Which rechargeable batteries are best for a camera? Camera batteries: review, description and types, characteristics, selection tips More about NiMh batteries
Denisova Ksenia Sergeevna 1367
Choosing a suitable battery and charger for a camera is a responsible and troublesome task. In order to capture the best moments of life - the smile of a baby at a matinee, the jump of dolphins during a boat trip or the wedding kiss of the newlyweds - it is important to choose reliable batteries for your camera model.
All cameras, based on the type of batteries used, are divided into two categories: with an individual battery and those powered by standard “finger” or “little finger” batteries.
In the first case, you do not need to purchase any additional batteries - everything is included in the package. However, if this battery is lost, malfunctioned or discharged, you will have to look for the same model in specialized stores. Agree, this can be extremely difficult, given that at this moment you can be anywhere: in the mountains, in the forest, in the open sea or in another place remote from civilization.
All these problems can be avoided by using cameras with classic AA or AAA batteries (HR6 or HR3). These batteries are widely used in everyday life, used in many household appliances (home radiotelephones, watches, children's toys) and are sold at almost any retail outlet. You can take any number of sets with you and, if necessary, replace dead batteries. Let us dwell in more detail on the choice of these power sources.
Two types of rechargeable batteries are widely used: nickel-metal hydride (NiMH, Nickel-Metal Hydride) and lithium-ion (Li-Ion, Lithium Ion). The former are environmentally friendly, have a higher specific capacity than NiCd, but have a fairly strong spontaneous discharge. The latter have almost completely no “memory effect”, but their price is 2-3 times higher than the cost of NiCd and NiMH batteries.
The main parameter that you need to pay attention to when choosing a battery is its capacity. A high-capacity battery (from 2500 to 2700 mAh) has a longer charging cycle, but also drains much more slowly. Such batteries will ensure long-term operation of your camera without recharging. To ensure the correct operation of your camera, you must read the operating instructions - it must indicate the parameters of the power sources.
The next thing you should pay attention to is the dimensions of the power supplies. Batteries from some manufacturers do not meet standards and may not fit your camera in terms of body dimensions.
It is also necessary to take into account the frequency of use of batteries. If you do not plan to use your camera several times a week, you should take a closer look at models with a reduced self-discharge current (Varta ready2use, GP ReCyko+). Such models are able to lie for a long time without use, practically without losing their capacity.
The most common brands of batteries are: Ansmann, Duracell, Energizer, GP, Philips, Sanyo, Varta. Each brand has its own advantages and disadvantages. Prices for a package of 4 batteries vary on average from 300 to 800 rubles.
Batteries should be protected from shocks and falls, and not exposed to direct sunlight, then they will last a long time, and your camera will give you thousands of unforgettable photographs.
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Surely many of you use cameras that are powered by ordinary AA batteries. A camera is a device with a fairly large energy consumption, so even the best batteries last for 300-400 frames, after which you have to buy new ones and then even new ones - the process is endless and quite a lot of money is spent on batteries. This problem can be solved by purchasing batteries once.
Why is it beneficial to use rechargeable batteries instead of regular batteries? Batteries can be used repeatedly - after the battery is discharged, you charge it and again get a battery ready for use. Modern AA batteries can be charged up to 3000 times – i.e. By purchasing batteries once, you avoid purchasing 3,000 ordinary batteries in the future. The savings are obvious.
But which batteries are best to choose for your camera? After all, now many manufacturers produce AA batteries of various capacities. Let's try to understand this issue.
