Rechargable Batteries... what should I look for?

[Matt174e]

I'm looking to buy some rechargeable batteries & charger. But I need some quick info.

Which MA is the best value? What type will let me charge anytime I want?

[Aske001]

Most of the rechargeable batteries these days are NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride). They have good power density (high mah capacity for long life), high current capability to drive power-hungry devices like digital cameras, supposedly no "memory effect" from partial charging. They only last a few hundred charges, but really that's the best you can expect from any of the battery types. They also tend to self-discharge fairly rapidly when not in use, so they're not the best for use in a gadget that sits around unused for long periods of time.

You pay more for higher mah capacity (e.g., in AA size 2800 mah is high, 1800 is low). There are lots of cheap NiMH batteries around, but there's a huge difference in quality between cheap no-name imports and quality brand-name batteries. Anyone can put "2500 mah" on their batteries, but if it's a cheap no-name, they're probably lying. Don't be fooled by nearly-the-same fake brand names. :)

As for chargers, all chargers meant for NiMH and NiCad batteries are pretty much interchangeable, except for the super-fast-15min-recharge type, which requires matched batteries and charger. Ones which charge faster (usually 1-4 hours) using a current sensor to shut down automatically are better. Otherwise they're a trickle charger which can take 12 hours or more for a complete charge.

There's also Alkaline rechargeables. They have a longer shelf life and self-discharge more slowly. But they have lower power density, lower current capacity, and they don't like being fully discharged. I haven't had good luck with them lasting very long in normal applications.

[Junk Food Junkie]

What he said above.
Sorry, I posted too late, lol.

[willy]

Keep an eye on this combo package at TSCC. It goes on sale for ~ C$25-30 from time to time. It's a pretty good starting set for you.

http://www.thesourcecc.com/estore/product.aspx?language=en-CA&catalog=Online&category=Battery+Chargers&product=2318393

[goofball]

The Sanyo Eneloops are the best NiMH battery available at the moment if you're going to store them on the shelf for some time in between uses.

[KevC]

www.batteryuniversity.com

[Bahala]

Get Sanyo Eneloop for everyday/long-term uses, like mouse batteries and remotes. Their low self-discharge makes them ideal for such uses. There are other, lesser brands of low self-discharge batteries, but I recommend Sanyo's brand.

Get high-capacity Maha/Sanyo(non-eneloop)/Energizer/Duracell (2700mAh) for short-term, high-power uses such as cameras.

A good-quality smart charger is important. I use Maha PowerEX C401FS.

[Scottie]

I like Rayovac Rechargable batteries for my camrea

[prying eyes]

How about the sony cycle energy??