Shopping for Camera Batteries

Camera batteries are the portable energy storehouses for your digital cameras. The ideal batteries should offer high performance, long duration, and low environmental impact. To get the right digital camera batteries, you need to know what you're needs are.

Film Camera Battery Types

Film cameras typically use disposable batteries. This means that if your batteries die, you simply replace them and start shooting again. Digital cameras, on the other hand, use rechargeable batteries. Most battery styles vary by camera model and manufacturer. For instance, Canon batteries come in different shapes and sizes suitable for particular Canon camera product lines. You can also get generic batteries, which have the same shape and size as the brand-name batteries.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are the most common battery style for DSLRs. They're more powerful, lighter, and the cold weather doesn't affect them. Most of these rechargeable batteries come in brand-specific formats. Just like lithium-ion batteries, NiMH batteries are rechargeable hundreds of times. They're more affordable and can recharge in less than two hours

If you're planning to shoot with flash on location, then it's critical to shop for a flash power pack. This large-capacity battery produces more power for quicker recycle times. Most camera brands offer their own external camera battery packs and cables.

Digital Camera Battery Accessories

If you're using a DSLR or compact system camera, then you may want to invest in battery grips. Apart from holding the batteries in place, some models come with extra mode dials and shutter buttons to help you easily use your camera in portrait mode. Additionally, some models, such as the Nikon MB-D15 battery grip, increase the continuous shooting rate of a camera. If you're using a DSLR only, then consider getting a vertical battery grip. This nicely fits at the bottom of the camera and has two trays: one for the original battery and the other for AA batteries.

You'll need digital camera battery chargers if you're using rechargeable batteries. Depending on the model and make of your camera, you can charge the batteries inside the camera or take them out and use dedicated chargers. Smart chargers monitor the charging of your batteries, and they'll automatically shut down once the batteries are at a full charge. These types of chargers tend to increase the longevity of your batteries. If you're looking for speed charging, then shop for a fast charger. These typically charge your batteries in less than an hour.

Check out B&H Photo and Video's camera batteries to find the right ones for your camera. Choose from a range of brands, including Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm.