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08/25/2006 05:02:01 PM · #1 |
For the past year, I've been using the Energizer Compact Charger for my NiMH, 2500 mAh, AA batteries. This is an 8-10 hour charger. During this past year, I've been using two sets (4 each) of batteries for my camera. I can be using one set while the other set is charging, or have both charged sets on-hand for a lengthy outing. I have use them quite a bit and both sets finally have reached the end of their useful lives (neither set holds a charge for more than a few minutes of shooting).
Anyway, I have been satisfied with this setup and want to know what a quick/rapid charger brings to the table (Energizer or other), besides just having a quick turnaround.
All things remaining the same, will I still get a year's worth of shooting from batteries that are quick-charged? Will they last as long as my previously charged batteries between charges? I have heard that you don't get as many cycles out of batteries that are rapid-charged, meaning they won't last a year for me.
Your comments, thoughts?
Thanks!
--Les
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08/25/2006 05:06:46 PM · #2 |
i've been using the energizer 15 min recharger... it's quick, but it certainly generates a lot of heat, so it's a must to let them cool a bit. i suspect the slow chargers will make the batteries last longer, but i figure i'm already saving a ton of money over throw-aways and i don't like to wait...
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08/25/2006 05:08:55 PM · #3 |
Sounds like you're putting them through a *lot* of cycles :-)
Although I have no hard data on it, I'd bet that the very fast chargers are going to shorten the number of charges you get by some amount. I do use a fast charger for my flash batteries (the 2500mAh NiMH Energizer ones) and they do get *hot* during charging. The charger has a built in fan to cool them, and they are still very warm to the touch, just short of being really uncomfortable, when they come off the charger.
If the longer charge time has not had an impact on your ability to go shooting, I'd stick with it. |
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08/25/2006 05:12:33 PM · #4 |
A fast charger will significantly lower the life of the batteries.
That being said, they should still last a year (several hundred charges) before they're dead. I had a set of 4 AA's that I charged usually twice a day and they lasted about 8 months...
Considering the low price of NiMH rechargables I would get a fast charger (15 minute to 1 hour) and just plan on replacing the batteries every year or as needed.
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08/25/2006 05:16:10 PM · #5 |
Ditto to what count said... stay with the slow chargers.
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08/25/2006 05:29:36 PM · #6 |
Here's another thought...
I could stick with my slow charger, but have a fast charger for those times when I really need a quick turnaround. (e.g. out shooting and recharge them while stopping for a bite to eat)
This shouldn't matter to the batteries, right?
--Les |
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08/25/2006 07:04:27 PM · #7 |
I've been using a fast charger for quite awhile now. I cycle through about 6 sets of batteries (24 all together) and haven't noticed any really bad degradation. I suppose I ought to buy up some more batteries for when these start to go out. But overall I'm pleased with the quick charge results.
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08/25/2006 07:14:49 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by dwterry:
I've been using a fast charger for quite awhile now. I cycle through about 6 sets of batteries (24 all together) and haven't noticed any really bad degradation. I suppose I ought to buy up some more batteries for when these start to go out. But overall I'm pleased with the quick charge results. |
David,
What brand and model charger do you use?
Ken |
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08/25/2006 07:37:13 PM · #9 |
Mine is the Sunpack PicturesPlus. I picked it up at the local Inkley's / Ritz Camera store. Unlike the one Kirbic mentioned, it doesn't have a fan (I've never seen one with a fan myself). But I don't think mine are getting as hot as Kirbic described. So maybe it's a little bit slower...?
I haven't time it. But it's many times faster than the ones that take 8-10 hours. The trouble is, at that rate, I could only recharge one set a night. And sometimes I have multiple shoots scheduled back to back and don't have that much time available. I would never go back to a slow charger.
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08/25/2006 07:43:53 PM · #10 |
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08/25/2006 08:09:03 PM · #11 |
| i've been given the Uniross 15 minute charger and a bunch of batteries - don't know how long they'll last - but @ 15 mins for a full charge! :D |
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