First, and the most important criterion for choosing batteries for a camera is current output. Many may disagree and say that the main thing is the capacity, and the higher it is, the more frames can be taken with one charge. This statement is wrong. The large capacity of a finger-type battery is not always capable of providing the maximum number of frames from a single charge. Why is that? Because absolutely all digital cameras have a power controller that controls the voltage on the batteries. It is the power controller that signals when the battery is low. The controller determines the level of battery discharge by the voltage on the element itself - in other words, it measures the voltage and if it is below the nominal voltage (the so-called lower voltage limit) - it sends a signal about the need to replace the battery. So, batteries with high current output are capable of delivering their entire capacity to power the camera without reaching the lower voltage limit. For example, if the battery has a capacity of 2000 mAh, all of these 2000 mAh will be used to power the camera. What happens to batteries with low current output? In such batteries, as the battery discharges, the voltage drops and the lower limit of the voltage drop is reached much earlier than the battery is discharged. There is energy left in the battery, but the camera will not be able to use it, because... The power controller will report low voltage. Thus, in batteries with a capacity of 2700 mAh and low current output, the working capacity will be 1700-1800 mAh, and the camera simply cannot “get” the remaining capacity from such batteries. This is easy to check - such batteries can be taken out of the camera (which asked to replace the battery) and inserted into a regular flashlight - they will work for a very long time thanks to the residual charge.
Often, with high-current batteries with a capacity of 2000 mAh, it is possible to take more shots than with ordinary batteries with a capacity of 2700 mAh.
The second criterion for choosing batteries for a camera is capacity. The large battery capacity combined with high current output will give you the maximum number of shots from a single charge.
The third parameter when choosing batteries for photographic equipment is self-discharge . First, let's understand what this self-discharge is. Absolutely all batteries lose their charge when stored (even if you don’t use them). The loss of charge during storage is called self-discharge. Self-discharge is present in all batteries, only in some it is less pronounced, in others it is more pronounced. Low self-discharge batteries can retain up to 85% charge after 5 years of storage. Using such batteries is very convenient - after charging, you can insert them into the camera at any time, start shooting and get the maximum number of frames. What happens when using non-low self-discharge batteries? Such batteries often lose up to 50% of their charge after several months of storage. Such batteries will have to be recharged before each use, which is not always convenient and there is not always time for this.
Today, the best batteries for any photographic equipment are Japanese batteries from the Eneloop series.
It is Eneloop batteries that combine all 3 parameters - high current output, low self-discharge and high capacity.
Eneloop batteries are available in 3 types:
- Panasonic Eneloop Pro 2550 mAh () – for professional photographic equipment;
- Panasonic Eneloop 2000 mAh( ) - for amateur photographers;
- Panasonic Eneloop Lite 1000 mAh( ) – for devices with low energy consumption.
For photographic equipment, it is recommended to use the first two types - Panasonic Eneloop Pro 2550 mAh(BK-3HCCE) and Panasonic Eneloop 2000 mAh (BK-3MCCE). These batteries are capable of providing the maximum number of frames from a single charge.
I hope this article will help you make the right choice and not miss a good shot due to a dead camera battery.
| Panasonic Eneloop Pro |
Every photographer knows firsthand how much his work depends on batteries and accumulators. No batteries - no pictures. When setting off to shoot another photo shoot, every photographer is obliged to provide himself with high-quality batteries. And how to make sure that they don’t let you down, we’ll talk in this article.
How familiar is the situation when, at the most important moment, the flash that is so necessary right now does not fire. This is the result of inefficient batteries that you charged just last week.
The solution to this problem is, in fact, quite simple. You need LSD type batteries. This abbreviation is familiar to many, but in this area it has a different meaning and is translated as “low self-discharge”. As can be judged from the name itself, the operating time of such batteries significantly exceeds the operating time of conventional ones. Another plus is that they are compatible with most devices, cameras, flashes, strobe lamps and others.
Many of today's photo devices only run on built-in batteries, so you don't have much choice. But if your camera still runs on AA batteries, then you need to make the right choice from all their variety. NiMh or Nickel Metal Hydride batteries will likely be your best option. Before using them, it is better to read the instructions for your device and find out whether it supports this type of battery. Several sets of these batteries will allow your device to last as long as possible.
NiMh, Li and Zn batteries
The modern market for batteries and accumulators is quite diverse, so before purchasing, you better study the main types in order to know where to choose.
There are many lithium and nickel batteries sold in stores. They have both their pros and cons. Moreover, the number of minuses often outweighs. You can talk for a long time about the intricacies and reasons for choosing this or that type of battery, but it will suffice to say, based on experience, that for a photographer, either nickel-metal hydride or NiMh batteries will be the best. As mentioned above, in addition to a longer service life, these devices are used not only in cameras, but also in all kinds of auxiliary devices.
