Batteries
I began with a set of ordinary alkaline batteries (Duracell, I
think). These lasted approximately 10 minutes, so I looked for information
for alternative sources of battery power on rec.photo.digital.
I soon concluded that Nickel  Metal
Hydride were for me.
The ones I use are the Uniross Recharge Pro AA size rated at
1.2V 1300 mAh. The recharger is the Uniross CXH500 which can also charge nicads. I understand that a newer, "sleeker" charger is now available. Best price in the UK Iīve found is at Argos although they are
available elsewhere (Maplins for instance). In total I have 4 sets of these batteries and 2 chargers. This allows me to have one set in the camera, one set spare in the carry case, and 2 sets recharging at home.
Because NiMH cells discharge naturally by themselves, I avoid the situation of the 2 sets in the camera and the carry case becoming discharged when Iīm not taking many shots by swapping them out with
the 2 sets "charging at home" - which I leave plugged into a wall socket. I perform this swapping process every week or so and it ensures that the 2
sets in the camera and carry case are always fully charged (more or less). The 2 sets I carry around have only once let me down (that is, havenīt
been enough for a whole day of shooting). It was when I was in Italy and I didnīt realise that the power in my hotel room wasnīt sufficient for recharging. I basically went out with 2 sets of almost flat batteries. That
was not a good day, I tell you! Well - thatīs not quite true: when youīre not taking photographs you can be eating ice cream. Ignoring that special failure, with one set of batteries I can take enough
shots to fill one of my CompactFlash Cards (48MB) - about 83 images - and have enough charge left in the same set to take perhaps another 20 shots. The majority of those 100+ shots would be without flash. |
