I currently have two canon powershot s410 and sd600 that uses square battery pack and I use a charger to charge them back up. I was wondering whether regular double AA batteries are better compared to the digital cameras that uses battery packs. Sorry for the wordy ness.
I would say with AA batteries. Why? You can get rechargeable AA batteries. So? The battery packs are rechargeable. Yes, but replacement rechargeable AA cells are much cheaper, and you can use them in other equipment too.
I use my camera so much that it would be insane not to use a rechargeable battery. I have 2 batteries so I always have one charged and in storage. You do not want your camera battery to die when the information comes off your camera as you can lose images. So be cautious and buy a camera with a chargeable battery and get a spare. Oh yes, and make sure you keep them handy and remember to put both battieries and charger in your storage case for travel. I have never run out of batteries and I take hundreds of pictures every week.
A camera using AA batteries vs one using a propriety battery has one advantage. If you are out taking pictures and the batteries run out you can go just about anywhere and get AA batteries. If you are using a camera with the propriety battery pack you better make sure your battery is fully charged or you have a spare. The AA are are much cheaper even if you use the AA lithium batteries.
AA batteries are better choice as it can be replaced any time and it's hell lot cheaper too. But, battery packs is better when you want to use it for a long time. Mysuggestion is using rechargeable AA batteries but if you a hardcore photomaniac, try to get a good branded one. Posted by BlaBlaBla 2006/11/28
double AA: + cheaper replacements + availability + can be use on other devices (but i don't recommend this) - big and heavy - longer time charging lithium pack: + small and light + store more power + longer battery life + faster charging - expensive - less compability
