Digital cameras are marvels of technology that can capture photographs up to 20 megapixels or more but still depend on lithium batteries to power all of the devices that make this magic happen. Depending on the camera model, replacement camera batteries can be reasonably priced or expensive. Some people consider generic camera batteries instead of brand versions, and there is debate as to which is better. It is worth examining the pros and cons.
Looking Inside Battery Technology
Are Cheaper Third Party Camera Batteries Better Than Originals?Digital cameras consume a lot of current. In some ways this tendency has become worse over time and in some ways it has gotten better. All digital cameras use processors to analyze and encode images. Newer cameras have faster and more efficient processors but are expected to work with pictures of extremely large resolutions. The display screen and flash also consume a considerable amount of power.
Some cameras accept generic AA batteries, while others use special battery shapes similar to a smart phone. Regardless of the shape, the battery either uses lithium ion or else nickel metal hydride to provide current. While there are several types of rechargeable batteries, few provide the current or lifespan suitable for the demands of a camera. With all of the features turned on, a camera is more of a power hog than a smart phone playing a game.
Lithium ion is more expensive than nickel metal hydride and provides better performance. Some companies prefer NiMH batteries because of the reduced cost and because lithium supplies can be variable. Replacing a specialized battery is always expensive, but a third-party battery should provide similar performance. Lithium metal works the same regardless of the manufacturer, so the performance should be the same unless the quality is shoddy. It does pay to examine customer recommendations when looking at a generic.
NiMH batteries might vary a little in quality. From a good manufacturer, NiMH batteries approach the energy density of lithium-ion batteries. A generic manufacturer might sacrifice quality, and this can have an effect on energy density. It is really unpleasant to have a short charge cycle, especially when batteries cannot be conveniently swapped. Again, it pays to look at customer reviews.
Assessing The Importance of Quality
Generic AA batteries can be substantially cheaper than those attached to brands, and the energy density can be a little less. People readily purchase generic AA batteries precisely because they can be swapped and recharged without hassle. Lithium or NiMH AA batteries have many uses, and a large-capacity charger can power many devices with the same stock of batteries for several years. Even generic batteries can be recharged hundreds of times, so they are always well worth the money if used frequently.
If a camera accepts either type, then it might be better to go with lithium-ion batteries. Their capacity is more predictable, and they charge and discharge far more efficiently. Since the charge is stored by refreshing a metal, lithium-ion batteries can feasibly have a long shelf life as long as they are kept fully charged. Even when discharged for a long time, they should remain usable. The metal does not fall apart like a lead-acid battery during a deep cycle.
Lithium-ion batteries have low memory. This simply means that it is not necessary to fully discharge the batteries before recharging them in order to to maximize their lifespan. It is better to fully discharge the batteries, but there should not be any perceivable damage or point of reduced performance. In fact, lithium batteries might only lose a third of their capacity after a thousand discharges. A battery that can be reused thousands of times should last for years.
Dealing With Custom Camera Batteries
Some manufacturers of digital cameras see no need to accommodate any available high-current battery. Instead, some cameras come with a detachable pack that inserts into the camera and cannot be substituted with a generic AA battery. There are several reasons to do this. The first is to make sure that only lithium batteries are used so that components will not be damaged by excessively high or low current. The second is to provide a precisely controlled current because it is cheaper to make a camera that does not have to adapt to different batteries.
The third reason is to create a battery that fits a particular profile. In the same way that smart phones are made slim by providing them with slim batteries, cameras can be made slim by avoiding a AA port. A special battery gives more room for internal components and so reduces weight and size. Since digital cameras are similar to smart phones, design philosophy crosses over.
A less obvious reason is to control the supply of a component. If a battery pack must be replaced, it is expensive to do so. Camera batteries in a special format must be obtained from the manufacturer, who will gladly overcharged for such a glorified battery. After a few years, the pack will no longer be offered and only generic replacements will be on the market. Controlling replacement batteries is simply a gimmick to encourage consumers to buy newer cameras.
Final Thoughts On Camera Batteries
It is possibly better to avoid phones that come with battery packs. While they provide some initial convenience, they must eventually be replaced. Some people want slim cameras that can fit into their pockets, but a good smart phone serves the same purpose. If a high-quality camera is desired, consider making a serious investment for what is a specialized tool. Anything that costs a bundle should be usable for years, so preferably it uses AA or other generic batteries.
Keep in mind that few pictures need to be larger than 5 megapixels. Large resolution is mostly useful for providing optical zoom. Using a lower setting than the maximum result sin faster pictures as well as a lower battery drain. If a camera with a battery pack is purchased, consider buying a replacement before it is removed from circulation. Since cameras and components are discontinued after a few years, it is best to prepare for the future and beat planned obsolescence.