A570/A720 battery usage

[Katdb]

Hi everyone!

I'm a fairly new diver (~3 years) and I'm looking at getting an UW camera. From the suggestions on the board, I'm leaning towards the A570 or the A720, but I notice that they use AA batteries and I'm wondering how quickly they go through the batteries?

I swore after I switched from a Kodak AA camera to Pentax with lithium ion batteries that I'd never go back but I'd rather go with a better UW camera then deciding based on battery type!

Thanks for any help you can give
Katdb

 

[lmorin]

I use NiMH Energizer batteries with my a570is. They are rated at 2600 mAh and allow abou 500 shots without using the flash. The flash cuts that by 1/3 to 1/2. I take two sets of batteries, swapping/recharging every evening. Check the web for higher rated batteries. Some brands are available at 3000 mAh, although I have no idea whether they perform as well as the Energizers I use. The ratings are going up slowly but steadily.

 

[Hoosier]

You can use either a shelf battery or rechargeable battery.

With a shelf Alkaline battery, I can't get 500 pictures on 570is at all. I am wondering how you guys can do. If you put the camera in the standby mode, the battery life time is much shorter.

With a rechargeable battery (2600mAh), it only lasts only 1/2 compared to the shelf Alkaline battery. In addition, the camera gives a warning sign even with a fully recharged battery.

I have posted this issue before though. I don't find any solution yet. I might need to try SanYo battery instead of the generic rechargeable battery that its self discharging rate is huge.

 

[Nemrod]

I am using the Duracell PRECHRARGED batreries. These are rechargeable and are a 2.0 mah capacity--work great in both of my 570IS cameras and my Inon D2000 strobe. These are the same as the Sanyo Eneloop.
N

 

[alcina]

I only use rechargeables - they last way longer than toss away batteries.

I use sets of 2100-2700 rechargeables. The 2300 and above ones will last using the flash and the lcd for well more than 2 70+ minute dives, including review after each dive. You could probably get a third dive out of them, but I just change them over just in case. If you aren't using flash then a third dive would be no problem.

Handy hint, click your flash down one notch. In relatively clear water you'll still have ample power to light your subjects and you'll chew less battery AND have a faster flash recycle time.

 

[Katdb]

Thanks so much for all your replies, this has really helped me out!