Choosing the Best Battery for Your Digital Camera

Digital cameras have quickly become a favorite method for people to store their memories. A huge variety of different digital cameras can be found in stores and online, each one with different features that appeal to consumers. These various features dictate how expensive the camera will be, ranging from cost-effective to professional quality. It's not too hard figuring out which camera will best suit your needs, but you find yourself at a loss when it comes to deciding what accessories to buy.

Out of all the accessories to purchase for your new camera, perhaps the most important is its battery. First you need to decide if you want "regular" AA batteries or rechargeable (also known as proprietary batteries). Rechargeable batteries will usually come as part of your digital camera package, and are normally lighter and smaller than regular batteries. For this reason, most people decide to stick with rechargeable batteries.

There are two subcategories of rechargeable batteries. Nickel-metal Hydride (NIMH) is well-suited for digital cameras, but the Lithium Ion (LION) batteries are far more popular because of their more compact size and increased resistance to "memory effect": losing their maximum energy capacity when they're only partially recharged.

It's recommended to use rechargeable batteries if you plan to do a lot of traveling. This saves you from searching for camera batteries in a foreign country when you suddenly find your energy low. Without knowing the culture or the city very well, you may not be able to find a replacement quickly...or at all. If you choose to bring along non-rechargeable batteries, always be sure to carry a spare set just in case something happens.

Regardless of travel plans, aside from having a decent rechargeable battery you also need to keep storage conditions in mind. If you plan to store your batteries for any length of time, remember to store them in a dry area free of moisture. When you're not using the batteries, it's important not to store them in the camera itself; it's just too easy for the battery acid to leak after a short period of time. (It can also leak even if not in the camera, so keep the battery in a bag or other container to avoid contact with it should the occasion arise.)

Even if you store the rechargeable batteries with a full charge, they will discharge automatically after a period of time unused. If you can, discharge the battery periodically and recharge it to full capacity even if you don't plan to use it at that time. This will help improve the overall lifespan of the battery.