battery question-how come I can't do this?

[echo]

Just looking for a good explanation as to why most electronic devices (my new digital camera, for one) say to NOT use NiCad batteries. Anybody got a good expalnation?

[VinVega]

I can't say why, because I don't know, but I do know you can use NiMH rechargeables in them. Alkalines wouldn't power my digital camera, it always said it required lithiums...but the Duracell NiMH's work in it just fine, and last longer between charges than a $10 set of lithiums will. I've saved myself a whole bunch of money with them compared to putting those expensive non-rechargeable lithiums in. Just a suggestion if you're wanting to save a little money.

[Jack]

echo, some rechargeable batteries, as they wear down, produce a gradually declining amount of voltage. So, a 12 volt rechargeable starts (when fresh) giving out 12 volts, when the battery's 1/2 done, it gives off 8-9 volts. And less and less as it's discharged.
Other batteries tend to give the same voltage until they're dead. If you put some alkaline batteries on a tester just as the battery dies, you can see the tester's needle go 100% 0% 100%
....all power , or none.
The declining amount of voltage in a rechargeable battery may be fine in some things, but the declining amount of voltage may hurt some electronics.

[echo]

Thanks for the replies guys. I picked up a couple sets of NiMH's and a charger today. I was just wondering why all the years I've been flying RC airplanes with NiCads but they are not recommended for the camera.

[denton]

It's probably this simple: NiCd's have less energy capacity than some others do. Your device may be a current guzzler that needs the higher capacity.

Also, the charging circuits for different kinds of batteries can have subtle differences. Your camera's charger may not be compatible with NiCd's.

[skeeter@ccia.com]

My digital camers would use up more batteries than there are skeeters in a nudist camp....so Energizer lithium was the solution to that...I have used the same batteries all summer long...and that includes the kids/wife using it too....now the question..can I get lithium batteries in the 6v for the game camera? I have yet to find them.