We must not forget the benefits of using certain batteries. For example, using NiMh batteries in LED lights, flashes and even radio triggers, the batteries will last slightly less than others, but in the end they will cost you less. It’s good to have several charged sets of four with you, then you don’t have to worry about any device malfunctioning.
More about NiMh batteries
If you have chosen NiMh batteries, then it’s time to find out that they are not the same. It just so happens that not all manufacturers provide the buyer with comprehensive information about their product, limiting themselves to a couple of phrases like “ready to use.” However, in reality there are several types of NiMh batteries. The first of them are ordinary NiMh, they consume charge even when the device is at rest. On the first day, about 23-24% of the charge is consumed, and another 1% on each subsequent day. Having carried out simple calculations, we see that more than half of the charge is consumed per month just like that.
The second type of battery is LD-NiMh. As mentioned above, this abbreviation stands for “low self-discharge”. If you do not use such devices, they will retain their charge at 85% for a year. That is, by charging such batteries and putting them in your bag, after any time during the photo shoot you can safely use them and not be afraid that they will run out at the wrong moment.
Thus, the difference is obvious: regular NiMhs will have to be recharged before each shoot, LD-NiMhs can remain charged for a whole year.
Are LD batteries suitable for me?
Perhaps, in terms of environmental friendliness and efficiency, there is no better option than NiMh. When using, the main thing is to remember to recharge them on time. But after trying LD-NiMh, you begin to feel significant differences between them.
The fact is that the capacity of conventional batteries is larger, on average 2700 mAh, for LD-NiMh batteries the capacity is 2100 mAh. It may seem that replacing batteries with a larger capacity with a smaller one is not profitable. But in practice, you will see that this is not what you need to worry about.
The solution to this issue is simple: if you choose a smaller capacity, then you can assume that you will have more spare charged sets, that’s what you need to take care of.
If you don't feel the need for more capacity, and don't forget to charge your batteries on time, then the LD-NiMh is exactly what you need.
Eneloop XX batteries from Sanyo
This product has been on the market since 2005 and can rightfully be called legendary. They are based on technology that dictates market development in this area.
AA and nickel-metal hydride batteries released by Sanyo can retain their charge for 5 years. New Eneloop batteries are designed to operate for 1800 charge and discharge cycles. The previous generation lasted 1,500 cycles, which is 20% less than the new product.
Perhaps these batteries are one of the best on the market at the moment. The problem is that they are not so easy to find everywhere. However, other companies are also actively improving LD-NiMh battery technology. Products from Energizer, Duracell or Ansmann are available in abundance. For example, you can find batteries with an increased capacity of 2500 mAh, which, accordingly, increases their operating time.
Panasonic batteries
Another option that is fairly easy to find on the market is Panasonic batteries. They can withstand up to 1600 charge and discharge cycles, which is 600 more than previous models. In addition, it is no secret that Panasonic bought the Sanyo brand, so it is natural that their technologies will be mixed and in the near future, the consumer will not feel any special differences between the two types of batteries.
In conclusion, I would like to give a few more tips. If you decide to use rechargeable batteries, make sure they are purchased from a reputable store. Do not waste time on charging; fast charging can only be used when there is an extreme lack of time. The indicated number of charge and discharge cycles will only be valid if charged correctly. And yet, there is no need to mix and use old and new batteries at the same time. It is best to use specific markings so as not to confuse fresh batteries with used ones.
Based on materials from the site:
These days, modern video and photographic equipment runs on batteries. They can be built-in and developed by the manufacturer for each specific model, or standard types AA and AAA. As a rule, built-in batteries are included, but they have minimal power and their charge does not last long, which means you always need to have a spare set. Already 
Many users are abandoning disposable batteries in favor of rechargeable batteries of the same type. Yes, batteries are more expensive, but they can withstand hundreds of recharge cycles, which means that in the end it turns out cheaper. We offer you an overview of the main types of batteries and their basic characteristics.
