Buying Digital Camera Batteries
Here's the problem: battery-powered digital cameras are costly and require frequent replacements.
Now, you have a few options to solve your problem. You can choose an expensive rechargeable camera, but that will cost more money over time than getting a replacement camera from Kodak or Canon. Your other option is to find ways to save battery life without sacrificing quality. One way is to invest in a spool of wire, another way is changing the settings on your camera so it doesn't consume as much power when not in use.
This article will guide you through the process of buying digital camera batteries and the specific brands that give you the most bang for your buck.
Why Do Digital Camera Batteries Die?
If you have ever owned a digital camera, then you probably know that it can be very frustrating when your camera dies in the middle of a shoot. Normally, when a battery goes bad it loses its capacity to hold a charge over time, resulting in either poor battery life or no charge at all. Either way, if this happens during an important shoot, then your photos could be ruined forever.
Batteries run down because of three main problems: the battery capacity, the charge capacity, and the internal electronic circuit. When a battery goes bad, the chemical reaction inside it is between two electrodes – that is why they are called batteries. Now, when you go to start your camera, all you have to do is press a button to use your camera and the battery runs down. The amount of power that can be stored in a cell depends on what type of substance is also enclosed with it.
There are two types of batteries: primary or secondary (depending on whether they are rechargeable or replaceable). Primary batteries are usually rechargeable while secondary ones cannot be recharged.
Why Buy Digital Camera Batteries?
Batteries are an important part of any camera. As long as you have a charged camera battery and a charged memory card, you are ready to take pictures. You can replace a bad camera battery yourself, but it may require special equipment. Here are some reasons why you should buy a digital camera battery.
Low Self-Discharge Rates: Most digital cameras operate at around 3 volts (V). Some older ones may operate at either 9V or 6V. These lower voltages mean that batteries self-discharge more slowly than normal AA batteries which usually self-discharge at 1.5 V per month or even faster when not in use in high temperatures. A digital camera battery can store twice as much juice as a standard alkaline battery.
Long Expected Life: A digital camera uses a low-powered circuit that only consumes 0.2 volts (V) per hour, which is half the amount of energy that a normal alkaline 9-Volt battery would require to retain its charge. In fact, most data suggests that batteries have three times the capacity of alkaline batteries. It's important to remember that these numbers include storage time in a cool, dry place so your digital camera battery may last much longer than expected when stored away from heat and the sun's rays. Alkaline batteries usually last for around one year, but a digital camera battery can last up to three years or more.
Product Image from: Amazon.com Product Name: Kodak KLIC-5000 Lithium Ion Battery Weight: 2.7 ounces Product Dimensions: 6 x 1 x 6 inches Item model number: KLIC5000 Price: $39.85
Primary and Secondary Digital Camera Batteries
Primary batteries are rechargeable, so you can use them over and over again with the same charge life as when they were brand new. Secondary batteries are disposable and you must replace them when they die or run out of power. A secondary battery is the type used with a digital camera and is recharged by the camera when it is not in use.
Primary Digital Camera Batteries vs. Secondary Digital Camera Batteries
Primary Digital Camera Battery Secondary Digital Camera Battery Note: These numbers are manufacturer estimates, so actual results may vary. Power Capacity (mAh) 1200 600 Voltage (V) 3 3 Lifespan (Years) 1000 1 Temperature Range Storage 9-35°F (-12-50°C) Storage 8-40°F (-12-104°C) Recharge Time (Hours) 5 2 Memory Card Capacity 100 MB 10 MB Note: These numbers are manufacturer estimates, so actual results may vary.
Primary Digital Camera Batteries vs. Secondary Digital Camera Batteries
Primary Digital Camera Battery Secondary Digital Camera Battery Note: These numbers are manufacturer estimates, so actual results may vary. Power Capacity (mAh) 1200 600 Voltage (V) 3 3 Lifespan (Years) 1000 1 Temperature Range Storage 9-35°F (-12-50°C) Storage 8-40°F (-12-104°C) Recharge Time (Hours) 5 2 Memory Card Capacity 100 MB 10 MB Note: These numbers are manufacturer estimates, so actual results may vary.
As you can see, a primary digital camera battery lasts much longer than a secondary battery. When you buy your next digital camera, then why not buy it with a rechargeable rechargeable battery instead of spending extra money on disposable batteries? If you want to find out which brands are proven to be the best use these links:
Vivitar Batteries: Vivitar makes replacement batteries and chargers for many point-and-shoots camera brands. Amazon: Vivitar Digital Camera Batteries: http://www.amazon.com/Vivitar-GC-VGR-GBCP-NP8-NP16B/dp/B000SQX8MM?ie=UTF8&tag=bab01d0026rdr-20&creativeASIN=B000SQX8MM
Batteries Plus: Batteries plus is a nationwide chain that sells and services batteries. Check out their online website for a good selection of digital camera batteries. Amazon: Batteries Plus Digital Camera Batteries: http://www.amazon.com/Batteries-Plus-Digital-DPB2s/dp/B000BAXFE0?ie=UTF8&tag=bab01d0026rdr-20&creativeASIN=B000BAXFE0
Voltas Get more information about this and other products at http://www.voltas.com/Products_DCDD1_2.html. Price: $45.
Conclusion
Even though digital cameras have existed for a long time, they haven't become as popular as many people had hoped they would be. Digital cameras are expensive, and can be tiring to work with in the field because of their complex controls. However, these problems have been overcome with advancements in technology which has made them simple to use and easy to maintain. As you can see, buying a digital camera battery is one investment that doesn't need to be made if your camera comes with a standard battery.