Selecting batteries for your digital camera is no easy task. Many digital cameras use four AA cells and can drain a set of alkaline cells in less than an hour of working. For example, the Kodak DC120 camera draws about 210 mA of power to switch on. This rises to around 1.3A when the LCD becomes active and to 2.1 A when the camera is used to shoot pictures.
No wonder digital cameras need strong and powerful batteries. A popular battery to use is the Li-on (Lithium Ion) battery. It is a cell type battery that is light in weight but packs more power than most cell type batteries. It needs little maintenance, is easily available and can be stored for long periods of time. The only disadvantage is the price. It costs much more than conventional batteries due to its sophisticated design and technology.
Another battery which is widely used in digital cameras and laptop computers is NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery. The big advantage of these batteries is that they do not cost much and are available in most stores across the nation. However, they need more maintenance and care and suffer from memory effect too.
The digital camera users can also use NiCAD (Nickel cadmium) batteries. These batteries can handle high power loads and were particularly popular with users of laptops and other electronic devices at one point of time. However, they are no longer as popular now, largely on account of the lithium ion batteries which are becoming the first choice of most digital camera users.
An important point to keep in mind while selecting batteries is their life. It always makes sense to buy batteries that are rechargeable. By doing so, the user does not have to worry about a failed battery in the middle of a shoot. He can always put the drained battery in a charger and continue shooting with a spare battery. This may not happen with a use and throw away battery. The user may then be stuck with a camera that does not work as it does not have a power source!
The selection of batteries for digital cameras also depends on charging techniques. For instance, in some cameras the batteries need not be removed from the body but can be recharged with the help of an AC adapter. When using such cameras it is always important to use a battery that does not leak.