A simple and affordable way battery selection for photographic equipment, look in the instructions for your camera or video camera, where the manufacturer always gives clear recommendations on this issue. Only “original” batteries are too expensive or you have to wait a long time for the delivery of the corresponding model. At the same time, the photographic equipment market offers a wide range of analogues from other manufacturers, but they may differ in capacity and price, but they successfully cope with their main purpose - powering the device. So what do you need to pay attention to? buying batteries for cameras and camcorders ?
AA batteries
The AA battery type (rarely AAA) is usually installed on inexpensive cameras, less often on SLR cameras. But in professional models they are used only in conjunction with a booster - an electronic device that increases voltage and stabilizes the energy supply. Different models of AA batteries differ in maximum capacity and output voltage. The capacity is determined by the number of on-off cycles; it is at this moment that more energy is consumed, and therefore the number of pictures that you can take with a given set of batteries is regulated. Nowadays batteries with capacities from 1500-3200 mAh or more are available for sale.
And the output voltage is a characteristic that affects the switching on of the device itself. When the value of this indicator is very low, the electronic system of the camera will consider that the battery is low and therefore needs to be replaced.
Special batteries
If you use professional photo and video equipment, then the capacity of AA batteries will not be enough for you; it is better to use batteries that have a larger capacity and power. Usually, the battery of one model can fit 
for several camera models, so it is better to study the labeling of the device itself or the instructions for the photographic equipment. More often, the manufacturer offers several types of batteries that have the same shape and size, but different capacities (mAh, mAh). Original batteries are more expensive than their counterparts made in China, but they are more reliable and can withstand longer charge-discharge cycles.
Chemical composition
The cheapest are alkaline batteries: nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium. Their main drawback is the presence of a memory effect, which is why the battery must first be completely discharged and then charged; Constant recharging gradually reduces the capacity of this type of battery. And the operating range of such batteries varies from -10 to +40 degrees Celsius. Lead-acid batteries are slightly more expensive and more reliable, but when completely discharged they fail.
Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries, on the contrary, must be charged when the remaining capacity reaches at least 5-10%; or their capacity will decrease by 20% or more. But they are able to work in different temperature conditions, are durable, unlike salt and alkaline ones, which affects their price, and they are only compatible with a certain model of video and photographic equipment. They also have another advantage - they maintain the required voltage level during operation and do not self-discharge.
Battery charger
Depending on the type of batteries, the charger is selected. Typically, rechargeable batteries for photographic equipment come with a charger. If you want to purchase additionally, you should study the instructions for the equipment or read the battery manufacturer's recommendations. For AA batteries (rechargeable), the choice of charger is made taking into account their size and chemical composition. For example, for alkaline batteries, chargers with a full discharge function are used, and the corresponding types of equipment for lithium-ion and lithium-polymer are used. Remember that models that have a fast charging function ultimately reduce the life of the batteries, and vice versa, slower charging gives the maximum effect in using batteries for a long time.
It's no secret that the productivity of a photographer depends not only on the quality of the equipment, but also on it. Actually, everything is simple - no charge, no pictures. Therefore, before setting off for your next photo shoot, it would definitely be a good idea to check your professional luggage for batteries for the camera.
Moreover, modern, as well as advanced, technology is very demanding on batteries. Here, the uninterrupted operation of the flash must be ensured, and the normal brightness of the screen, and the operation of the “filling”. So you need to be especially careful when choosing batteries for your camera. Moreover, today's market offers a lot of options, as they say, for every taste and color.
So, let's try to figure out which batteries for the camera are best suited, what to pay special attention to first and how not to make a mistake with the purchase. Let's look at the main characteristics of batteries and what makes them remarkable when it comes to the field of photography.
Difficulty of choice
First, let's conduct a brief educational program on the types and types of batteries for the camera. On sale you can find two types of similar batteries, and they differ from each other quite significantly. The first are simple and disposable camera batteries. That is, there is no talk of any recharging of batteries here. They are ready to use right off the store shelf and are several times cheaper than their more productive counterparts.
