"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Doug Kanter wrote:
"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Just wondering.

My little camera speedlight uses four AA batteries and gives me about
160 or so flashes before they need to be replaced. They're not
expensive, but I don't always have a fresh set available, and I don't
always remember to stop and buy some before I go out with my camera.

So, I've been thinking about getting four rechargeable NiMH batteries
for about $2.50 each, and a charger. Sony and others offer a
charger-battery combo for about $30.

I'm wondering how long these NiMH batteries "hold" their charge if they
are freshly charged? If it is several weeks between camera use, would I
be wanting to recharge them prior to taking the camera out to use?

Any experience?

Thanks.

Based on Tom Francis' recommendation, I bought Panasonic's batteries and
charger. Fine for some uses, but not for others. Some "smart" devices
think the batteries are low even if you put in freshly charged ones, and
won't function nearly as long as with alkalines. And, the NiMH batteries
lose charge just sitting in a box unused. So, you need to pay attention
to those, or they won't be the backups you think they are.


Thanks. I have noticed that alkalines these days bear labels that indicate
they have a pretty long shelf life if kept packaged and unused.
I suppose I could keep a small supply on hand, but when I grab my camera,
I usually do not like to take along the camera bag. I stuff the speedlight
in my pocket and use it if and when I need it.

Someone told me that disposable lithium batteries are more suited for
speedlight use than disposable alkalines. I probably should buy a set of
these and keep notes!




I intend to keep track of how much they lose in storage, but there are 395
other things on my list of crap to do.