Digital Cameras Buying Guide

Don't be mystified by jargon or fooled by hype. Our comprehensive Buying Guides help you choose the right products.

What you need to know, from the kind of user you are to current technologies:

WHICH KIND OF BATTERY IS BEST?

When it comes to power, the ability to use a variety of battery types can be more important than any single type a camera may use. For instance, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries generally last the longest, but if you're out in the woods, you have no way to recharge them, and you'd probably rather have a backpack full of disposables. Your best bet is a camera that interchangeably supports rechargeables and long-life disposables.

Model specific | Universal rechargeable | Disposable

Model specific

Proprietary batteries come in all shapes and sizes, to best fit a given camera

Batteries designed specifically for a particular model or product line.

Chemistry: Lithium-ion or nickel metal hydride (NiMH).

Advantages:
• Tend to last the longest
• Make ultracompact designs possible
• Allow for more intelligent battery gauges that more accurately measure remaining capacity
• Better for the environment than disposables
• Less expensive in the long run than disposables

Disadvantages:
• Require electricity to recharge
• Need to keep charged extras on hand
• Can't use in other cameras or electronic devices
• Don't always have third-party alternatives

Universal rechargeable

Most rechargeable batteries for cameras are AA-sized

Rechargeable batteries that adhere to standard conventions and sizes.

Chemistry: Nickel metal hydride (NiMH)

Advantages:
• Long-lived
• Better for the environment than disposables
• Can be bought from many sources
• Less expensive in the long run than disposables

Disadvantages:
• Usually require at least two AA-size units to power a camera, which adds to weight