battery capacity

[tonta]

Hi, I just purchased a S2 IS. How important is it to use high capacity batteries - say 2000 vs 2500? thanks

[cjm]

I have no clue what 2000 vs 2500 means. But how important is it to use high capacity batteries? Its only important when it comes to how long they'll last. With your camera with NiHM rechargables the camera will take about 260-300 pictures, with normal high powered AA Alkaline batteries (like duracell, energizer, etc) they will last about 100-150 pictures and with cheap dollar store batteries they will last 5-15 pictures. I'm not sure if this answers your question but I hope this helps.

If you are a casual picture taker, then don't waste your money on NiHM rechargables because you'll have to take a lot of pictures for them to be worth it. Or at least not right away.

[Spirit]

Sounds logical, but it's only important if you want to maximize battery life.

I use 1850mAh's, and so far I've filled up my 1gb card (and used the screen a lot for reviewing) and haven't yet had to change the batteries... if that gives you an idea. There are settings (like use of flash, LCD, etc) that will drain your batteries faster, so it's always best to go with the higher batts.

I tried dollar store energizer batteries with my A70 some time back. My 1850's would give me 500+ pictures. The crappy energizers, gave me about 1/4 that many. If that.
Higher = longer use. No matter how you look at it.

Edit: Sorry, i forgot to answer cjm. The 1850 referrs to the mAh (MilliAmp Hour) capacity (amount of power) . The higher the number, the longer the lifespan. I could be wrong, but I think the cheaper batteries (non rechargables) run around 400.

[cjm]

I don't use rechargable batteries because I have found batteries 40 for $15 that last me about 130 to 200 pictures per set. So far with two packages of batteries (about 28 remaining) I have taken about 4000 pictures with them, which is not bad for under $30.

If you live in Canada you can get them at Loblaws/Superstore. They are Noname Yellow batteries.

[lostdoggy]

Hi, I just purchased a S2 IS. How important is it to use high capacity batteries - say 2000 vs 2500? thanks

When say 2000 and 2500 yu men mAHs right??? Well there is no exact importance to them just a preference. NiMH batteries are very inexpensive these days so you can't buy multiple sets instead of buying one set of high capacity. You can also get regular batteries that are about 800mAH for the cheapy batteries that was mention to the expensive 2300+ Lithium batteries that are not recommended. For about $5 for a set of four 2200mAH AA batteries its hard to beat.
So the answer is a no!!!