recommendations for rechargeable batteries?

[googleygoo]

I have a Nikon Coolpix 2100 and it eats up SO much battery power! I have some Lenmark rechargeable batteries, but apparently they suck, because they're only 6 months old and they don't last very long even when I put them in my Coolpix straight from the charger.

Does anyone else have a Coolpix? Or, can anyone recommend a brand/model of batteries and chargers that are worth investing?

Thanks much

[eftpos]

I use an Olympus digital camera. I run it on four Sanyo AA rechargeable batteries (2300mh).
I use a Sanyo charger that has a refresh option (it greatly reduces the memory effect problem) so my batteries are still quite good after more than 6 months.

If you do not have one, try to get a refresh charger. It should help a lot.

[Eagle]

It seems odd that you're getting such poor performance from your rechargeable batteries? It would help if you could provide the specifications of the Lenmark batteries that you're using (ie: mAh capacity, type of battery technology, or whatever is listed on the batteries). It's possible that one or both of the batteries is defective, and is not holding a charge? There's also a remote possibility that the Charger might be faulty?

You might want to buy a second set of NiMH batteries, with a capacity of 2300 mAh or greater (having a second set of batteries is a good idea anyway, especially for travel). You should be able to find these at any Radio Shack or other electronics store. Charge these fully before using them for the first time, and then compare the performance with the batteries you're using now. Also, ensure that the Charger is designed for the type of battery technology that you're using it with.

Although I realize that you're having problems with batteries right from the Charger, one point to make is that NiMH batteries have a high "self discharge" rate. This means they will lose a small portion of their charge every day, even if they're just sitting on a shelf.

Hope this information is of some help. Post another note if you need anything further.

Cheers!!!

[jennifer]

By the way, you may be having the same problem I had, I thought cause batteries were rechargeable they were good, I HAD ALKALINE BATTERIES!

Oh me and technology! I used to have to charge my batteries every 10-15 pictures. IT WAS NUTS!

Then Eagle here was nice enough to explain I needed rechargeable, but NiMh capacity batteries! Since then I can take about 100 pics before it goes low!

xoxo
Jen

[Patrick]

Definitely get lithium batteries if your camera takes AA alkelines or whatever they may be...

The best thing you can do is conserve your batteries! Avoid using the LCD screen as much as possible. Turn it off, don't review all your photos if you don't need to. I see people all the time using the screen to take photos rather than just looking through the viewfinder. Another thing that will eat your batteries a ton is the flash. If you don't need the flash, don't use it.

[googleygoo]

Thanks, everyone!

So, here's the story with my batteries/charger. I bought a rechargeable battery and charger set in May. It's a Lenmar NoMemo Pro charger with AA NiMH batteries. Unfortunately, I didn't do my research before buying them. Now I realize that part of the problem is that it's only 2000 mAh. But it's still ridiculous that I can get more shots out of generic alkalie batteries than I can with these NiMH ones. Now I just use the NiMH batteries for my CD player.

I'm trying to decide if I should buy a better NiMH charger and batteries or if I should switch to lithium...

I'm planning for a 2 month Europe trip next May and I want to minimize battery issues as much as I can!

Thanks again

[Eagle]

Thanks for providing further information on your batteries & charger. The 2000 maH batteries you're using are a reasonably large capacity, and you shouldn't be having this type of problem. Batteries of 2300 maH capacity will certainly provide more capacity than what you're presently using, but not sure if this would be significant? Again, either the batteries or the charger could be faulty? Nikon indicates a battery life of up to 320 shots, so it's unusual that you're not getting this type of performance from your batteries.

The Charger doesn't have a switch to select 120 VAC or 240 VAC input, does it? What are the specifications listed on the Charger?

Since your primary concern seems to be reliability during travel, your most cost effective option might be to buy a new set of four 2300 maH+ NiMH batteries and multi-voltage Charger. Having at least four Batteries will also provide you with a backup set to last you for a day's shooting.

Although Nikon states you can use a CRV3 Lithium battery, this might turn out to be expensive in the long term, as I believe this is a disposable Lithium battery (rather than rechargeable). These last a long time though, so might be a good option to pack one of these along for "emergency" use. The CRV3 is NOT the same as the rechargeable "proprietary" Lithium Ion batteries supplied with many Cameras (my Canon S-50 uses these, and these have worked well for me so far).

One other point to make, especially during travel, is to make sure that the batteries are carried in a manner that prevents them from "shorting". One inexpensive solution is to cover the terminals with a short piece of electrical tape (which is re-useable). In some cases, rechargeable batteries are provided with a small plastic cover for this purpose. It's VERY important not to carry batteries in a purse, photo bag or pocket (especially with keys or coins) unless they are protected in this way, as this important for safety!

Good luck in sorting this out. Hope you find a solution that works for you!!!