Rechargeable AA battaries?

[dennykyser]

Do they make a good rechargeable AA battary system that works good for photo equipment. I am wanting an option for my Flash equipment and wondering if any of the rechargeable hold a charge good, last a while and after sitting a few weeks still work. Do they have memory etc. Hope you guys have had some success on some types. :D

[stopbath]

Do they make a good rechargeable AA battary system that works good for photo equipment. I am wanting an option for my Flash equipment and wondering if any of the rechargeable hold a charge good, last a while and after sitting a few weeks still work. Do they have memory etc. Hope you guys have had some success on some types. :D
You're looking for nickel hydrate batteries. Better than nickel cadnium batteries. Less harm to the environment, better power supply, no memory...

They do loose some juice sitting on the shelf (just like ni-cad) but since memory is not an issue, you can top them up easily enough...

The rating on the batteries are linear such that a ratings of 2000 and 2200 mean the second one will last 10% longer. If the second set costs more than 10% more, the first set is cheaper power...

[robertwgross]

You're looking for nickel hydrate batteries.

In the US, they are called nickel metal hydride batteries (NiMH). For typical photo applications, they are much better than nickel cadmium (NiCd).

---Bob Gross---

[CyberDyneSystems]

For some reason they refuse to make Lithium rechargable AAs.... But yes.. Nimh is the best stuf around. Look for the "MAH" rating... the good Nimh are up to 2200 "MAH" where-as plain vanillas may be as low as 1400 MAH

[scottbergerphoto]

Powerex Batteries by Maha. They are available at
http://www.nimhbattery.com/
Great batteries, a great company to do business with.
Regards,
Scott

[dennykyser]

Can any NiHM charger charge all NiHM batteries, or are they model specific?

[scottbergerphoto]

Can any NiHM charger charge all NiHM batteries, or are they model specific?
As long as the charger says for NiMh, it will work. The only caveat is that some ultrafast chargers create alot of heat which can slowly degrade the batteries. The Maha Chargers are designed to minimize this, but they all get pretty hot. There are lots of reviews on the web. Try www.stevesdigicams.com
Scott

[Tom W]

Can any NiHM charger charge all NiHM batteries, or are they model specific?

they should be able to charge all NiMH batteries of the standard size for which they are designed.

There are a few models that will charge NiMH and Nicad batteries. It should say somewhere on the charger what type of batteries it will charge.

[Warman]

Energizer NiMH are great, i use them with my 420EX and they last very long. Arent NiCD obsolete by now?

[robertwgross]

For some reason they refuse to make Lithium rechargable AAs

It is not a refusal thing. The chemistry of a lithium primary battery can leave a terminal voltage of about 1.6 volts, so that works. However, the chemistry of a lithium rechargeable leaves a terminal voltage of about 3.7 volts, and that would cause havoc in a normal battery slot for AA cells. Currently (no pun intended) they can't make a rechargeable lithium cell in 1.5 volts.

---Bob Gross---

[robertwgross]

Energizer NiMH are great, i use them with my 420EX and they last very long. Arent NiCD obsolete by now?

For typical photographic uses, like a 550EX or 420EX flash, NiMH is very good. There are still some purposes for NiCd, like for rechargeable 2-way radio transmitters and electric shavers. However, I have never tried to do photography with an electric shaver.

---Bob Gross---

[Chris1le]

Try the Rayovac's. (http://www.rayovac.com/products/recharge/15minutes/info.shtml) NIMH and recharge in 15 minutes. Really they do recharge in 15 minute! :D Four AA only cost $12.99 at Target.