REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

Preemo · 07-15-2009, 11:15 AM

I've been using rechargable Energizer NiMH batteries for a long time. The batteries in particular are of the AA size. I use them in my Canon S2 IS and it seems to me that they are draining a lot quicker than normal?

Anyways, does anyone have experience with the LITHIUM batteries? Or even the Sanyo Eneloop batteries? I know there are tons of reviews on Google but I want some user reviews and experiences. Something a Google search review can't give me.

Levitron · 07-15-2009, 12:56 PM

Eneloops are good. You can also get PC branded Superstore ones as well and they should be from the same manufacturer.

The good thing about the Eneloops is that you never have to worry about them discharging even if you're not using them. I leave mine in my devices and just pick them up to go whenever I need them.

!MiKrofT · 07-15-2009, 01:23 PM

Eneloops ftw. I just bought a pack from Dell. 26.99 + tax free shipping 4AA + charger. Popped them in my 430EX II nice and fast cycletime.

Preemo · 07-15-2009, 01:42 PM

Everything seems to be poing towards Eneloop. How is the charging time? I've heard reports of 7-8 hours for a full charge? In a typical camera, what is it's life span on continuous shooting?

I don't use the LCD for anything, or delete photos while on the go, or review my shots. The practice alone gives me much more time with my current batteries.

!MiKrofT · 07-15-2009, 02:06 PM

Yeah overnight charging. Quick chargers aren't all that good for batteries anyways. Also if you can find Energizer white tops.. Basically the ones made in Japan. Those are rebranded Eneloops as well. I'm probably gonna order another set from NCIX. 12.99 for a set of 4 on sale. The lifespan really depends on your camera. But since you don't use LCD they should last a long time.

lilaznviper · 07-15-2009, 02:21 PM

eneloops are great
i use them for my flash and last a long time even when i leave it in the flash when im not using it

Mananetwork · 07-15-2009, 03:22 PM

This is a photography board, what does Alcohol Anonymous have to do with anything?

IMASA · 07-15-2009, 03:31 PM

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=677074
I read on RedFlagdeals that white top Duracells are also rebaged Eneloops. The testing done on that URL shows they had pretty similar results with the Eneloops.

Last time I was at Costco, 4xAA's + charger for $17.99 or 6xAA's + 2xAAA's for $17.99

!MiKrofT · 07-15-2009, 03:55 PM

17.99 damn that's pretty good...I knew I shoulda checked out Costco.

Senna4ever · 07-15-2009, 09:49 PM

I use the Energizers, as they have a higher (2450mAh) mAh rating than the Enerloops, and I've found they last a long time. One set will usually last for a whole day's wedding shoot. I've always wanted to try the Enerloops, but the lower mAh rating has kept me away, but talking with clients, I get the sense that the Enerloops are more reliable.

The high end ANSMANN AA NiMH batteries have an even higher 2850mAh rating, but are hard to find. I've ordered a set of 4 AA's, so I will test them out.

The Varta Professional line is very good, too.

The best batteries I've used bar none are the Duracell PROCELL batteries, but they are not available retail. They last at least twice as long as anything else I've used.

Panasonic Evolta batteries also last a very long time. They've been rated by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest lasting alkaline battery. I've never used them, but I will get them in stock soon, so I will test them also and report back.

Acuracura · 07-15-2009, 10:18 PM

I use Energizer NiMH batteries. Some old ones from years ago were only 1850mah but new ones are 2500mah. The old ones definitely don't last as long, not because they're not holding a charge anymore, but because their capacity just isn't rated as high. I usually use them till they're dead and charge them using a slow 6 hour Energizer charger. Quick chargers are bad and will kill the life of your batteries. I have at least a dozen AA's and cycle them regularly because I use them in everything from camera flash, frs/gmrs radios, ham radios, flashlights, bike likes, gps units, avalanche beacons, bug zappers, and random battery holders that I've built to power various portable devices. By the time these Energizers crap out there will probably be something else on the market better than eneloops.

