The Sports Photo Guy

There is a dizzying array of AA batteries available for today’s electronics.  The various chemistries have their advantages and disadvantages, making some better suited for particular uses than others.  I try to explain what’s what in this article.

Alkaline

Alkaline

These are the tried-and-true batteries for low-tech devices.  They can be stored for years, provide long-lasting power for low-drain devices likes clocks, simple radios, flashlights, and the like.  They aren’t rechargeable under most circumstances, and are relatively heavy.  Brand makes little difference despite the commercials; cheap generic and store brands, in my experience, work as well as any name brand like Duracell or Energizer.

Recycle time in electronic flash is 4-6 seconds.

Shop for AA alkaline batteries

Best photographic uses: handheld meters, Pocket Wizards.

NiMH

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)

These batteries have become increasingly popular for high-drain electronics, include shoe-mount strobe units.  Rechargeable, they provide longer-lasting power in digital cameras and high-tech electronics.  They lose about 3% of their power store each day, however, and thus for best performance require a fresh charge.  They are also highly temperamental, losing capacity over use unless reconditioned by an appropriate charger.  Capacity varies greatly, both in terms of claimed power (measured in milli-amp hours, or mAH) and actual power.  The best batteries out there, in my opinion, are Maha 2700 mAH Powerex, followed by Energizer 2450 mAH units.  I’ve gotten very poor results from a variety of other brands, including Duracell and Delkin.

In electronic flash, they provide a good recycle time of 3-4 seconds.

POWEREX 2700 mAH Batteries
POWEREX MH-C90000  Charger Kit

Energizer NiMH batteries & chargers

Best uses: electronic flash, cameras, portable storage devices.

NiMH (pc)

Nickel Metal Hydride (pre-charged)

Going under a variety of names (Sanyo eneloop, Rayovac Hybrid, Ansmann Max-E, Maha Imedion, Lenmar Ready-2-Go; Duracell, Energizer, Kodak “pre-charged”), these batteries pack slightly less power (around 1900-2000 mAH) than standard NiMH batteries, but don’t lose their charge nearly as fast, providing good power right out of the package (in most cases) and for up to a month or two of storage.  They are also rechargeable but don’t require frequent conditioning, and offer similar recycle times for electronic flash.

I recommend Sanyo, Duracell, and Energizers.  My experience with Maha Imedion batteries has been mixed; they seem to provide adequate power, but my Maha MH-C9000 charger won’t recognize or charge them.

Best uses: electronic flash, cameras, portable storage devices.

Sanyo eneloop batteries & chargers

Lithium

Lithium

Lithium batteries provide reliable and long-lasting power, but can’t be recharged.  They are also the lightest of all AA cells and handle cold temperatures better than other batteries.  I usually keep a set of lithium batteries pre-installed in an AA battery holder for use as a long-term emergency backup power source for my DSLRs.  They are pricey, however.  I recommend either Energizer or Duracell lithium batteries.

Best uses: long-term storage, extreme conditions.

Lithium AA batteries

NiZn

Nickel Zinc (NiZn)

At long last available in a practical format, these provide amazing recycle times in electronic flash (< 2 seconds), are very light, and provide good power though not lasting as long in use as other battery types.  They also don’t lose charge over time, but require a unique charger.

Best use: high-frequency electronic flash.

NiZn batteries and chargers

Best Avoided

Standard zinc-carbon or zinc-chloride batteries (“heavy duty”) are like alkalines, only much weaker.  Nickel-cadmium (ni-cad) are like NiMH, only much weaker and non-environmentally friendly.