what kind of digital camera battery is best?
When it comes to power, the ability to use a variety of battery types can be more important than any single type a camera may use. For instance, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries generally last the longest, but if you're out in the woods, you have no way to recharge them, and you'd probably rather have a backpack full of disposables. Your best bet is a camera that interchangeably supports rechargeables and long-life disposables.
Battery types:
Model-specific |
Universal rechargeable |
Disposable
Model-specific
Proprietary batteries come in all shapes and sizes, to best fit a given camera.
Batteries designed specifically for a particular model or product line.
Chemistry: Lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
Advantages:
• Tend to last the longest.
• Make ultracompact designs possible.
• Allow for more intelligent battery gauges that more
accurately measure remaining capacity.
• Better for the environment than disposables.
• Less expensive in the long run than disposables.
Disadvantages:
• Require electricity to recharge.
• Need to keep charged extras on hand.
• Can't use in other cameras or electronic devices.
• Don't always have third-party alternatives.
Universal rechargeable
Most rechargeable batteries for cameras come AA-size.
Rechargeable batteries that adhere to standard conventions and sizes.
Chemistry: Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)
Advantages:
• Long-lived.
• Better for the environment than disposables.
• Can be bought from many sources.
• Less expensive in the long run than disposables.
Disadvantages:
• Usually require at least two AA-size units to power a
camera, which adds to weight.
Disposable
Disposable Lithium batteries last far longer than their alkaline counterparts.
Single-use batteries adhere to standard conventions and sizes.
Chemistry: Lithium, alkaline, oxy-alkaline
Advantages:
• Lithium tend to last the longest and
make cameras speedier.
• Readily available in stores.
• Light.
Disadvantages:
• Alkalines don't last long.
• Not good for the environment.
