PowerGenix NiZn
I have recently acquired a set of PowerGenix Nickel-Zinc (NiZn) rechargeable batteries, the latest and greatest AA cell available. Though based on ancient (as electronics go) chemistry (Edison patented the concept in 1901), these cells have only recently become available in a viable consumer product.
The big story on these cells is their fast recycling time in electronic flash: near-instantaneous (< 2 seconds) with fully-charged cells in an SB-600 set on full manual power. This is better than NiMH (nickel-metal hydride), much better than alkaline, and comparable to NiCd (nickel-cadmium). NiZn batteries are more ecologically friendly, cheaper, and should last longer than NiCd batteries, though they don’t quite pack the potential endurance of today’s NiMH batteries. My set of PowerGenix NiZn cells are rated at 2500 mWh (milli-watt hours), making them sound comparable to 2500 mAh(milli-amp hours) NiMH batteries, but 2500 mWh on the 1.6v NiZn cells equates to about 1600 mAh.
I plan to pit these new cells against my trusty NiMH Maha batteries side-by-side next week to see how they compare in high-intensity flash shooting. Look for an update in about two weeks.
8 responses so far ↓
1 Craig Ward // Jun 1, 2010 at 8:19 am
How would perform as a low self discharge NiMH like Sanyo eneloop ?
2 The Sports Photo Guy // Jun 1, 2010 at 9:01 am
Evaluating that now, in fact. Unfortunately, this will take a while – need to let them sit at least a month or so.
3 Roger // Jul 16, 2010 at 4:42 pm
The PowerGenix NiZn cells actually hold around the same power as eneloop cells.
NiZn: 1.6V * 1600mAh = 2560mWh
Eneloop: 1.25V * 2000mAh = 2500mWh. You can’t compare the mAh ratings if the cells are at different voltages
4 The Sports Photo Guy // Jul 16, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Yep – you’re right. I applied Ohm’s Law to the conversion but not the comparison.
5 Rick // Feb 18, 2011 at 6:48 pm
I bought some of these and already don’t like them. Why 1.6V? I have a camera that requires 3.0v and with two of these batteries installed, the camera freaks out and the display goes crazy, and it just locks up. Pop in some NiMh batteries and its all fine.
I tested some of the freshly charged cells and they registered a white hot 1.7-1.83v. I hope my meter is miscalibrated but I believe the numbers. Even if you put them in a flashlight the output is “too bright”. I worry about burning out sensitive electronics with these batteries. If they would just re-engineer them down to 1.5-1.4V I think we would all be happier.
6 The Sports Photo Guy // Feb 18, 2011 at 7:52 pm
I definitely wouldn’t put them in a camera…in my SB-600′s, though, they continue to perform like champs.
7 What are the best AA batteries for photography? « Equipment « Philadelphia Photographer Brent Morales Foto // Jun 5, 2011 at 6:22 pm
[...] [6] http://www.powergenix.com/?q=products [7] http://sportsphotoguy.com/nizn-batteries/ [...]
8 Greg // Feb 9, 2012 at 5:35 pm
@Rick
I know your comment is a little old, but mix them with 1.2v rechargables if the device you have has issues. You will get the performance of an alkaline, but rechargeable and stronger performance until they are dead.
Example:
My Canon Flash holds 4 AA rated at 6V with alkalines.
3x 1.6v NiZn
1x 1.2v NiMH
1.6 x 3 + 1.2= 6v should work like a champ. Does for me. Much more responsive than 4 1.2v’s.
I love these batteries. I bought all they had at Biglots for $5 each (4pk). I bought some adapters for D and C cells and use them in flashlights too, bets batteries ever. I’m even debating getting some AAA’s.
Leave a Comment