Which is better for using my Canon Powershot A710IS (with under water housing) for taking pictures while diving - rechargeable batteries or single use batteries??
(x-posted in the 'computers, cameras, phones' branch)
kilo_fox
1
seahunt
Disposable batteries can be used off the shelf.
Until recently, rechargeable Ni metal hydride batteries self-discharge and cannot be used off the shelf i.e if you charge your batteries a week ago, it might drain such it cannot power your digicam for the whole dive. The A710IS uses only 2 AA-size batteries, my A640 uses 4 AA-batteries and I have been caught with this auto-discharge before. .
Newer rechargeable batteries eg. Sanyo Eneloop, can retain its charge longer. Claimed something like autodischarge of only 10% after 12 months or something like that. I am now using Sanyo Eneloop.
My recommendation is either disposable batteries or the newer rechargeable batteries that do not auto-discharge.
2
sybille47
I use re-charge as a norm, and have disposable ones with me as a back up. I don't actually like using disposable batteries, as they are not environmentally sound. With a little planning, ie always have 2 sets fully charged so if necessary you can change batteries between dives), it should not be a problem.
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Lonely Planet
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