AA batteries or Li-On batteries better?

[canong2]

I am a Canon supporter and am torn between buying the S3 and Ixus 800... I used to think that rechargeable Li-On batteries are better (I used to have a g2).. but it seems that some people prefer AA batteries... can anyone tell me the pros and the cons?

[Canew]

AA batteries:
- GOOD. Available everywhere. You can buy them off the shelves practically from anywhere.
- GOOD. No need to to 'remember' to charge batteries/top up at the end of the day/shooting session.
- BAD. More expensive in the long run.

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by canong2 I am a Canon supporter and am torn between buying the S3 and Ixus 800... I used to think that rechargeable Li-On batteries are better (I used to have a g2).. but it seems that some people prefer AA batteries... can anyone tell me the pros and the cons?

The AA batts are described as above.

Lithium-ion batts tend to last longer and have no memory effect while charging before it gets empty. But the bad thing is, you've to buy spares if u're doing marathon shoots and these batts are not cheap for the originals.

[Jackals]

get those sanyo Ni-MH batts...they are pretty long lasting

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by Jackals get those sanyo Ni-MH batts...they are pretty long lasting

But Ni-MH batts must fully discharge before they can be recharged.

[Ramius]

Erm, the 2 cameras are so different that battery type is probably of lesser concern.

Depending on the Li-on batt, they don't really last much longer than the 2500 Ni-Mh types. The thing that gets me sometimes, is that its quite troublesome carrying around 4 AAs in 1 set , loading/unloading...

I don't think they are more expensive in the long run, rather the opposite. Although you have to spend money on a good charger, you can share the charger with other cameras in future or with your friends on a travel. Typically, 1 set of 4 AAs is about 1/3 that of an original Li-on batt.

[mpenza]

batteries shouldn't be a problem now-a-days unless you have to travel without electricity for long periods of time (and then both whether AA of Li-On will give different problem - charge retention for NiMH and cost of Li-On). for most travels, you just need a spare battery or set of battery and they should last you for the day and you can recharge at night in the hotel.

in short, dun worry about the batteries. other features (long zoom, flip-out LCD, compactness, design, etc) are much more important since the cameras are so different!!!

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by Ramius Depending on the Li-on batt, they don't really last much longer than the 2500 Ni-Mh types.

This is only true for lower capacity Li-ion batts. Those such as the eastgear ones do last a lot longer.

[Artosoft]

Originally Posted by Snoweagle But Ni-MH batts must fully discharge before they can be recharged.

Buy Sanyo eneloop NiMH 2000mAH. No memory effect.

Regards,
Arto.

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by Artosoft Buy Sanyo eneloop NiMH 2000mAH. No memory effect. Regards, Arto.

NiMH batts do have memory effects leh.

[zcwnfx]

Li-On dont freeze out in low temp?

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by zcwnfx Li-On dont freeze out in low temp?

They do...their life drops drastically under very low temperatures.

[Artosoft]

Originally Posted by Snoweagle NiMH batts do have memory effects leh.

There is. But less (much much less) than NiCd.

Regards,
Arto.

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by Artosoft There is. But less (much much less) than NiCd. Regards, Arto.

True...but Li-ions do not suffer from any.

[Artosoft]

Originally Posted by Snoweagle They do...their life drops drastically under very low temperatures.

Do you mean its power? Or its life (say something like: in normal temp or normal use, handphone Li-ION works best about 1 year. In cold/freeze temp it can only can be use for 2 month)?

I believe it is power. Something like in normal temp you can take 200 picture, in cold/freeze temp it is only 20 picture.

Regards,
Arto.

[Artosoft]

Originally Posted by Snoweagle True...but Li-ions do not suffer from any.

There is, Li-ION suffer from cold/freeze temp...

Regards,
Arto.

[billpepsi]

Originally Posted by Snoweagle NiMH batts do have memory effects leh.

Is battery worn out the same as memory effect?

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by Artosoft Do you mean its power? Or its life (say something like: in normal temp or normal use, handphone Li-ION works best about 1 year. In cold/freeze temp it can only can be use for 2 month)? I believe it is power. Something like in normal temp you can take 200 picture, in cold/freeze temp it is only 20 picture. Regards, Arto.

In normal temps, li-ion batts usually works best for more than a year.

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by jeffhiew Is battery worn out the same as memory effect?

No, they're totally diff.