Re-chargeable AA batteries

[MeadsMan]

Hello,I have a little compact camera wich I like to keep handy,for off the cuff photos,it uses 4 AA batteries.I use re chargeable types from jessops,the thing is,they don`t stay charged regardless of weather you use the camera or not,I find this not only a little frustrating,but what a waste of electric too wich isn`t getting cheaper.In the past having used ready to use throw away batteries..well they don`t seem to have much staying power.Can anyone offer any advice or tips for longer lasting power please ?

[dan-fisher]

I've used uniross for some years and have found them excellent. especially the high 3000mah rated ones.

Maplins do some excellent deals on them sometimes.

[The Woodman]

Hi MeadsMan
I use rechargeables in all my stuff .

Cheapo's will not last, get some good branded ones. I use Samsung Model SNB-2512 which are 2500 mAh and Energiser NH15 2100mAh and GP 270AAc 2700 mAh.

All are NiMh and I rate the GP's the best. I had some Olympus AA's own brand in an earlier digital camera that cost a fortune but they were brilliant and are still going strong to this day, at least seven years old.

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi Meadsman,

Unfortunately it is the nature ofthe beast with Ni-Cads and NiMh's, that they will continuously discharge even when not under load. (Which is why most commercial fixed equipment using these things for back-up/emergency purposes usually incorporates trickle charging circuitry).

My best suggestion would be to leave a set of throw away batteries in the camera when it's not being used for some time (which will keep the date & other info intact), and then replace these with a freshly charged set of NiMh's prior to each intended use.

I appreciate this does not lend itself to your particular circumstances of wanting the camera available at all times "just in case" a picture opportunity arises.

The only comfort would be that the cost of recharging a set of NiMh's is far less than the cost of a replacement set of throwaway alkalines, and NiMh's should easily be able to be recharged several hundred times.

BTW: NiMh's are more efficient than NiCads, but you will need to ensure that your charger is Nimh compatible.

Regards
Mike.

[Jim Ford]

Don't mess around with 'ordinary' rechargeables - get Panasonic 'Enloops'. Once charged they stay charged for a very long time. They even come ready charged. They're not much different in cost to ordinary NiMhs, are high capacity and can be charged on the same charger.

Jim

[LynM]

I've had similar problems with Jessops own brand rechargeables, so I shall now go to find the Panasonic ones that Jimm is recommending.

Jim...are they easy to buy?.....high street or on the net?

[Jim Ford]

I got the name wrong - they're Sanyo 'Enloop'. Panasonic do an equivalent called 'Infinium'. 7dayshop.com do the Infiniums:

7dayshop.com - Online Store

I think I've seen Enloops or Infiniums in a supermarket (Tescos or Waitrose).

You'll see that the 'blurb' claims that they retain 80% of their capacity after 1 year.

Jim

[LynM]

Many thanks for that, Jim.

[MeadsMan]

Thank you for the advice all.

[cyber_spud]

I've used the Sanyo eneloop batteries with my flashgun. Very pleased so far...