I also have Energizer nimh 9V, AAA's, C's, and D's but I don't use them as frequently so I just charge them the day before I know I need them. They're still going strong. The reason I have so many rechargeables is if they die I'll need back ups and I refuse to use alkalines due to the monetary cost and environmental damage.

bikerx · 07-16-2009, 12:13 AM

jason from what i hear the envelopes are under rated they are supposedly 2500mah or more. i have a couple of packs here, i wouldn't mind lending you a set for a wedding shoot to see how long they last and recycle time

Senna4ever · 07-16-2009, 12:21 AM

Actually, they are less than 2500mAH, but as they are of a higher voltage, so they apparently last longer than the Energizers.

Thanks, Jordan, but I have ordered a set of the ANSMANN batteries, and 72 of the Duracell PROCELL batteries.

bikerx · 07-16-2009, 12:35 AM

wat a baller hahah u sure love yor batteries

!MiKrofT · 07-16-2009, 10:49 AM

Ahh Duracell Procell. Those are kickass batteries. Although I haven't used any for quite a long time. I can't even remember where I got them.

peazs · 07-16-2009, 11:34 PM

I am about to through away 4 old Panasonic NiMH batteries (I think 2300mAH). They're gone after very minimum use. ;o

Senna4ever · 07-18-2009, 11:04 PM

I for got to mention the differences between the Eneloops style batteries and the Energizer ones. The Eneloops are of a slow discharge type that loses its charge at a rate of about 1%/month, but they do not pack as much power in them as the Energizers. The Energizers have much more potential power in them, but they lose their charge as fast as 1%/day. If you're the type of person who tends to leave batteries in gadgets for a long time, then the Enerloops may be for you. If you need maximum power, and fast discharge rates like for use in flashes, then the Energizers may be better, as long as you re-charge them before use. This may be the reason why the Energizers get a somewhat unreliable reputation, as people may put fully recharged batteries in a flash and leave them in there...they then lose their charge rapidly. As an event photographer, I'd rather have more power for more cycles and a fast discharge rate for faster cycles.

lilaznviper · 07-18-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peazs

I am about to through away 4 old Panasonic NiMH batteries (I think 2300mAH). They're gone after very minimum use. ;o

i have panasonic batteries too and really do suck
i think i had it for 1 year and the batteries are pretty much dead

MikesJo · 07-19-2009, 12:47 PM

The eneloops are good but I find they don't recycle as fast as my Panasonic. I have Panasonic R2s as well. I keep two packs of R2s and two packs of the higher capacity panasonics in my bag as well as some other brands. The R2s are my backups if I forget to recharge the higher capacity batteries. The eneloops aren't bad I've found (thanks denny lol).

I'm using this Lacrosse charger too which charges the cells individually and has different settings for charging. It can also test, discharge, and recondition batteries as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Crosse-Technol...8036385&sr=8-1

I carry 5 sets of AAs to weddings and a set for my pocket wizards. Works out well. I usually save the high capacity batteries for the ceremonies and dancing in the evening where I need the batteries to recycle fast.

Nismo200SX · 08-14-2009, 01:31 PM

They've got Verbatim AA-LR6 Mignon at anitec for pretty cheap and they've got same specs as the Duracell Procell might be worth a try?
http://www.anitec.ca/product/13055/v...ack-of-4-49921

sidebar: I'm using Energizer 2450mah in my Vivitar DF340z and they recycle really fast under 2 sec. compared to eneloops and rayovac hybrids which are about the same. good to keep around as spares though since they hold charge for so long

roastpuff · 08-14-2009, 11:24 PM

Since I'm only using a 430EX and I'm not usually paid, I run Eneloops so I don't have to worry about charging batteries the night before and whatnot. I find they work great in the 430EX, but if it's a long event I will have to swap batteries in the flash because they last me maybe 500 shots or so. I actually prefer my Powerex Imedion low-discharge batteries because they seem to recycle faster, though it's not a huge difference.

Quick charging is OK, IMO, as long as you use a good charger. I have a Maha charger (forget which model) which has 8 individual circuits for charging, and monitors charge levels. Similar to the Lacrosse charger described above.

underscore · 08-16-2009, 01:16 PM

^ while some chargers may make quick charging easier on the batteries, the fact still remains that the slower they're charged, the longer they will last

roastpuff · 08-16-2009, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by underscore

^ while some chargers may make quick charging easier on the batteries, the fact still remains that the slower they're charged, the longer they will last

True, which is why I keep it on the "soft charge" method where it charges at half the quick-charge rate.

Boostaholic · 08-16-2009, 09:26 PM

just got some maha powerex. these things are beasts!