Originally Posted by
Curt Harms
I have a Canon camera, S5is that uses AA batteries. I tried the typical NiMH rechargeable cells but I may get 6 pictures before having to replace them, NiMH voltages run about 1.2 - 1.25 volts in my experience. This camera really prefers no less than 1.5 volts so typical alkaline aren't that great either. I discovered Nickel Zinc batteries a few years ago. They're usually 1.8 volts straight off the charger and 1.6 volts after a few hours. They maintain 1.6 volts until they need to be recharged. It's a shame this chemistry doesn't get more attention, nickel and zinc are readily available and don't have thermal overtemp issues. The self discharge isn't bad but not as good as the low self discharge NiMH batteries I don't think. A complaint I've seen is that they're 'only' good for about 500 charge/discharge cycles. I can live with 500 cycles, still cheaper than disposable alkaline. Quality control during manufacture may be an issue as well, I've had a couple NiZn cells drop to about .87 volts which others in the same device are 1.6 volts.
I just saw on Amazon that rechargeable AA Lithium Ion batteries are now available. Might have to try some of those out. I haven't really researched them yet, wonder what the self discharge rate is.