[KCFoggin]

I was delighted to see that "Monster" had come out with a 2000 NIMh battery. I purchased a set yesterday and I will need to run them down and charge them a few times to see if they are any better but I would also like to ask a question.

Is it an old wives tale, or does storing the batteries in the refrigerator allow the unused batteries to hold their charge longer?

[Andy Bright]

Hi K.C. I thought Nimh batteries kept their charge very well ..... the fridge theory may have applied to the old Nicad rechargeables batteries. It will be interesting to hear other comments.... I used to keep film in the fridge!
Andy

[KCFoggin]

Andy, I only asked this cause I recently noticed that the hotter the day I have outside, the quicker my Nimh batteries seem to deplete. There may be 2 questions here actually. Perhaps I need a small cooler when outside in this heat and humidity I deal with.

[tufty]

I was wondering if there are any higher capacity Li-ion batteries available.
I use the Nikon EN-EL1 and a couple of clones for my CP4500 and I think the capacity is about 640mAh, but surely they could and should make them up to 2000mAh like the Nimh's.
I know there are the power packs available but I carry enough when I'm out digiscoping.

[Andy Bright]

We don't get the same heat and humidity as you, K.C...... so it I can't really comment. It could be the case that high temps drain the battery.
I think there are some higher powered Li-ions about, seem to remember reading about them on Steve's digicams a while ago. They weren't anywhere near 2000mah but the higher voltage batts for the Nikons don't really compare in that way.
I know the dual force pro is unavailable... but it's only the size of a packet of cigarettes (albeit heavier)
Cute avatar, Paul!
Andy

[IanF]

After having my car broken into whilst on holiday in Scotland with a fair bit of camera equipment going missing, I had to replace some NiMh batteries. I found that Jessops are doing 2100mAh batteries. I've only had to charge them once so far. They're definiely worth the bit extra money.

I can't say I've noticed any difference with the Nikon batteries losing charge. I tend to use one and keep recharging it with the spare one only occasionally used. It seems to keep it's charge for months when not used. As Andy says though, we don't often have high tmperatures over here - though this week is looking pretty good so far

[KCFoggin]

Thanks for the feedback. I now see where a 2200 nimh battery is available as well although I'm not sure if the chargers I have for the 1800s will charge the higher ones properly but I will let you know shortly. I guess I really need to look into a power pack.

[Steve J - Darlo]

I got 8 hama 2000 from www.7dayshop.com and a nice waterproof case to put them in for under £20.00 and found that I can use my camera all day on two sets.

Also visit www.cliffshade.com and learn all about looking after and recharging batteries, amongst other things photographic.

Steve J - Darlo

[KCFoggin]

Steve that cliffshade link is really neat. I have just bookmarked it and will return to it after I finish up some chores. Thank you so much.

[Steve J - Darlo]

KC - glad to be of help, it is a great site- pass it on

Steve J - Darlo

[bcurrie]

KC,

I was just reading a couple of weeks ago that the fridge really does not do much for batteries. I should have kept the link.

Also, have you looked at www.batterybarn.com? I have not looked recently to see if they have the 2000 or higher, but I would at least recommend the Lenmark Mach 1 battery charger. It charges my 1200 battery in 32 minutes and my 1500 in about 50 minutes. It comes with AC/DC adapter AND car charger, plus several different plates to charge various types of batteries. They ship internationally (for other readers) and very promptly.

BTW, we do not have your humidity, but certainly have the heat. I have noticed no difference in battery life with the heat.

Please let me know about the 2000 and how much life it has.

[KCFoggin]

Thanks for the link Brian. I have only charged them up once and they lasted fairly long considering they have not been drained and charged a few times. They're still in my camera as a matter of fact and I would say I have about 4 hours on them now so give me a couple of weeks to really see and I will let you know.

[wizard]

a very helpful site http://eurobatteries.com/sitepages/howdoi.htm
tells you all you want to know & good prices with very fast delivery here in the UK.

[normjackson]

Thanks for that link wizard (this site seems to have the elusive battery for the wee Panasonic DMC-FZ1. I'd better spread the word...)

Wondering if this means you've got your new camera...

[wizard]

another good site i have used, they are very helpful
http://eurobatteries.com/sitepages/howdoi.htm
recomended!

[wizard]

ops i done that one....... must be getting late

sorry folks ;-)

[normjackson]

A couple of guys on stevesforums.com bought the Panasonic (actually Panasonic compatible) battery from eurobatteries after I passed on your link. Both appear to be proverbial happy bunnies as a result

[MickeyJay]

Just read a review on the Rayovac I-C3 Battery Charger PS6-BW that will charge 4 I_C3 batteriers in 15 minutes. It's available at WalMart (online) for $28.00. The batteries are 2000's. The I-C3 is the only battery that will charge at that rate. Charging any other battery will give you an over night trickle down charge.

I was under the impression that Rayovac has the patent on the I-C3 technology, however, I found the identical charger at Radio Shack.
Are Rayovac and Radio Shack affiliated?

The cost is a bit more at Radio Shack ($39.99) for the charger and the batteries are $24.99 for a four pack. If you are looking for speedy charging this is the fastest thing on the market (http://www.steves-digicams.com/nimh_....html#chargers)