Batteries for a BG-E3

[forno]

So what do you guys run, OEM style batteries or just 2600mah rechargers??

[BBrat]

i have 2 canon batteries and 2 Lenmar 1500 mah that i run. i also have powerex maha 2700 mah for backup in the AA catridge. but never need to use the AA's.

[crn3371]

Most people only use the AA's for emergencies.

[rhys]

Try whatever you can find in the shops.

[The REBELion]

http://sterlingtek.com/candigcamac.html

[forno]

Most people only use the AA's for emergencies.


How come, dont they last as long?

[rhys]

How come, dont they last as long?

NiMh though more reliable long term don't have as much capacity. Lithium has a lower self-discharge rate although eneloop has levelled the playing field somewhat.

Oddly enough I tend to use alkalines in my P&S cameras as I don't find the NiMh batteries stay fresh long enough.

[Riff Raff]

I use 2700 mAh AAs. I already had multiple chargers and since the flash unit takes AAs as well, I didn't see the point in trying to juggle more than one type of rechargeable battery.

[Rudy M.]

Me too--I use NiMH batteries of different ratings from 1800 to 2400 mHa, but I don't mix them--I use 8 of all the same. I just charge them all the day before using them. I have never used alkalines or Lithiums--too expensive.

[_aravena]

Never been it that tough of a spot to use AA's in my 20D. Although in my S3 the lithiums have lasted since February somehow.

[Riff Raff]

How come, dont they last as long?

I've heard this, but was pretty skeptical of it honestly. I noticed several people referencing this review: http://www.michaelduvall.com/bge3/. It says he took close to 1200 shots with two NB-2LH batteries, but only 280 shots with six AA rechargeables. Others pointed out that it doesn't say what type of AA rechargeables were used, as there is a wide variety.

One of the things I liked the most about using AAs with my old cameras (Olympus C-3030 followed by C-5050) was the constant improvement. I started off using these cheap 1000 mAh batteries and through a long series of upgrades am now using 2700 mAh. That's a pretty huge leap in capacity, considering that they're all AAs.

This past weekend was my first real test of this capacity, and I'm pleased to report that the BG-E3 with six 2700 mAh batteries came through with flying colors. I was able to take 713 photos in one night, and the batteries are still going now. I think that weight is the only real downside to using AAs, and I'm willing to put up with that in exchange for the convenience of only needing one type of battery and charger for everything I use.