Batteries

Consumer Reports contracts with an outside lab to test 16 sets of disposable batteries of three different types, using a protocol that simulates typical digital camera and CD player usage. The sole… lithium-ion battery tested proves the most cost-effective choice, but nickel oxyhydroxide batteries are also good for use in digital cameras. For lower-drain devices such as CD players, flashlights or remote controls, lithium-ion or alkaline batteries are recommended. Within the alkaline and Nickel Oxyhydroxide types, the best battery depends primarily on price.

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A retired engineer tests five brands of hybrid (pre-charged, low-self-discharge) AA batteries, with a report comparing their initial capacity followed by tests at one week, four weeks and three months. Four… sets of standard NiMH rechargeable batteries are also tested here. All the hybrid batteries outperform the regular rechargeable batteries, but two of the hybrid brands are much better than the other three. Other forum contributors add comments.

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Troy Dreier tests disposable batteries from seven different brands -- including two generic "store" brands -- using a Kodak Easy-Share D360 digital camera, a battery-operated television and a flashlight. He… provides a thorough analysis of both performance and value for the money, noting how the batteries affect the camera refresh time (for fast shooting) as well as cost per photo. The least expensive regular (not high-performance) alkaline batteries are the more cost-effective for powering a flashlight or TV, so the best battery depends on the device.

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This site by a flashlight enthusiast recommends a brand of very inexpensive Titanium 3V lithium-ion batteries as an excellent budget choice. This is also one of the few sites that tests rechargeable… lithium-ion batteries, recommending the Pila 600S. The review includes details on which flashlights can use these rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, and how to make this work. Testing details are also provided.

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Jon Sienkiewicz advises sticking with major brand names and avoiding unknown knockoffs, but stops short of recommending any particular rechargeable battery. The Panasonic Oxyride and Energizer e2 Lithium… batteries are mentioned, but it doesn't appear that Sienkiewicz tested any of these batteries personally. In 2004, however, editors of PC Photo gave the Maha Powerex batteries an Editors' Choice award.

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David Pogue compares the Panasonic Oxyride battery with a standard Duracell alkaline battery in "identical pairs of flashlights, screwdrivers, cameras, hand-held fans and swimming bathtub fishies." In a… flashlight, fresh Oxyride batteries produce a noticeably wider, brighter circle of light, but testing battery life is more complicated. It not only varies according to how fast the device uses energy, but also by whether or not the usage is continuous or intermittent. Overall, though, the Oxyride batteries have the edge for digital camera use.

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