Batteries for Digital Cameras
Batteries are arguably the most important digital camera accessory. Unlike traditional cameras, which can often go months without needing a battery replacement, some digital cameras can consume power at an alarming rate, providing no more than a few hours of continuous shooting time before the battery is drained. Other cameras are renowned for their batteries' longevity, allowing users to snap away with barely a thought to power consumption. Knowing how you intend to use your camera and what type of battery it needs is key to making an informed purchase. |
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A Quick Guide for Each Battery Type
Ni-Cad Batteries
Should be almost completely discharged before being charge again
Can be recharged about 1,000 times
Can lose about 10% of their power per year
Lead Acid Batteries
Should be recharged after every use
Can be recharged about 500 times
Can lose as much as 20% of their power per year
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Difference between a rapid battery charger and a fast battery charger
Both terms are essentially meaningless. There is no standard in the industry, so manufacturers can use the terms in different ways. One of the problems with terms like these is that the amount of time it takes to charge a battery is dependent on the capacity of the battery being charged. A charger that can charge a standard capacity AAA NiCD battery (180 mAh) in just one hour might take 8 hours to charge a high capacity NiMH (1500 mAh) battery. It's best to ignore such terms and make a rough calculation of how fast a charger can charge batteries. |
