Batteries

[Preemo]

I thought I had made a thread about batteries a while back but now I can't seem to find it in the two pages of threads. LOL

Anyways, I just bought a crap load of Eneloop batteries for my camera and now that a set has died what is the best way to charge them using what charger?

I know the obvious answer might be, "Buy a Sanyo charger that comes with a set of Eneloops in them!" but in hindsight I didn't think that far ahead and maybe thought take the time to invest in a good charger that won't damage the batteries overtime by over charging them??

Anyways, I have the Energizer charger (you've probably seen the ugly thing at BB or FS) but I find that it cooked my other NiMH batteries and I really don't want to cook these Eneloops.

Any advise or tips out there?

[keitaro]

La Cross Technologies makes good chargers

http://www.lacrossetechnology.com/power.php

The BC-900 has gotten favourable reviews
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/lacrosseBC900.htm

Basically it will condition the battery by trickler charging, or doing full discharge/charge cycles. It also allows you to monitor each battery's charge capacity. You can see when a battery becomes defective when the indicator shows that it doesn't hold a lot of charge. You can also control how fast a battery charges.

[syee]

Originally Posted by keitaro

La Cross Technologies makes good chargers

http://www.lacrossetechnology.com/power.php

The BC-900 has gotten favourable reviews
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/lacrosseBC900.htm

Basically it will condition the battery by trickler charging, or doing full discharge/charge cycles. It also allows you to monitor each battery's charge capacity. You can see when a battery becomes defective when the indicator shows that it doesn't hold a lot of charge. You can also control how fast a battery charges.

+1. I got the BC900 as well and it works great. Like keitaro mentioned, you can monitor each battery's charge, adjust the charge rate from 200mA up. (slow charge is usually better for the battery) You can also do a "battery condition" cycle which basically charges and discharges the battery 20 times to "refresh" the battery. It also trickle charges them once they are full so that you can always have a set of fully charged batteries.

One other thing that might be important - it supports 100-240V so you can use it pretty much anywhere in the world (with the right plug adapter). Most of my el-cheapo chargers only support 110V so also something to consider.

The only downside with this charger (and you may see it in some reviews) is that it sometimes needs a "jumpstart" if your battery is completely dead. (as in it has zero charge) It's as simple as taking a paper clip and basically touching the dead battery to the battery next to it to give it a small amount of charge so that the charger can recognize it.

[ForbiddenX]

On the topic of batteries, how good are ebay batteries for cameras? I'm thinking of picking up a couple backups for my D90 but I'm scared they might be terrible.

Also thinking of getting the Eneloop batteries, I've been using non rechargeable ones that come in like 16 packs. Eneloops seem like a good investment!

[!MiKrofT]

I've used Eneloops for awhile now. They're awesome for what they cost. I usually buy them on sale. You can also get "Duraloops" which are rebranded eneloops. Just look for white plastic under the duracell label. $6.66 for a pack of 4AA when on sale.

[syee]

Originally Posted by ForbiddenX

On the topic of batteries, how good are ebay batteries for cameras? I'm thinking of picking up a couple backups for my D90 but I'm scared they might be terrible.

Also thinking of getting the Eneloop batteries, I've been using non rechargeable ones that come in like 16 packs. Eneloops seem like a good investment!

eBay camera batteries are hit and miss. I've bought some cheapo eBay batteries for my P&S a few years ago and they barely lasted 2 charges before they completely died and wouldn't hold a charge. These are the batteries with the insane mAh ratings selling for $1-$2 each.

Sterlingtek are apparently pretty decent non OEM batteries (although I've had my share of problems with those too). I've stuck with using Lenmar branded batteries since I've had success with those. You can usually find them pretty cheap on Amazon (around $10-$20)

Originally Posted by !MiKrofT

I've used Eneloops for awhile now. They're awesome for what they cost. I usually buy them on sale. You can also get "Duraloops" which are rebranded eneloops. Just look for white plastic under the duracell label. $6.66 for a pack of 4AA when on sale.

Yep. Shoppers Drug Mart has them pretty often. Check the flyers and see. I have a set of the Duracell branded Eneloops and they work just as well as the Sanyno ones. (obviously because they are the same product)

[Preemo]

I bought 3 sets of Eneloops for my old Canon S2 IS and shot on one set of Eneloops the entire day! They are so damn awesome! I will probably invest in the BC900 charger as it seems like a really good investment. I would really hate to fry these batteries using a POS charger.

I did not know Duraloop's were essentially Eneloops. Thanks for the info! I always waited for NCIX to have a sale and then drive out to pick these up. I'll keep that in mind for the next time.

EDIT: Where do you buy the BC900 locally?

[syee]

Originally Posted by Preemo

I bought 3 sets of Eneloops for my old Canon S2 IS and shot on one set of Eneloops the entire day! They are so damn awesome! I will probably invest in the BC900 charger as it seems like a really good investment. I would really hate to fry these batteries using a POS charger.

I did not know Duraloop's were essentially Eneloops. Thanks for the info! I always waited for NCIX to have a sale and then drive out to pick these up. I'll keep that in mind for the next time.

EDIT: Where do you buy the BC900 locally?

I think NCIX has a sale on AA Eneloops this week ($10 for 4 I think?)

I've never seen the BC900 locally - but it's usually for sale on Amazon.