Great Batteries

[TheNitroxinator]

But I am lucky to dive (usually) from environments where changing the batteries isn't a big deal

I think you'll see WiFi in a digital camera someday real soon so you wouldn't have to open the case just to download the pictures (although it'd better be better than Wireless G). Its not like there isn't plenty of space in the housing for the chipsets. And maybe the fuel cell batteries will finally mature by that time, too. Then we'll be able to leave the cameras in the housing for days at a time, and have less chance for a flood. Top it off with a really cool "jet fighter" style fuel prod for the methanol to recharge the fuel cells, and maybe we could get away with never removing the camera.


Oh well, I have to live with today's technology. I'm figuring on offloading pictures every two dives, independent of changing the batteries. Good thing I'm taking that 40G external hard drive for my laptop.

 

[teamheatwave]

I do a lot of photography both above and below the surface. I originally bought (12) sets of (4) GP1800 AA's and they did ok. Except after 2 years I wore them out. At the time the big thing was 2100's except for the brand new Lenmar 2300's which supposedly had great reviews. So I bought another (12) sets of (4) to replace the GP1800's and I have been very disappointed with the Lenmar. I splurged for their chrager which 1 bank doesn't work right. Regardless of the battery that slot always flashes on and off. I also had on different occasions 4 or 5 batteries start to get very hot and the shell start to almost bubble after only a few minutes. And the ones that did charge ok didn't seem to hold a charge long. They seemed to die a lot sooner. I have been using my C5050 more lately and need to get some batteries I can trust. I was considering either the MAHA or the SANYO before coming to this board. While I see good things about the Energizers, I want to go with something I can trust. So I will be ordering the MAHA or SANYO's within the next few days. Thanks for the feedback gang!

 

[cfelliot]

Any comments the Energizer L91BP Lithium (not rechargeable) Photo Batteries?
They're rated at 2900.
I was planning to try them on an upcoming trip.

 

[fpoole]

yeah, it's not quite as simple a just buying whatever at the highest ratings..

When I first got into digital, I figured I'd just get the batteries that the store had.. SunPak... worst thing I ever did.. they run dry in a matter of hours/days...
Realizing that they all run down at about 1-2% a day, but it DOES make a difference..
There's a battery review around here somewhere and when I checked it SunPak was rated at the bottom...
MaHa PowerX were at the top so I've got those now and am quite happy with them..
Got 2 chargers and something like 12 pacs too...
So they're not the same and need to check them out BEFORE you load up on them...

good luck... they just keep getting better eh??

 

[maractwin]

I'm using rechargables from Radio Shack and have been happy with them. They are rated at 2000 mAh and get me through 3-4 dives with my C5050.

 

[justleesa]

I have been using Panasonic 2100 for two trips now, and have no problem getting 2 dives out of them.

On my last trip, I used Energizer 2500s. I would love to get three dives out of these. Then, on a 5 dive per day liveaboard, I would only need to change batteries once instead of twice.

I also use an INON DS180 strobe. Does anyone have a feel for which chews the batteries more - the 5050 or the strobe?

Cheers.

I have the same set up that you do and am using the same batteries. I get a double charter (4 dives) out of'em, easily. And I have the camera on at all times. Never had that luck of doing a triple charter day though
The other day I went to Costco and bought another set of panasonics, when I got home I noticed that they are 2300's. They worked great too.
As for which chews more, it's definitely the camera.

Aloha!
Lisa

 

[teamheatwave]

Well, I juts placed the order for 50 of the AA NIMH Sanyo 2500's. I also ordered the Lightning 4000n Charger. The salesman at Ripvan100.com was on the phone for a while with. Great customer service. Will keep you posted on the results.