BootsnAll Travel Community

How practical are lithium rechargeable batteries. On my last trip I had fantastic top of the range camera, it was great. The only problem was its size. It’s not very practical to haul out of my pack, say on a crowded bus or in a dangerous neighbourhood. But what if I just have to get that picture?

I'm thinking of getting a really compact camera (FinePix V10zoom by Fuji) for going round South America. Its has the great features and high-spec. which I'm looking for, plus it pocket size. Only problem is it’s a lithium ion battery which isnt good for those weeks I'll be spending in the Amazon. Should I hold off for a good AA battery camera or go with this one and splash out on a couple of extra battery packs?

I'm assuming its a common problem - can anyone share their experience?

Dont you think they should invent a dynamo that would charge cameras for backpackers.

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splash out on a couple of extra battery packs?

That's what I did. I bought a Canon ELPH SD200 because of size and price ($149.00), and then bought an extra battery pack. Before, I always bought cameras that used AA's, and I was a bit apprehensive, but I had no problems.

My Nikon uses a Li-ion battery, but also takes a clever Disposable Battery of the same size.

So for general purpose use, the rechargeable is fine. For "amazon jungle exploration" use, the disposable battery offers a reasonable (albiet expensive) backup.