Types of Digital Camera Batteries
A battery is considered to be the most important
digital camera accessory. Unlike conventional cameras that could run on disposable batteries for day together, digital cameras can drain them in just about a week's time. Generally they are reported to provide just a few hours of continuous shooting. Thus it is of prime importance to know about the type of battery compatible with your digital camera. As mentioned, disposable batteries get drained out pretty soon, thus it is better to have a camera that supports rechargeable one. The most commonly used batteries along with their advantages and disadvantages has been mentioned below. You can choose one that matches the your preferences as well as camera's compatibility.
- Alkaline Battery : - Alkaline batteries are the non-rechargeable batteries that is widely available and commonly used in most of the appliances. However you need to replace it once it is drained off the power. Thus on a long trip you may need to carry a lot of extras.
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- Lithium Battery : - Lithium batteries are the disposable variety, however they tend to last longer as compared to alkaline or oxyride disposable batteries. Their life can even last for about 10 years is left with devices that have low power drain facility. They are also light and are easily available in most of the shops. Although, they are pretty expensive ones, many compact and SLR cameras are compatible with this one.
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- Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) : - These are one of the cheapest type of reusable batteries available in the market. They come with various power ratings that are measured as milliamp-hours (mAh). This rating is used to determine the overall charge the battery can hold. Ideally a higher mAh indicates longer battery performance. The downside of this battery is that you need to completely discharge the battery before recharging it, else gradually the capacity will decrease. This eventually renders the battery useless over a period of time.
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- Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMh) : - NiMh is the most popular type of rechargeable battery. They last for a long time, however if these batteries are left in the camera unused then they drain out slowly. Like the NiCd batteries, these batteries also come with milliamp-hours of power rating, thus ensure you buy one that has a higher mAh. Besides having a long life, these are also better suited for the environment as compared to the disposable lot. Aslo in the long run, it makes it more cost effective to own a rechargeable on eas compared to the disposable variety. The main demerit of using NiMh batteries is that the camera requires at least 2 AA sized units that adds to the overall weight of the camera.
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- Lithium-Ion : - These are similar to lithium batteries in terms of their weight and power, however they are of the rechargeable variety. Due to their light weight nature and high power they are one of the most sought out ones for digital cameras. The downside of this type is that they are camera specific, thus a Li-ion battery of Canon camera cannot be used with the Sony one. Also getting spares is a tedious process.
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- Battery Packs : - This is an external battery pack that can be plugged to your digital camera for power. It is reported to last longer than the other types of standard batteries. But not all digital cameras support this one, thus you may need to check with the manufacturer if this type is supported.
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Although, batteries were the last thing to think of while buying conventional film cameras, it plays a major role in influencing one's buying decision in case of digital cameras. The various types of batteries and the merits and demerits of each variety has been explained. Thus, before buying a digital camera please ensure to check the battery compatibility without fail.
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