Battery life: alkaline v NiMH v Li-Ion

I just ran a surprising test. I loaded my Olympus C-700 with three
sets of batteries and then took a series of flash shots with the LCD
display on. I was surprised at the results.

This camera takes 4 standard AAs. It comes with 4 "Olympus Camedia"
NiMH rechargeable batteries and a charger. I usually use the
rechargeable batteries in the camera, but I keep a set of regular
alkaline AAs in handy as backup. I thought that the NiMHs ran down
fairly quickly and was considering using primarily alkalines until I
ran this test.

1. I loaded the camera with the standard alkaline AAs that I had lying
around. They are probably a year old and have been used a few times,
but they tested well into the "good" range on a tester.

Battery life: about 60 shots.

When removed from the camera, they still tested in the "good" range
and they were able to take a few more shots when put back into the
camera.

2. I loaded the camera with the freshly recharged NiMHs.

Battery life: 778 shots.

As with the alkalines, they still tested good and were good for a few
more shots after a "rest".

3. Figuring that the old alkalines were too old, I loaded the camera
with some brand new alkalines (Maxell brand).

Battery life: 329 shots.

If this test is any indication, the Ni-MH have over twice the life
(power) of alkalines.

Is this about right?

I think I'll go get another set of the Ni-MHs.

 

This is normal- The power drain of a digicam is such that an
alkaline cell will see it as a shortcircuit, and the cell will break
down before delivering all the current inside it.

NiMH, Li-Ion and NiCd can all deliver the higher current, and will
thus last longer, even though they store far less energy. They will
survive the "punishment".

One thin to bear in mind is that NiMH loses around 2-4% of the loaded
energy per day on the shelf, being used or not.

NiCd has a much better shelf life, but not the 5 years of alkaline.

Best of the rechargeables are the LiIon, but some self-discharge
fast, other lasts for a long time.

You can also buy expensive Lithium non-rechargeable cells, with
a shelf life of 10+ years. They are the best alternative to
rechargeables.

 

can AA nimhs be used in regular cameras like, for example, a nikon
8008 without damaging the camera ?

thanks for the info.
@

 

I just ran a surprising test. I loaded my Olympus C-700 with three

This has been done many times. The cam requires a short burst of very high
current to take a pix. The NiMHs do this very well. For a more "normal"
current draw such as a radio or maybe a flashlight the alkaline will last
longer. It is similar to the way the deep cycle car size batteries work
vers the regular car batteries. One is beter for long term use and the
other is beter for a short burst of high current. As others have mentioned
the alkaline will last a long time in storage where the NiMhs self discharge
in a few weeks. Nicads also self discharge but not as bad.

 

What about the Li-Ion's?

 

1-2%/dat may be a far more realistic figure

 

Top Spin wrote:

The problem with alkalines is the voltage drops below the value the camera
can operate on fairly quickly. I'd bet the batteries you took out were
still OK for a flashlight etc for quite a while and yes the Ni-MH have a
longer "straightline" discharge rate that maintains a higher voltage as
they discharge.

 

if it takes AA batts, then ANY AA batt wil work - Lion, NiMh or Nicd.

the difference is the chemicals in side and the power curve of ht
ebattery - among other detiails.

NiCads can give off lots of energy very fast and be charged very fast
(RC cars often use up all the juice in 4 minutes and charge in 15
minutes..they get too hot to touch!)

Alkalines will hold their charge a long time on a shelf 9or ina
flashlite)

NiMh are currently the darllings of the rechargeable consumer battery
world.

With a set of 4 NiMh costing $10 or less at walmart, and $20 or less
witha charger, why use anything else for cameras?

chris
(5 sets of AA nimh and 2 chargers...)

 

thanks !!!!

 

the curve thing probably. All AA batteries are listed at 1.2volts. I
jsut measured some fresh duracell alkalines today - 1.64 volts.
I know that alkalines drain slowly for a long period, with a fairly
steady volt drop. NiCd will hold a lower initial voltage but can be
drained quicker, and when 'dead' their voltage drops very rapidly.
have not read about Lion, other than they are very particular about
charging and the one in my laptop is dead and expensive.

I have used NiCd in RC uses over the years, and occassionaly
elsewhere. I did use them in my Fuji 1400 when i first got it, but
when i went to buy a second set i joined the Nimh bandwagon as that
was all i could find.

when i got my Fuji S602 from a friend, he threw in 4 more sets of AA
and a charger. The Nimh work in my external flashes. better or not
that other batteries i cannot know as i use what i got.

your remote was probably considering anything below 1.3 volts as low
or dead, and that is likley a highpoint for the nicds.

chris

 

So you put an ammeters' leads directly across a battery? I'm glad I don't
carry your insurance

 

That's a discharge rate of a little less than 1% per day.

SJF