LaCrosse AA Battery Charger or Eveready 15 Minute

[cznite1]

I have done the usual battery research and determined that the Eveready 2500 mAh Energerizers are what I want for my S3 IS. I plan to do some Video so I want to make sure that I have enough lasting power.

I am trying to decide what charger to go with The Eveready 15 minute for fast charges or what some say is the best on the market: The Lacrosse BC-900.

The Lacrosse lets you discharge then charge to reduce memory problems, it has thermal protection and also gives you a digital read-out of the amount of charge in each battery. The LaCross is 52.00 and the Eveready is 28.00. Both come with less than the 2500 mAh batteries I wanted. Four rechargeables are just over 9.00.

Sometimes I go overkill on what I buy. Most of the times I appreciate the extra but uneeded features.

cznite1

[nwyman]

I have heard that the fifteen minute chargers are not good for the batteries. Again, this is from reading, not actual experience. I use an Energizer CHCAR, which has an adapter that can be used in the car. Charges four batteries in about an hour, and lets them stay in the charger until I need them, with a slow trickle of charge so they are always ready. I've had this system for over a year, and am very pleased with it.

[cznite1]

I have heard that the fifteen minute chargers are not good for the batteries. Again, this is from reading, not actual experience. I use an Energizer CHCAR, which has an adapter that can be used in the car. Charges four batteries in about an hour, and lets them stay in the charger until I need them, with a slow trickle of charge so they are always ready. I've had this system for over a year, and am very pleased with it.


Thank nwyman, Those same thoughts have crossed my mind. A 15 min charge sounds harsh on batteries. I have heard that heat generation hurts batteries. The LaCrosse has a special thermal sensor that prevents heat damage. I do like the energizer batteries. Energizer has an 8 hour charger that I may consider also.

How long does a charging in the Car?


I am so pleased that Canon uses AA batteries. :) :) :)


cznite1

[nwyman]

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[How long does a charging in the Car?]

that's an interesting question. I don't know that I've ever used it in the car, although I have the adapter. I have two sets of rechargeables. One set in the camera, one set in the charger, and a spare set of regulars for emergencies.
Call me anal-retentive maybe, but I've never run out of battery power, even on vacation. And I've run this way for over a year and haven't had to buy replacements yet.

[glenindy]

I have used the Energizer 15 min charger for about a year with 2500 mAh NiMH AA batteries and have had no problems. Only once did I run down a set before recharging. At other times, I just recharged after I had been using awhile to be sure they were up. That memory thing applies to NiCad batteries. You need to discharge them before recharging or they will hold less of a charge each time. An article I read recently said you can actually prolong the life of a NiMH battery by recharging often. One thing about the 15 min. charger.....the batteries will get very warm. That's normal and brochure says let them cool to room temperature before inserting in a camera. If you have 2 sets of batteries, its not a problem and besides...they cool off quickly anyway.

[spur]

Take a look at the Maha MH-C401FS at: http://www.thomas-distributing.com/mhc401fs.htm. It is highly rated and is the most gentle on your batteries. I have one and the batteries are never hot when on the slow charge which is what is usually recommended.
Go to: http://www.dpfwiw.com/batteries.htm for everything you ever wanted to know about batteries for digicams.

[rpolitsr]

The Lacrosse lets you discharge then charge to reduce memory problems,....

Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) batteries can be safely re-charged without first discharging them fully. They do not exhibit memory problems as NiCd (Nickel-Cadmium) batteries.

I use either Energizer or Sony Ni-MH batteries from 1300 to 2500 maH (never mix different capacity batteries in the same flash or camera).
I charge them with an Energizer CH30MN that charges up to four AA or AAA batteries in 30 minutes without problems.
I would prefer a 1 hour charger, in 30 minutes the batteries get really hot. I think 15 min. chargers may reduce battery life (just my guess).

[Bakewell]

I've had mine six months and love it. I believe the best on the market. Up to eight batteries- AA or AAA (mix or match). Three modes - One hour charge; two hour charge; refurbish and charge - up to 24 hours.

http://www.mahaenergy.com/store/viewitem.asp?idproduct=407

[ba15ck]

the lacrosse can also charge in 15min--or 24 hours--or any amount of time in between. It can also resesitate a dead battery. This is not just a charger, so if you think you want more than just a battery charger go with that--but if you decide to get the 15min charger, I would recommend getting the 8hr energizer charger that is bundled with 4 2500's. That way you can be easy on the batteries but can zap them quickly and fully when needed--but the la crosse is the real deal

[cznite1]

I have heard good things about the Maha, but ordered the LaCrosse charger and I think it was a good move. I will also get the 8 Hr Energerizer with the includered 2500 mAh's as a back-up. I was pleased to learn that the LaCrosse could do a fast charge also. The thing about dead battery revival is very interesting. I wish I could fix my Canon Pro 90 IS batteries. I loved that camera, but my current batteries are not taking much of a charge.
>>> My new S3 IS should arrive today.

cznite1

[cznite1]

I got my LaCrosse Charger and I have used the Energerizer 2500 mAh's. The battery time is awesome. I rarely use the Fip screen except at the end of the day. I have shot 500 plus pictures! and still had battery power to boot! My old Canon Pro90 IS with expensive batteries was generally good on power as I got 300 plus when it was new. Later the batteries started to die and I could only get 20 or so per battery. At $70 per battery I gave up using the camera which is still a nice camera.

Hats off to Canon for using the AA rechargerables in their new cameras. At under 10.00 for (4) rechargeable AA 2500mAh this is a very intelligenty way to go!

Enjoying the S3 IS. My 4 GB A-Data card was a great addition! No Problems!


cznite1