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Since
the most frequently asked questions is "Which camera do you
recommend?" we thought we would discuss some of the decisions
you may need to make before purchasing your next camera. This week
we will start with the power source of a digital camera, the battery.
When
you look at the digital camera market you will notice that cameras
come with a variety of different batteries. Look closely at the
camera you are planning to purchase and see what kind of battery
it takes. The most common style is the AA. It comes in alkaline
and rechargeable, but be sure to read the literature that comes
with your camera to see if these two can be swapped without any
consequences.
NiCAD
(Nickel Cadium): Rechargeable, declining in popularity because they
suffer from "memory effect." This means they need to be
completely discharged before recharging in order to receive a full
charge. They also contain Cadium, a very toxic chemical.
NiMH
(Nickel Metal Hydride): Rechargeable, minimal, if any, "memory
effect" and no Cadium.
Lithium
Ion (LiIon) - Lighter and thinner than NiMH or NiCad batteries,
usually offer a longer life and are not subject to memory problems.
Alkaline
- Come in a variety of styles and sizes. These are the most easily
replaced type of battery since they are the most readily available.
They also offer the shortest life span of any battery.
One
of the first things you will hear from people is that "the
alkaline batteries that came with your camera are next to worthless."
Digital cameras are extremely high usage devices. They must power
the LCD screen, the motorized lens, the auto-focus system and the
multi-mega pixel imager. So your best choices… use rechargeable
batteries.
Now
a few words of caution! NEVER RECHARGE ALKALINE BATTERIES!
Carefully
read the instructions that come with your battery charger since
some chargers only charge NiMH, others only NiCad, and a third type
can charge both at once. There are also "smart" and "dumb" chargers.
"Smart chargers" are able to prevent overcharging by cutting back
on the current that the batteries can tolerate. "Dumb chargers,"
on the other hand, rely on the user to unplug them when the batteries
are fully charged. While it is normal for batteries to become warm
when they are being charged, if they are HOT to the touch remove
them immediately. And NEVER INSTALL a HOT BATTERY into your camera.
The
simplest way to lengthen the life of your battery is by not using
those things that use the most power. The LCD screen on your camera
is one of the most power hungry functions, so check to see if your
camera will automatically turn it off. Avoid using the zoom lens
function whenever possible since this is another power drain. Store
additional batteries in a cool dry place, but be sure to bring them
back to room temperature before use. Also whenever possible use
an external card reader to download your pictures rather than a
USB cable connection.
Always
check before you leave the house, office or car that your batteries
are charged, since without them your camera will be nothing more
than a beautiful paperweight. Happy picture taking! .
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