Digital Camera Battery Comparisons

Choose your weapon

Along with the quality of the images it produces, a digital camera's battery remains the most important feature a buyer looks to when deciding between models.  Recent advances in battery technology promise longer life, better performance, and an end to the dreaded memory effect. 

But with so many types of batteries to choose from, it can be difficult to find a good fit.  The four most common chemical types of digital camera batteries are alkaline, NiCd batteries (Nickel Cadmium), NiMH batteries (Nickel Metal Hydride) and, Li-Ion batteries (Lithium Ion). 

Going going, gone

Digital cameras can drain alkaline batteries at a surprisingly fast rate.  Traditional alkaline batteries have trouble meeting the great energy demands of modern digital cameras, particularly those with larger screens.  Additionally the speed at which digital cameras use power further diminishes the effectiveness of alkaline batteries.   Newer, enhanced versions of alkaline batteries offer slightly improved performance in high drain applications, but still fall short of the lifespan of any rechargeable.

The old standby

NiCd batteries contain cadmium, a highly toxic material that can damage the environment if disposed of incorrectly.  In digital cameras and other high drain devices, NiCd batteries perform worse than other types of rechargeable batteries.  NiCd batteries can suffer from various forms of voltage depression (sometimes erroneously referred to as memory effect), most often caused by improper storage or overcharging.  Newer technologies have largely replaced these types of batteries, delivering superior performance and cost efficiency.

Up and comer

NiMh batteries perform best in high drain electronic devices.  NiMH batteries of comparable weight carry a higher capacity than their NiCd predecessors.  Unlike their NiCd predecessors, these batteries leave behind little toxic residue, particularly if recycled. 

More sophisticated NiMH chargers deliver a sustained charge to the cells, then switch off to avoid overcharging the battery.  Although voltage depletion can occur in these types of batteries, it is often less noticeable and always easily remedied by a complete discharge and recharge.

Future proof

Li-ion batteries use stable lithium compounds, versus the volatile elemental form used in non-rechargeable lithium batteries.  Li-ion batteries hold more energy than other rechargeable batteries of the same size. 

Since they operate at higher voltages, these types of batteries can go longer between recharges.   They also self-discharge at a slower rate, so that an unused Li-ion battery in storage retains its energy for a longer period of time.  More expensive than other types, these batteries do not come in standard sizes and require unique chargers for each device.

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