Battery grip - Mixing rechargable battery with AA's

Hi, I'm pretty knew to the camera world and was looking in to getting a battery grip for my XSI. I was wondering if I got the Canon BG-E5 if I could use the battery that came with my camera and some double A's until I can buy another Cannon battery. Would this work?

No you can only use either the canon batteries (one or two at a time) or the AA batteries (the case houses 6 and as far as I know needs all 6 to function). There are infact two different trays for the grip - one for the canon batteries and one for the AA.
Personally I have four canon batteries, but with two in the grip it lasts for ages, you can cut down to one at a time if you prefer (that has the bonus that you get time to charge one up, instead of having both die at the same time and thus leave you with nothing to use).

Thanks! I was just hoping because I didn't want to spend another $50 on a Canon battery after spending $110 on the battery grip. Too bad it doesn't come with some batteries!

I know the feeling - I was only able to get my extra few batteries from a friend which brought me up to 4. There are 3rdparty batteries on offer on ebay and the like and some are quite good. I however don't know the right brands to direct you toward so hopefully someone will come along with that advice (its important because some of the 3rdparty options are distinctly not as good)

Keep in mind that you can still use the grip and only have one battery installed in it. Many people do this.

And welcome to POTN!!!

Thanks for the help. Maybe a third party battery would be good to have. I can mix and match those with my Canon one right? Anyone know of any good cheap non canon batteries that would work with the BG-E5?

DDCSD wrote in post #10058843
Keep in mind that you can still use the grip and only have one battery installed in it. Many people do this.

And welcome to POTN!!!

That's true, I might do this until I can afford battery pack if finding a third party battery doesn't work out.

Or you could get the extra battery and not get the grip. That way you get longer shooting capability at the "expense" of changing the battery. A grip's a convenience, but without a battery you might as well be carrying a brick. I don't have grips for any of my cameras, and haven't really since the old film days when my cameras didn't have built--in motor drives. I got one for the 20D, but it added bulk without real benefit.

Jon wrote in post #10059123
Or you could get the extra battery and not get the grip. That way you get longer shooting capability at the "expense" of changing the battery. A grip's a convenience, but without a battery you might as well be carrying a brick. I don't have grips for any of my cameras, and haven't really since the old film days when my cameras didn't have built--in motor drives. I got one for the 20D, but it added bulk without real benefit.

A grip is invaluable for those that mainly shoot in portrait orientation. I'd venture to guess that ~85% of my shooting is in portrait orientation. A grip saves me a lot of stress and strain.

I think I'm pretty set on the grip. It's really about the extra comfort and added feature of being able to shoot portrait more easily. It feels awkward shooting portrait right now. As for the battery I think I'll be fine with the one for now until I can figure out if I want Canons brand or a cheaper alternative (any ideas?)