rechargeable batteries

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From: ken watson (watsok@frii.com)
Date: 07/18/01-09:59:23 AM Z


So when one is away from a charging point and the batteries die what then?
Can you wait a few hours for recharge? When you expect say 20 images from
your batteries and get 15 will this a problem? As for recharging a thousand
times. I do not know of anyone who uses a laptop that cycles their
batteries and does not want a new set after a year because the charged
lifetime is to short. I guess it is just what is your tolerance level for
degraded performance.

While modern rechargeable batteries are much better than in the past,
primary cells still have greater capacity for the size and weight. They
also are fairly constant with their capacity. So if you are going out and
know you have enough memory to take X amount of pictures, it may be nice to
KNOW that you have enough battery power to fill the memory. If it is just a
casual event and the camera dies after one picture no loss no fowl,
anything is OK.

On battery technology itself. There are at least three types of Lithium
battery technologies, a couple of nigh and several NIcad purveyors and, of
course, lead acid. Each technology has different capacity and voltage
ratings. Buying from a Distributor masks what you are getting. Would they
just put in the cheapest product they can find at the time or are they
supplying to a specification? There are , really, only a few makers of each
technology in the world.

Lithium's can be dangerous. They literally explode when over charged and
some catch fire if they become shorted out internally. Some IBM laptops
tended to melt when their Lithium batteries had problems. So the recharge
algorithm is important, so this means the re-charger is important. Do not
recharge Lithium batteries with a nicad charger or a trickle charger used
for Lead acid.

Sticking with the manufactures stuff keeps you safe, but is more expensive.

..-----Original Message-----
..From: Gary Miller [mailto:gmphotos@earthlink.net]
..Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2001 9:16 AM
..To: alt-photo-process-l@skyway.usask.ca
..Subject: Re: Digital Cameras/ rechargeable batteries
..
..
..Rechargeable batteries are definitely the way to go with a digital camera.
..Use the newer technology like NiMH or Lithium types. There are
..quick charge
..units that will charge and recondition the batteries in four hours or less
..and they can usually be charged over a thousand times. Disposables are a
..waste of money and resources. They will not last long at all in a serious
..digital camera with lots of power drain. Try Maha energy's
..(mahaenergy.com
..I think) external battery packs as they provide good amounts of
..storage and
..are well made. Thomas distributing (Thomas-distibuting.com) has several
..power options listed. They also come with a car lighter plug adapter for
..charging in the field. Every camera will vary on how many shots
..you will get
..on a set of batteries, but conserving battery power is the key,
..so not using
..the large LCD all the time and reviewing lots of images will help
..the power
..go longer.
..
..GM
..


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