So a while ago, I bought a new little digital camera (Lumix DMC-LZ3). Recently needed to seek new batteries for it, and found these really pretty, fancy (and expensive) Energizer e2 Lithium batteries- that say specifically that they last "UP TO 7x LONGER W/ DIGITAL CAMERAS vs. leading ordinary alkaline!" I was like, Wow! Perfect!
So I go home, and just for the hell of it, re-read the camera's manual- where it states specifically "DO NOT USE LITHIUM BATTERIES" (It recommends either regular Alkaline, or Oxyride)
So, what's the deal?!?....and what's the difference?
Are the camera makers just being overy cautious, or is there really some big threat of camera destruction if I try these batteries? Lithium batteries have a longer life and do have more power. They run down slower and do not have the quick burst (relatively speaking) that an alkaline battery has. Over the course of the batteries weakening, the lithium batteries will cause more damage to the instrument than the alkaline.
There is an electrical law that must be observed (it is called Ohm's law). If you reduce the voltage to a function, the amperage will increase. This is true even in the microvoltage and milliamperage world of your digital camera. Because of their nature, Lithium batteries are prone to overheat very easily if used inappropriately. They can catch on fire! If your camera manual advises not to use them, they have put the warning in place for good reason.
For my money, the best batteries to buy are the cheapest ones you can find. I buy them in bulk at Costco, Walmart, Ikea - whoever has the best price. They usually last just as long as all the other brands and provide just as much power. Alkalines are best for photography because they can deliver rapid high energy bursts for the camera flash. |
