Which AA batteries are most suitable for photographic equipment - an informed choice. Which rechargeable batteries are best for a camera? What batteries are best to use in a DSLR camera?
Denisova Ksenia Sergeevna 1367
Choosing a suitable battery and charger for a camera is a responsible and troublesome task. In order to capture best moments 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 elements power supply - everything is included in the delivery 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 and are used in many household appliances(home radiotelephones, watches, children's toys) and are sold in almost any point of sale. 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.
Rechargeable batteries of 2 types are widespread: 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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Every amateur photographer, at the wrong time, often in the midst of an exciting shoot, is faced with the problem of dead batteries. How many worthwhile shots are lost forever and how many times creative inspiration has suffered? It is necessary to put an end to this once and for all and thoroughly understand which batteries are best suited for the camera. Buy what you need and indulge in your favorite activity with pleasure, no longer experiencing problems from poor-quality power supplies. An undeniable advantage of using AA and AAA batteries in cameras as a power source is the availability and relative cheapness of the products. It is very convenient to purchase and have the required number of batteries in stock, replacing the ones that run out right during shooting. The negative point is the small capacity of the battery and the abundance of low-quality products that run out after several dozen captured frames. Main types of batteries: The Russian market is saturated with batteries from well-known manufacturers, offering consumers a large selection. The best option for use in a camera is to use alkaline batteries marked Alkaline. In the operating instructions, manufacturers of well-known brands of cameras Canon, Nikon, Samsung, Olympus, Fujifilm, Sony clearly state the required parameters and the type of batteries used. When purchasing new batteries for your camera, you must strictly follow these instructions. A modern camera consumes quite a lot of energy. The use of even the best batteries does not guarantee uninterrupted operation of the camera. After shooting several hundred frames, you have to buy a new set, spending regular cash. The endless process can be interrupted by purchasing a high-quality, rechargeable set of batteries once. They can be recharged and used several hundred times. Manufacturers also support their use, recommending in their operating manuals that batteries be used as the energy source, using alkaline batteries in rare and exceptional cases. Today a large number of these products are produced, and you need to know some of the nuances so as not to make a mistake and choose a win-win option for a digital camera. Basic criteria for choosing batteries: To charge batteries, you also need to purchase a high-quality charger. Many manufacturers, simplifying the choice for consumers, offer kits that include AA batteries along with chargers. More powerful and capacious adapters are also on sale. There are several types of rechargeable AA batteries, differing in the chemical composition of the working fluid, cathode and anode material. Nickel-cadmium and lithium-ion are well-proven power sources, they are rarely used as AA batteries and are expensive. The main niche of the market, coping with its task perfectly, is occupied by nickel-metal hydride power supplies. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMh) batteries, which have a high specific energy, have long and firmly taken their place in newfangled gadgets. The ability to recharge power supplies is emphasized by the Rechargeable inscription on the product body. The battery capacity is also indicated there, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). There is no need to try to take power supplies with the highest capacity. As practice shows, such products have an increased tendency to self-discharge. How to choose the right energy source for a specific brand?
Rivalry between batteries and rechargeable AA batteries
Which rechargeable batteries are best for a camera?
The best choice of rechargeable power source is to purchase low self-discharge nickel metal hydride (NiMh) batteries. Such products are marked with the inscription LD-NiMh. They are the ones you should choose for long and reliable operation of the camera.
Cameras are equipment that consumes a large amount of electricity during operation. Therefore, they need high-quality power sources. Such a product in trading network presented in the form of disposable galvanic batteries and reusable batteries. Batteries for the camera are selected taking into account certain parameters.
Information about the power supply of a specific camera can be obtained from passport details and in the user manual. It is also on the device nameplate. Some camera models are equipped with power settings depending on what is installed in the compartment - batteries or rechargeable batteries. Basic knowledge about the power sources used will help those who like to shoot continuously and avoid sudden shutdowns of equipment.
Cameras use batteries of two sizes: AA (finger-type) and AAA (mini-finger or little finger), which are identical in technical characteristics. The photo below shows batteries of different sizes.
Depending on the method of energy production, power sources for cameras are divided into 2 types: disposable batteries (galvanic) and rechargeable batteries (AB).
Disposable batteries depending on composition and technical characteristics are divided into 3 types:
- alkaline (alkaline);
- saline;
- lithium
Salt batteries It is not recommended for use in cameras, since they are used for equipment that turns on periodically and consumes little electricity (for example, a flashlight). With such batteries the camera will quickly stop working. Alkaline batteries, which are considered universal power sources, or lithium batteries are better suited for cameras. The latter type was specially developed by manufacturers for these purposes. However, they are more expensive than other types. You can distinguish them by the inscription on the case “Lithium”. Also, some manufacturers mark their products with the prefix “photo”, which indicates use in equipment with a large amount of energy consumption.
The voltage of disposable elements is 1.2 ÷ 1.5 V, and the capacity is within 1500 ÷ 3000 mAh.
