.

Margaret Pilkington · 12-09-2014, 12:37

A few years ago I was in Exeter. At that time I had a camera which had AA rechargeable batteries.
I had a good supply of rechargeable batteries....but on this occasion no spares in my bag.
I had been in the Cathedral snapping away and my batteries died. I went and bough some branded AA batteries...a good brand...the one which uses bunnies in its advert......put these in my camera and there was just enough juice in them to open the shutter but not enough to take a picture.
I took the batteries back to the shop and got my money back(I told them they must be old as they would not work my camera - they offered me replacement batteries, but I declined).

This camera came with rechargeable NiMH batteries. I made sure after that I always had fully charged spares in my bag.

My current cameras would certainly never be any good with AA batteries.

maxthecollie · 12-09-2014, 14:41

I once went out with my camera with no sd card in.

Gremlin · 12-09-2014, 15:32

I recently sold a camera which used four AA batteries.
I found the rechargeable ones didn't last as long as normal ones but worked out cheaper.
My two Nikons have their own brand batteries plus a spare for each.
They also have a detachable grip which holds six AA's so if I discharge both main batteries I would be able to get some A A's to see me through.
I can usually get over four hundred shots from the main battery and always totally discharge them before recharging.

Margaret Pilkington · 12-09-2014, 15:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxthecollie

I once went out with my camera with no sd card in.

I rarely remove the SD card......a couple of my cameras have a small internal memory...but it is small....I reckon this is so that the camera can be demonstrated in the shop without having to put an SD card into the camera.

maxthecollie · 12-09-2014, 15:55

I only take the cards out to download them to my pc

Margaret Pilkington · 12-09-2014, 15:58

I use a download cable.......then there is no chance I will forget to put the SD card back into the camera.

shillelagh · 12-09-2014, 17:52

mine uses 2 AA batteries .. I use the energizer ultimate lithium batteries £7 for 4 from Tesco/asda/wilkinsons ... i normally get about 500 photos out of them ... when i went up to the spugsters in july i took around 1500 photos ... and in that i swapped the batteries twice ... if i use normal batteries Duracell etc i get about 250/300 photos .. but it depends on how i use the camera .... ive actually said i would rather have the camera that uses AA batteries because i know what im like and wouldn't like to be in middle of somewhere and the battery goes ... and no way of charging the camera back up ... yes probably im old fashioned ... but it works for me ...

Margaret Pilkington · 12-09-2014, 17:57

Jen, that is all that really matters......that it works for you.
It is all about preference.
I have had both types of batteries in cameras...my preference would be for a camera specific rechargeable...but I make sure I have a spare....but AA's are freely available...just choose a retailer that sells lots of them and make sure they are fresh...and remember to take them out of the camera if it is not going to be used in a while.
Incidentally, those batteries which are no longer strong enough to power the camera will often be fine in a clock or something else which needs relatively low power

shillelagh · 12-09-2014, 18:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

Jen, that is all that really matters......that it works for you.
It is all about preference.
I have had both types of batteries in cameras...my preference would be for a camera specific rechargeable...but I make sure I have a spare....but AA's are freely available...just choose a retailer that sells lots of them and make sure they are fresh...and remember to take them out of the camera if it is not going to be used in a while.
Incidentally, those batteries which are no longer strong enough to power the camera will often be fine in a clock or something else which needs relatively low power

I use them in my wireless mouse ... then when they go kaput in there .. leave them resting for a couple of days and put them back in the mouse .. normally get a couple more days out of them ...

then its down to the remote control ...

by the way my camera is a compact camera .. not a bridge camera or DSLR ... but it is up to your preference and how you are going to use it. Ive been known to walk around with the camera turned on not taking a photo .. but also have turned it on and off many a time ....

Margaret Pilkington · 12-09-2014, 18:10

I like your style Jen....someone else who is as frugal as me!
Many folk just take the batteries out of their camera and toss them into the bin(recycles would be better).