1900mAh vs 2500mAh batteries for camera

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xpd

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Topic # 83366 15-May-2011 09:42

Need some rechargeable batteries for my new camera and thought Id go for the same as what I had before which was DSE branded 2500mAh NiMH.

But thought Id do a quick poke around online to see what people recommend...finding confusing and conflicting information.
Some sites say to use 1900mAh but then say 2500mAh will last longer but not for a camera - why not ?

Basically, whats best for a digital camera ? 1900mAh or 2500mAh ?

XPD / Gavin / DemiseNZ

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timmmay

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Reply # 469224 15-May-2011 10:22

Your camera takes AA batteries? Most take LiIon cells these days.

I suggest Eneloop batteries, DSE sells them. They have no memory effect and don't lose much charge when they're not used.

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SCUBADOO

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Reply # 469239 15-May-2011 10:50

I posted this on another forum recently re my handheld GPS.

EXACTLY the same applies to my Panasonic Lumix camera:

"Rechargable Batteries

+1 for Sanyo eneloop AA cells however most brands now have the "ready to use" equivalents. Eveready, Varta, Sony, Panasonic etc.
The downside is that they generally have less capacity after a full charge typically 2000 mAh.
The upside is "extremely slow self-discharge rate maintains 85 percent of capacity after 1 year of storage".

My experience with typical 2500 mAh or so Energizers is that by day 3 or 4 after a full charge they already have less capacity than my eneloops. At 3 weeks they last no more than a couple of hours sometimes less.

If you want immediate straight after charge use then standard NiMH cells win.
If you want to just grab your GPS and go at any time then the "ready to use" cells win every time.
Buy a spare set and take with you as backup."

xpd

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Reply # 469510 16-May-2011 09:52

timmmay: Your camera takes AA batteries? Most take LiIon cells these days.

I suggest Eneloop batteries, DSE sells them. They have no memory effect and don't lose much charge when they're not used.

Yup, Fuji seem to stick with AA's.... its only a "budget" camera, was planning on getting something better but few things cropped up during house move which killed my "once in a blue moon" toy budget :)

XPD / Gavin / DemiseNZ

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xpd

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Reply # 469511 16-May-2011 09:52

Thanks guys, will grab some of the Eneloops and see how I go :)

XPD / Gavin / DemiseNZ

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Jaxson

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Reply # 469522 16-May-2011 10:10

+1 for the eneloops.

Normal rechargeables have more capacity but you'll need to know exactly when you are going to use them and charge them up in advance. They will discharge quickly after charged and will be close to useless after a week etc and it seems to get worse with age.

The eneloops will keep in your camera ready to go for ages. I got some for my camera and for my harmony remote. I'd never go back to any other form of rechargeable battery now.

We use 'maxlife' non recharegable batteries for anything else. Non rechargeable batteries tend to hold their charge a long time. The eneloops are like the best of both worlds.

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Reply # 469524 16-May-2011 10:16

Normal NiMH cells are still fine after a week, they're only down slightly. I used a Maha C9000 to charge cells, then top them off a week later, they took only a very small amount of power.

Have a read of this battery test thread, it's really interesting for people who use a lot of batteries. I have about 100 AA cells, 70% Powerex (2 years old and going strong), but all my new cells (30-40) are Eneloop. Performance is essentially identical.

I have four flashes with four AA cells each, four battery packs with eight each, plus I take maybe 16 spare cells with me when i'm shooting. Charging them's a PITA, but with the Eneloops I can charge them a few weeks before no problem. I have Maha chargers, 12 spots total, C9000 and C801.

www.batteryuniversity.com is also a good site.

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Jaxson

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Reply # 469525 16-May-2011 10:18

timmmay: I used a Maha C9000 to charge cells

+1 on that charger too, I have one myself.

SCUBADOO

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Reply # 469549 16-May-2011 11:16

+2

A great charger.