AA batteries for S1

[nwyman]

I recently read a very basic book on digital photography (which is okay, because I am starting from scratch). The book contained a brief paragraph about the use of various kinds of AA batteries in digital cameras - and said that he recommended the use of AA Lithium cells instead of alkalines when one is in a pinch and can't recharge the NiMH cells.
His rational for this was that the Lithium AA's were lighter than standard alkalines, and lasted about five times longer.

Can these Lithium AA cells be used in the Powershot S1 and A95 without harming anything?

Nancy

[Jon]

He's correct that AA lithiums will last longer than alkalines in digital photography, but Canon explicitly warns against their use in the A80 manual. They don't mention them at all in either the A95 or S1 IS manuals, but restrict themselves to explicitly mentioning NiMH and alkalines, from which I'd conclude that they haven't run extensive enough testing to be sure they're safe. So it's pretty much - use at your own risk. Based on the warning in the A80 manual, I'd at least refrain from rapid-fire photography, as they suggest lithiums may overheat in these conditions.

I used Li AA cells in my old Kodak DC260 and DC290 and they do perform much better than alkalines there. But in the A80, I make a point to have spare NiMH batteries ready to go.

[dwb122]

Check this out:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM

[nwyman]

Check this out:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM

I can't get that link to open - I'll try again later in the day.
In the meantime, I found the FA Q on the Canon Consumer site - and it categorically states "Never use lithium cell as they may cause overheating". So, I returned my pack of lithium AA's, untried.
Pity, though, 'cause it would have been a solution to a travel problem.
Nancy

[dwb122]

That's weird, it's not working for me.

Basically the article concluded, after extensive testing, that of all 2300mAh-and-below batteries, the Energizer NiMH 2300mAh last the longest. The article didn't test any 2400mAh+ ones, though.

[Bodryn]

About five years ago, I made the mistake of using AA lithium batteries, that I thought were the equivalent of alkalines, in:

1) a Prolinear 386 miniature computer (size of a VCR cassette), and
2) a small portable Grundig YB 300PE shortwave radio.

I thought it would be nice to have batteries last longer and weigh less. Both items were permanently ruined. In the first case, the batteries permanently wrecked the computer display so it shows just garbage; big thick vertical streaks. In the second case, I don't know what they did except that the Grundig never would turn on again. The Prolinear computer was a beautiful little irreplaceable piece of technology; very sad to see it go. The Grundig is easily replaced, I didn't care so much about that. Anyway, I would say, DON'T USE LITHIUM AA's, unless they are specifically authorized for the equipment you are using. What I did find out is that they are rated at 1.6 volts instead of the usual 1.5. Apparently that can make enough of a difference to be dangerous to your equipment. It certainly was dangerous to mine!

[cmar]

Alkaline and NIMH are rated at 1.5V. thier useful range is generly 1.65 to 1.25V, depending on what they are used in. Li cells are rated at 1.6 volts. They put out a useful range of 1.8 to 1.25 volts.

If the equpment can't handle the extra voltage, then it can damage it.

[Ezis666]

Alkaline, ZnC, AgC-1.5V, NiCd, NiMH-1.2V, PbAcid-2V, Li-ion-3V
All voltages single cell.

[cmar]

Alkaline, ZnC, AgC-1.5V, NiCd, NiMH-1.2V, PbAcid-2V, Li-ion-3V
All voltages single cell.

If you are an engineer and live by the book, yes, but out in the real world different purities and combinations of ingredient, as well as quality stands, will yield different results.

My number where based on commonly used (in the US) energizer and Duracell products that I used while calibrating equipment used to test the output of Li thermal batteries (1.8v)