- Jul 11, 2001
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Please chime in if you know. I may be delusional, or rather not up to date on the current state of things. I used to be a NiCD guy, have transitioned to NiMH's (I have 28 Eneloop AA's, about 20 Eneloop AAA's). I have several devices that use Li-ion rechargables, but I've always been uncomfortable using them. It's because (years ago!) I heard that they have pretty limited life spans. My Eneloops are rated at 1000 or 1500 recharges, and AFAIK I don't need to baby them. No memory effect, no need to worry about discharging them completely, just top 'em up any time, no sweat. People (used to) say that Li-ion batteries only last 2-3 years in typical use. They are (were) said to last significantly longer if you...
a. Don't leave them in a fully charged state for any period of time
b. If not going to be used for some time, refrigerate them in a ~40% charged state.
Since I don't use my cell phone a lot, I try to keep it around 40% charged (and Off, because its battery runs down quickly when left on even if not used), although it does not stay in my refrigerator (!).
My camcorder batteries are in the refrigerator, I haven't used the thing in 2-3 years.
My laptop batteries are likewise in the refrigerator, since I use the AC adapters only most of the time.
- - - -
So, my dilemma is this: I want to buy my next (3rd) digicam. My first is a Samsung Digimax V3, that uses 2 AA's, and I use Eneloops in it, but the camera does quite badly with them. I never know when it will just shut down. I know that many current digicams using a couple of AA's get decent battery life. My other digicam is a Pentax K-x which uses 4 AA's, and it has terrific battery life.
Now, I'm looking at a lot of digicams, because my old Samsung V3 (8 years or so) is a very under performing P&S. Battery type is a major consideration, among others. The Canon A1300 and A1200 use 2 AA's, and this seems to be a real plus to me. The Canon ELPH's have proprietary Li-ion batteries. That isn't a show stopper for me, necessarily. They also have optical IS, probably superior video characteristics and probably significantly better lenses, however the A1300 and A1200 have optical viewfinders.
So, is my "understanding" of the NiMH vs Li-ion issues unrealistic, flat wrong? Maybe Li-ion technologies have improved. Thanks for your input!
a. Don't leave them in a fully charged state for any period of time
b. If not going to be used for some time, refrigerate them in a ~40% charged state.
Since I don't use my cell phone a lot, I try to keep it around 40% charged (and Off, because its battery runs down quickly when left on even if not used), although it does not stay in my refrigerator (!).
My camcorder batteries are in the refrigerator, I haven't used the thing in 2-3 years.
My laptop batteries are likewise in the refrigerator, since I use the AC adapters only most of the time.
- - - -
So, my dilemma is this: I want to buy my next (3rd) digicam. My first is a Samsung Digimax V3, that uses 2 AA's, and I use Eneloops in it, but the camera does quite badly with them. I never know when it will just shut down. I know that many current digicams using a couple of AA's get decent battery life. My other digicam is a Pentax K-x which uses 4 AA's, and it has terrific battery life.
Now, I'm looking at a lot of digicams, because my old Samsung V3 (8 years or so) is a very under performing P&S. Battery type is a major consideration, among others. The Canon A1300 and A1200 use 2 AA's, and this seems to be a real plus to me. The Canon ELPH's have proprietary Li-ion batteries. That isn't a show stopper for me, necessarily. They also have optical IS, probably superior video characteristics and probably significantly better lenses, however the A1300 and A1200 have optical viewfinders.
So, is my "understanding" of the NiMH vs Li-ion issues unrealistic, flat wrong? Maybe Li-ion technologies have improved. Thanks for your input!
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