the "perfect" charger

[AnneGurrl]

Hello! I have to say, this site has been such a help in planning my trip (June 6-July 20!!!). I haven’t had to post before now because everyone else asks/answers any question I’ve even thought of (and many that never entered my mind). I now have a very specific dilemma though. I recently purchased a Canon Powershot S1 IS. Now I need to get a charger and some good batteries. After a bit of research, I’ve narrowed it down to a few.

First, though, I was wondering. Does Canon “recommend” that you buy their batteries and charger because they will work best with your camera, or because they want to sell you more stuff? (Charger w/ batteries + extra set of batteries is $62.93 ) I’m "ok" with buying it if it is the best, but if I can find something better (and less expensive)...

Anyway, here’s some links to the chargers I was looking at. The one I’ve been thinking most about is the Maha Powerex One Hour Worldwide Travel Conditioning Charger w/ 4 2300mAh AA batteries ($39.99). (www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0002SST7Q/ref=pd_sbs_p_1/103-2562641-0384639?v=glance&s=electronics) It has a built in converter, weighs only 4 oz., and charges the batteries in one hour. An extra set of batteries is $12.95

Another charger is one recommended by Eagle in an earlier thread: LENMAR’s Dual-Voltage Battery Charger (www.magellans.com/store/Appliances___Batteries___RechargersEA275?Args=) $34.99

A similar in description LENMAR charger is the PRO-722 90 min Charger (www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006G52OC/qid=1106266512/sr=52-1/ref=sr_52_1_etk-electronics/103-2562641-0384639?v=glance&s=electronics&n=172282) $18.99

I guess what it basically comes down to is: does it matter which charger/batteries I get in relation to the kind of camera I have? Or will any charger work? I know I’m probably over analyzing this , but I want to make sure I get quality while not overspending. Every bit I can save now makes my trip less financially stressful!
Thanks in advance!~Anne

[Eagle]

As far as I know, Canon doesn't have any specific recommendations regarding Ni-MH Batteries for use in their Cameras. They do have a "warning" for those using other brands of Li-Ion Batteries however. I'm sure they would prefer customers to buy their brand though (isn't this always the way?).

To the best of my knowledge, either the MAHA or the Lenmar would be good choices. I've used MAHA products in the past with Amateur Radio products, and these have always worked well. I'm not too familiar with Lenmar, but I've always found any products purchased from Magellan's to be reliable, so suspect this would have been well researched by the folks at Magellan's. I'm not too familiar with the third model you mentioned, so won't comment on this.

In addition to choosing Batteries of 2300 maH or better, it would probably be a good idea to take a second set of Batteries as well. I've found that it's easy to go through batteries during travel, especially if using the LCD monitor a lot and re-taking a lot of photos. I will probably take three batteries with me on my next trip!

I assume you've got some plan in mind for storing photos during your trip? Also, make sure you've got adequate capacity in memory cards.

Good luck with this, and have a great time on your trip!!!

[Girish]

Anne,

I have your exact same camera and I've been using MAHA AA 2300mAh batteries. I also have that charger.

Those batteries are AMAZING, absolutely AMAZING, I usually run out of the non-rechargable AA's in about a couple hours, but these ones last me well over 1.5 days. (I usually have the LCD on).

[AnneGurrl]

Thank you Eagle! I did end up ordering the MAHA charger and two sets of batteries. Actually, I received them yesterday.

Girish, I'm so glad they work so well for you! It makes me feel better about spending the money ;D. How do you like your camera? I haven't been able to play with mine much because I didn't have the batteries...now that I do, I'll be practicing up for my trip!

Thanks for all your help.

Anne