The secret is out! Digital cameras pig out on batteries.
If you’re planning to take a lot of pictures and use disposable alkaline batteries, it’s time you robbed a bank or stopped smoking. You’ll need a pile of cash to feed your camera’s battery appetite. Another possibility is to put your camera on the rechargeable battery diet. But which rechargeable battery fits with your camera? The following information can help you make a buying decision that fits your pocket book and your photo needs.

NiCd (nickel-cadmium batteries)
This type of rechargeable battery has the disadvantage of “memory” loss, which significantly affects its performance and the length of battery life. Each time a NiCd battery is charged it loses some of its energy until finally the battery can no longer hold a charge. For best results a NiCd battery should be completely drained before recharging it again. NiCd batteries contain a heavy metal called cadmium. Because cadmium is not environmentally friendly, extra care needs to be taken in disposing of NiCd batteries. Many local governments have specific ordinances on how to safely trash your old NiCd batteries.

NiMH (nickel metal hydride batteries)
A NiMH battery can be recharged hundreds of times before it loses the ability to hold a charge. Unlike NiCd batteries, NiMH batteries do not suffer memory loss. No need to drain a NiMH battery before recharging it. NiMH batteries are more resistant to cold than alkaline batteries and have significantly more energy capacity than NiCd Batteries.

When not in use rechargeable batteries looses about 1 to 2 percent of its charge every day. If your digital camera has been sitting around for a week or more, you might want to recharge the batteries before taking photos. Otherwise, you could be frustrated by that little red light telling you “low battery”.