Batteries
If disposable batteries, when they lose their functionality (no more than 100 shots), are simply replaced with new ones, then batteries can be recharged many times - this number depends on the type and production technology. Here the number of shots can reach 600. Therefore, if the camera is used regularly, then the best and most profitable purchase will be a rechargeable battery and charger for it.
Some types of batteries allow recharging up to 1500 times.
Rechargeable batteries vary in type, material from which they are made, voltage and capacity. By type they are:
- lithium-ion (LilON);
- lithium polymer (LiPol);
- nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), including modern ones with the abbreviation LSD NiMH;
- nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd).
Each type has its own pros and cons. Yes, to the pluses lithium-ion and lithium-polymer AB is characterized by its light weight and the fact that these batteries can retain a charge for a long time. The disadvantages are the high cost, and they also cannot withstand a large number of recharges.
Nickel metal hydride The batteries produce high voltage, retain their charge for a long time and have a long service life. The disadvantages include their heavy weight, high cost and the fact that they quickly discharge when temperature fluctuates. environment. In this regard nickel-cadmium AB have more positive properties. They are cheap, lightweight and work across temperature fluctuations. But they have 2 negative properties:
- discharge very quickly even when not used for a long time;
- Charging occurs only after complete discharge.
Battery chargers must be selected taking into account the manufacturer of the battery or take a universal type. It is imperative to pay attention to the type of connector and voltage.
To choose the right battery for your camera, you need to pay attention to the following factors.
- Battery type and voltage. Indicated in the documentation for a specific camera.
- AB volume. Indicated on the case in mAh (mAh). The larger it is, the longer the camera operates.
- Opening hours. To work with a camera equipped with a flash, it is recommended to use nickel metal hydride elements.
- Ambient temperature. If this factor is not important, then it is recommended to use nickel-metal hydride batteries, and if it is important, nickel-cadmium batteries.
- Charger. Can be included with AB or purchased separately. In the latter case, you need to know that for nickel-cadmium batteries such a device must have a full discharge function.
The best option for purchasing a charger would be a product from the same company that produced the battery.
The best battery manufacturers
When choosing power sources for a camera, buyers do not pay attention to the battery manufacturer, and in vain. Users have long appreciated companies that can be proud of the quality of their products and have long been recognized throughout the world. The best batteries are from the following companies:
- Duracell, Energizer (USA);
- Varta (Germany);
- Panasonic, Sony (Japan);
- GP (Hong Kong).
To summarize: digital camera Can be powered by an individual battery or AA batteries. In the first case for long work must have spare power supply from the same company as the camera; in the second case, it is better to buy two sets of batteries. This ensures that the owner of digital equipment will shoot without worrying about powering the device.
The days of mechanical film cameras are forever gone. Today no camera can do without electronic elements, which means it needs power supply. Any photographer who doesn't want to be confined to a studio with an electrical outlet must take a charged power source with him when going on a shoot.
It should be noted that for recent years There has been serious progress in the development of compact and at the same time powerful power supplies for digital devices, such as cameras. Literally every year or two new types of batteries appear on the market. Such a variety of technical solutions on the shelves of photo stores confuses the owner of a digital camera. The question arises, what is the difference between the different types of power supplies and which ones are better suited for use with cameras?
All batteries can be divided into two broad categories depending on how the energy they produce is produced. The first category includes disposable batteries, which produce energy through chemical reactions that cause the anode, cathode and electrolyte to undergo irreversible changes. Therefore, after discharge, such batteries can only be thrown away; recharging these elements is impossible.
Disposable batteries are used in many digital point-and-shoot cameras that do not claim long shooting time or high image quality. In addition, some digital cameras, in addition to their battery, support operation with disposable batteries, which can be purchased at any store wherever the photographer is located.
The second category is rechargeable batteries, which are often simply called batteries. Since the chemical reactions in them are reversible, they do not produce, but only store energy. If you connect a DC source to the electrodes of such a battery, it can be recharged at any time. Naturally, when comparing these two classes of batteries, we come to the conclusion that for a photographer, batteries seem best choice. Disposable batteries do not have a large capacity, and you will have to buy them regularly and throw them away when they run out. The battery can be used for quite a long time without any problems by regularly recharging it before shooting.
However, the good thing about disposable batteries is that they are cheap and always ready to go, so you can use disposable batteries in case of an emergency. In addition, when shooting outdoors, situations often arise when there is simply nowhere to charge the battery, and here batteries can help out the photographer. In this regard, disposable batteries remain a popular product.
Digital photographic equipment uses disposable batteries in AAA and AA formats. At the same time, rechargeable batteries can also be made in AAA and AA sizes, or have their own proprietary design, determined by the characteristics of a particular digital camera. Now let's figure out what types of disposable and rechargeable power sources exist, what are their disadvantages and advantages.
