For powering high-drain electronics such as digital cameras, the most efficient batteries to use are high-capacity Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) cells. Higher capacity batteries store more charge and they can power your devices longer.
The two highest capacity rechargeable AA batteries are: Ansmann’s 2850 mAh batteries and Delkin’ s 2900 mAh batteries. Typically, NiMH batteries are rated between 1800-2500 mAh. So if, for example, you are using three high-capacity cells in a device, that’s quite a bit more charge. Both of these brands are well-respected–Ansmann is a German company known for their excellent battery chargers.
If you are more interested in rechargeable batteries that have a extended shelf-life, please see our review here.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
As always, this is another great article by MetaEfficient. MetaEfficient seems to be always at the top of battery techs. Here is an article I found recently about NiZn batteries on the market. The reviews for these batteries are mixed, with good use but mediocre storage life . They are supposed to be quite safe for the environment and very recyclable. http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/kit-eaton/technomix/nickel-zinc-rechargeable-batteries-good-single-use-ones
Also, something to look out for in the future: rechargeable zinc air batteries! I hope they make it to the consumer market. http://www.revolttechnology.com/
Sure it’s quite a bit of extra charge, but the big question is whether it’s worth the much higher price? For example (all prices are approximate from Amazon.com),
Energizer 2500mAh: ~$20.50/8 => $2.56/battery
Delkin 2900mAh: ~$17/4 => $4.25/battery
Ansmann 2850mAh: ~$31/4 => $7.75/battery
Will I really get 3x the usage out of an Ansmann or even 2x out of the Delkins? If not, then sticking with the Energizer 2500mAh cells is the way to go.
Just my $0.02!
Becareful about some rechargeables. They can be found in 1.2v rather than 1.5v ( you may nee to check ) and for some devices that need a solid 5v to run – 4 AA batteries at 1.5v is fine where 4 batteries at 1.2v will distress the interal powering or not work at all.
Most modern electronics will specify 1.5v Alkaline or Nickel, or 1.2v Ni-MH or Ni-CD, so shouldn’t be an issue if you’re using something in the last few years.
As for the extra mAh worth the price, it’s what you need the batteries for. If you are a professional or aspiring photographer, the extra power in your flash will make a huge difference in your flash recycle time. Definitely worth it. If it’s for a portable alarm clock, or even wii remotes, you’ll be fine with regular rechargeables, like the Energizer, or even the hybrids, which slow drain for those items only used occasionally.
Although the “nominal” voltage is higher for alkaline and zinc batteries (1.5) than for NiMH and NiCd (1.2) the actual voltage varies through the discharge cycle and batteries (all these types) are generally counted as fully discharged with a remaining voltage of 1V. Look at the discharge curves and you will see this means NiMH will work just as well if not better in most applications.