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Resolved Question

Can you use lithium batteries in DSLR camera?

Dec 30, 2011 4:38PM PST

I have another question here. My new camera came with 4 NI-MH rechargeable batteries.

These take over 13 hours to charge. I took only 20 pictures and they were discharged already. I know these cameras use a lot of power, but it seems they should last a little longer than that.

I was wondering if it is all right to use lithium batteries (such as I used in my old point-and-shoot camera) instead of the rechargeables? I wrote to the manufacturer about this but they never replied to my email. I don't want to risk damaging the camera and voiding the warranty. Thank you.

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Best Answer

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Batteries
Dec 30, 2011 10:22PM PST

It would have helped if you had mentioned what camera you have.
Without that information, all I can say is check the User Manual and follow those instructions.

Alternatives:
1. You can buy NiMH batteries and charger that charge much faster than the one you have.

2. You can buy NiMH batteries that do not lose power just sitting in your camera.
...They are usually labeled "pre-charged".

3. You can buy an extra set of batteries and have them charging while you are using the other set.


Be battery aware - conserve battery power:

1. If your camera has GPS (global positioning system), turn it off when not using it.
...GPS can cut your battery time in half.

2. If your camera permits, turn the LCD off and use the viewfinder only.

3. If you download your pictures from the camera to your computer remember you are using battery power while doing that. A card reader uses no camera battery power.

..

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Answer
Pentax?
Dec 30, 2011 10:16PM PST

Is it a Pentax K-x? That is the only DSLR powered by AA's as far as I know. But according to specifications, it is shipped with four alkaline cells, not NiMH.

Regardless, you should be able to take hundreds of shots, not 20. Lithium batteries would be fine, but they are not more powerful, they merely old their charge longer.

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Can uou use lithium batteries in DSLR camera?
Dec 31, 2011 2:16AM PST

I apologize. I don't know what I was thinking - not including the camera information. I have a Kodak Z990.

I had purchased lithium batteries for my old camera, and got the new one as a Christmas gift. I will use them and see how they do.

Thank you for replying.

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Answer
Can you use lithium batteries in DSLR camera?
Dec 31, 2011 2:27AM PST

As I said in the post above, I'm sorry I didn't include any information about the camera. It's a Kodak Z990.

The manual only gave the usual safety precautions (don't mix different types of batteries, leave in extreme temperatures, etc.) and only listed their NiMH batteries as an option. These batteries are labeled "precharged".

Thank you for your suggestions about battery conservation. This camera doesn't have a GPS feature. I have been trying to use the viewfinder instead of the LCD. I didn't realize the camera batteries are being used while loading pictures to the computer. I do have a card reader and will use that in the future.

I think I'll start out by using the lithium batteries and see how they last. If they don't last long, I'il buy a different charger and batteries that don't take as long to charge.

Thank you for replying.

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Rechargeable battery life
Feb 24, 2012 8:49PM PST

Be careful of rechargeable batteries, especially with Kodak cameras. Rechargeable batteries (AA) are 1.2 volts, not 1.5 volts. So a charged set gives you 2.4 volts, not 3.0 volts. You won't get many pictures before the batteries malfunction. Many Kodak cameras come with factory batteries that are now 3.6 volts. Unfortunately, they are not rechargeable.

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Rechargeable Battery Life
Feb 26, 2012 5:27AM PST

Shortly after my last post, I did become aware of the different voltages used by the rechargeable and lithium batteries. I'm not no electrical expert, but it did seem to me that it wouldn't be a good idea to use the 1.5 volt batteries. Instead I bought additional 1.2 volt rechargeables and have them charged and ready as spares. Thank you for replying.