Salt batteries
Salt batteries were previously used in film cameras not in the highest price category. These are, in particular, carbon-zinc dry cells, which use a manganese dioxide anode, an ammonium chloride electrolyte and a zinc cathode. Due to their characteristics, carbon-zinc elements are able to “recover” during a break in operation, so the service life of such elements can be extended. However, in general, such salt batteries are characterized by a short shelf life; the effectiveness of their use is affected by temperature changes.
In film cameras, salt batteries are used mainly for the operation of low-power flash or film rewinding. The capacity and power density of carbon-zinc cells is not too high, which makes their use in digital devices impractical. The only advantage of salt batteries is their low cost.
Alkaline batteries
Alkaline batteries are also used to power amateur film cameras and various accessories for them (flashes or external exposure meters). They are not used in digital devices due to their high energy consumption. Compared to salt cells, alkaline batteries have a fairly long shelf life (4 to 5 times longer than carbon-zinc cells) and have good energy capacity. However, unfortunately, they begin to “shrink” from the first moment of use, as a result of which their rated voltage gradually decreases. At the same time, alkaline batteries are affordable, which makes them quite popular.
Lithium power supplies
Lithium power supplies can be used in high-end cameras that have fairly modest power consumption. For example, in amateur film cameras and mechanical SLR cameras. In them, lithium batteries can be responsible for the operation of the exposure metering system. Lithium cells have high capacity and long shelf life due to their resistance to temperature fluctuations. Such batteries work until they are almost completely discharged, which allows them to use their rated capacity to the fullest.
Under intense load, lithium power supplies can last two to three times longer than alkaline batteries. Disposable lithium batteries are reliable, energy-efficient and weatherproof, but a barrier to widespread adoption is their high cost. Therefore, it is advisable to use such batteries only to power individual components in cameras that consume relatively little electricity for a very long time.
Nickel-cadmium batteries (NiCd)
Nickel-cadmium batteries can be used in both film cameras and low-end digital cameras. They are convenient because they are made in the widely used AA form factor and a large number of chargers are offered for sale. In addition, they are quite lightweight and relatively energy-intensive. Nickel-cadmium batteries, unlike the above-mentioned types of power sources, are classified as rechargeable.
Their advantage is that they are able to withstand a large number of recharge cycles (up to 500 -1000) without significant deterioration in their characteristics. At the same time, such batteries contain toxic cadmium, so some care must be taken when using them and subsequent disposal. Uni-Cad batteries are almost impossible to identify current level charge. Plus, due to the formation of nickelate in the negative cadmium electrode, such batteries are characterized by the so-called “memory effect”.
Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries
While nickel-cadmium batteries use a nickel anode and a cadmium cathode, power supplies of this type use a hydride cathode and a nickel anode. Accordingly, there is no toxic cadmium, which is already an advantage. There is no notorious “memory effect”. The advantages of nickel-metal hydride batteries include their higher energy intensity compared to nickel-cadmium power sources. This means your digital camera will last about 50 percent longer.
But these batteries are also not without their drawbacks. First, nickel-metal hydride batteries are more susceptible to self-discharge and can lose up to 5 percent of their charge per day. Secondly, when charging, such batteries generate heat, and when a full charge is reached, the battery can heat up quite significantly. As a result, different chargers have to be used for different batteries of this type. It is also worth noting that nickel-metal hydride batteries are capable of operating in a narrower temperature range (up to -10 °C and not higher than +40 °C).
Lithium-ion batteries (Li-Ion)
Most modern digital cameras receives power from lithium-ion batteries that operate with high currents. Such batteries can be built into the camera. Lithium-ion power supplies are widely used in laptops, PDAs, and other mobile gadgets. Lithium-based current sources are characterized by high discharge voltage and significant energy consumption. Currently, many companies produce rechargeable lithium batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries allow from 500 to 3000 recharge cycles, so they can last quite a long time in digital photographic equipment. The advantages of such batteries, in addition to the high specific electrical capacity, include low self-discharge. They are also capable of operating in a wide range of discharge currents and temperatures. In terms of their characteristics, lithium-ion batteries are certainly superior to traditional nickel-cadmium power sources.
Lithium polymer batteries (Li-pol)
Lithium polymer batteries have replaced lithium ion batteries. This new generation of rechargeable power sources with higher specifications are designed for use in a wide variety of portable gadgets. Their main distinctive feature is that, for the same specific density, lithium polymer batteries can store about 20 percent more energy than comparable lithium-ion batteries. In addition, their advantage is the ability to be manufactured in various plastic geometric shapes, which ensures their lightness and thinness due to the absence of an external metal body. Thanks to this, lithium-polymer batteries are increasingly used in modern digital photographic equipment, whose manufacturers are trying to make their devices more compact and at the same time energy efficient.
Technologies for producing power supplies for cameras and other digital devices are currently developing at a rapid pace. Perhaps very soon we will see a new type of battery in digital camera models, characterized by even greater energy capacity and wider functionality.