Customer question - I have a Minolta Digital camera that uses 4 AA batteries. The number of shots I get with fresh batteries is fine; it’s the shelf life that is a problem. If I charge two sets of 4 batteries (2250 mAh Ni-MH) and do not use them for 2 to 4 weeks the Ni-MH batteries die on me. I have about 15 to 20 charges on each set I now have and am very disappointed. It requires that I spend ½ a day charging prior to any use.

Is that a common problem? If not, what are the best rechargeable batteries to give ample shooting power for general photography and longest shelf life?
I like the camera, just frustrated with the battery situation.
Thanks for your assistance.

Response - The one drawback to NiMH batteries is the self discharge rate and so it is not unusual to have them lose significant power in just a few weeks. I have found that, generally, the higher the mAh ratings, the higher the self discharge rate, so you may find that lower mAh rated batteries perform for your particular usage habits the best.

There also may be the possibility that you can use CRV3 batteries in your camera. Do you know if you can use two of them in lieu of the four AA's?

Another possibility for you is to experiment with the newer NiMH batteries coming on the market of late - Sanyo Eneloop and NABC Hybrio (see link below). They "reportedly" have dramatically lower self discharge rates and that would be a great thing in your case. They are lower capacity - about 2,000 mAh - so they would not win a contest for which battery would take the most pictures all at once, but that is not what you are trying to accomplish.

Hope that helps.

Sincerely,

Curtis


http://www.greenbatteries.com/hybrionimhaa.html