When you buy a digital camera, rechargeable batteries are a must. Some cameras come standard with rechargeable batteries, while others do not. Either way, you will want to make sure you have at least two sets of rechargeable batteries.



There are several different rechargeable batteries on the market. NiMH an abbreviation for nickel metal hydride will perform the best, allowing you to recharge the batteries at any time while still holding their capacity.

Lithium ion batteries also hold their capacity fairly well. NiCad an abbreviation for nickel cadmium batteries are more temperamental, creating a "memory effect" if not charged properly. NiCad batteries will lose their capacity over time, so if given the choice choose lithium ion batteries.

If your camera came with a proprietary lithium ion rechargeable battery, read and follow the manufacturers instructions carefully, order an extra battery and a 12V car charger if you can afford it, and skip the rest of this section. If it came with AAs or its equivalents like CRV3 lithium disposables, read on.

These batteries turn out to be a lot more complicated than anyone would have wished, but they are easily managed with a little knowledge and the proper tools. When in doubt, buy and carry additional spare battery sets. Along with ample memory, ample spares and a smart, fast charger with a 12V car adapter are the keys to carefree digital photography.

If your camera takes this battery, dont even think of using alkaline batteries, even if you found alkaline in the camera box. That includes those pricey super-duper ultra titanium jobs! Your best bet for battery power is going to be the nickel metal hydride.

In second place would be disposable lithium batteries. Lots of chain retailers carry disposable lithium AAs and NiMH AAs at reasonable prices nowadays.

Since NiMH batteries have no appreciable voltage depression or memory effect, feel free to charge them at your convenience. Be aware, however, that brand new NiMH will need to complete 3-4 charge-discharge cycles to hit full stride. Only rarely will they need conditioning after that.

Speaking of conditioning, never discharge an NiMH AA below 1 volt. Actually, your camera will probably die and stop drawing your battery down long before that happens, but in the event you want to recharge before the batteries are fully spent, you should wait until you reach that 1 volt minimum

If your camera came with disposable lithium CR-V3 batteries, and your batteries are not yet ready for prime time, resist the urge to shoot up the CR-V3s as they make ideal emergency and cold weather back-ups for your camera bag.

OK, so now you know what kind of camera you want. How do you go about getting the best deal you can. Lets go shopping.