Batteries
Camera batteries are designed to last many recharge cycles. Despite their high cost, such batteries are more practical in terms of not only efficiency, but also payback. Once purchased, they usually require charging before they can be used like regular batteries.
Non-standard batteries (branded)
There are also specific and non-standard batteries. Branded equipment is equipped with them; it is almost impossible to find an alternative to them. For example, a good half of Sony cameras have a built-in battery and are replaced only due to natural wear and tear or damage. So here you don’t even have to think about replacing batteries.
Types of batteries
Simple and rechargeable batteries also differ in form factor. Manufacturers of photographic equipment are not particularly clever and settled on two types of power supply - AA and AAA. In common parlance, “finger” and “little finger”, respectively. There are also very tiny AAAA and 9-volt massive “Crowns”, but they are very, very rare in photographic equipment.
For beginners in this business and owners of point-and-shoot cameras, ordinary batteries are enough, and buying batteries is simply impractical. Those who are professional photographers and have serious gadgets in their arsenal need stable, powerful and capacious batteries. These are the qualities that rechargeable batteries offer. Of course, a good battery for a Canon or Nikon camera will cost a pretty penny, but they also have a corresponding return.
Chemical composition
Batteries may also differ in chemical composition. A little earlier, there were a dime a dozen varieties of chemical “filling”, but only four have survived to this day, which can boast of returns acceptable for modern technology.
Ni-Cd
Nickel-cadmium batteries are the most common batteries. They are relatively inexpensive, well resistant to sub-zero temperatures and have consistently high charging currents. This option is also starting to slowly become outdated, because the disadvantages sometimes outweigh the advantages.
The fly in the ointment here is the toxicity of the elements and the decrease in capacity with each recharge. In addition, such batteries need to be charged only after they are completely depleted. Otherwise, the operational period of the elements will be significantly reduced.
Ni-MH
Nickel-metal hydride batteries can be called an improved version of nickel-cadmium batteries. They retained all the advantages of the previous generation and practically got rid of its disadvantages. Regular recharging now has a lesser impact on the service life, and the toxicity of the batteries has also been reduced.
As for operation, the efficiency of such batteries has approximately doubled, and the voltage is stable and does not change even with a minimum charge. It is also worth noting that nickel-metal hydride batteries can have a noticeably higher capacity than conventional nickel-cadmium batteries.
Li-Ion
Lithium-ion batteries are completely devoid of the effect of capacity reduction when recharging, and are lightweight and high in density. The main advantages of batteries of this type are the lowest self-discharge and fast recharge. In addition, the battery offers a high discharge voltage.
Lithium-ion batteries are good in many ways, but they also have their own critical disadvantages, especially for a photographer working in the field. Here we are talking about high sensitivity to the environment: low, as well as high, temperatures have an extremely adverse effect on the condition and efficiency of the battery.
In addition, batteries of this type do not tolerate full charge and oversaturation. That is, you can’t leave them overnight. It is also worth noting that the cost of lithium-ion batteries is noticeably higher than the same Ni-MH batteries.
Li-Pol
They are a more advanced version of lithium-ion. They have a 20% higher charge density and are noticeably better resistant to ambient temperatures.
Almost the only drawback of lithium-polymer batteries is the high risk of fire when the charge is oversaturated or overheated. So on a hot sunny day it is better to leave them discharged and at home.
Summarizing
Professional photographers and experts in the field consider Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries for cameras. They are extremely versatile, cost significantly less than lithium-ion and polymer ones, and also have sufficient capacity to service almost any serious photographic equipment.
As for manufacturers, the situation here is more or less clear. The same pros and experts recommend paying attention to proven and well-established brands, as well as series. Beginners can sometimes offer quite decent and inexpensive options, but they have to be sorted out with special care.
Among other venerable manufacturers, we can recommend the Sanyo brand, which, as they say, ate the dog in this matter. The Eneloop XX series turned out to be the most successful, and you can choose any model you like from this line without hesitation. Professionals also say a lot of warm words about the products of the Panasonic company, where almost every series is distinguished by a high-quality set of models. Well, don’t forget about the counterfeits that have flooded the domestic market, and buy batteries only in trusted offline and online stores.