Shutterbug Strasse

Posted by Æ (A) on July 18, 2011 at 14:05:24

My very first digital camera had a proprietary rechargeable battery. No problems with the battery, but having to take it out and wait for it to charge was sometimes inconvenient. I know some of you will go and purchase a second battery so that you'll always have a ready spare on hand while the other one is charging. The problem with some of these fits only one camera batteries is that they are usually quite expensive and often have to be purchased directly from the original manufacturer or a manufacturer approved dealer.

For that reason I decided to buy cameras that use AA batteries, typically two or four AA batteries. That way I have the multiple choice of using one use alkaline batteries such as Energizer, Duracell, etc, or the option of using rechargeable AA batteries, NiMh. There are several different brands of rechargeables and I've read a few reviews. One thing I definitely don't like about rechargeables, is that they come up a bit short voltage wise. Fresh out of the charger they already look like they are dead. The voltage is only 1.2-1.3 volts.

Recently though, I came across a different rechargeable AA battery, NiZn (Nickel Zinc) They come fresh out of the charger at 1.8 volts and drop to 1.6 during use. I think they are great. You cannot charge them with your typical charger because they require their own charger. The NiZn battery is a deep cycle battery and provides a heck of a lot of run time. If you rupture them they don't leak fluid and they don't flame up or explode like Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer.

Very promising technology, could end up replacing Lead Acid batteries in hybrid cars. So if you get a chance, try them. I bought several sets for my needs. They actually cost me less than name brand rechargeables.

• http://www.powergenix.com/?q=introduction-to-nizn   (Open in New Window)

Edits: 07/18/11   07/18/11