K100D Batteries - Finally a solution

ManixZero · 08-21-2009, 05:38 PM

My partner uses a Panasonic TZ3 Compact (a great little camera) running on a pair of Li-ion cells and it wasn't long before I envied the Li-Ion Cell performance over the NiMH cells.

That is until I bought a set of Eneloop cells.

They have been a revelation in performance! I have now supplemented them with a set of Duracell Active Charge (similar claims)

I have yet to try them but for all those standard NiMH cell users out there - Your frustrations have been addressed!

These latest cells are much better both it terms of shots per charge and charge retention that i can't recommend them strongly enough!

Cheers MZ

Last edited by ManixZero; 08-21-2009 at 05:44 PM. Reason: Copy & Paste from word cocked up

Barnster · 08-22-2009, 01:28 AM

Are they more expensive than standard rechargables?And how many recharges do you get out of them?And what is the mAH on them?

**Mallee Boy** · 08-22-2009, 01:57 AM

I have been using Eneloops for probably three years now, the first two sets are still going but are definately going flat quicker. Cameras they have been through are a DS & DL, and now a K200D.
Am now using those sets around the house in clocks etc.

Trick is to mark each set so as one knows who's who.
PS: for Barnster, just google "Eneloops" there is a dedicated site for them by Sanyo

fb_penpho · 08-22-2009, 02:09 AM

I tried many makes of Ni-mh batteries, even the ones with low internal discharge. I think the problem is with the camera, it may have been curable but Pentax either did not want to or could not, difficult to know.

The problem is due to the much lower voltage of the Ni-MH, so the camera shuts down thinking that the battery is depleted, whereas it is not. I always wanted a feature whereby you told the camera what type of batteries you are using so that it would adjust the voltage thresholds by which it would operate.

I noticed to my annoyance that the K-M/2000 has this feature in the firmware. Judging by my experience with those batteries it showed every sign that it can operate with those much lower voltages.

In the end I moved to a K20D to solve the problem, going to a K-M just to solve the battery problem seemed a waste. Due to production variation I am well able to believe that some K100D coped with the lower voltages better than other. But just the fact that Pentax added this to the firmware of the K-M did make me annoyed as I was more that happy to keep the K100D

deadprez · 08-22-2009, 05:32 AM

Sanyo eneeloops with this charger here

This way you can analyze your batteries and group the ones with similar performance together.

All it takes is 1 weak cell to ruin your day.

**Ash** · 08-22-2009, 06:19 AM

Definitely does help having the right charger (with individual cell settings and charge info).
Eneloops are world renowned for their low discharge rate and durability in high power devices. Though the newer Energiser NiMh 2500mAh and Maha Powerex 2700mAh batts have come to be the best in longevity and power.

**rparmar** · 08-22-2009, 07:09 AM

If you search here and on other fora you will find that Eneloops have been highly recommended many times. Certainly they are all I use any more, after comparing with several other top brands.

As Ash wrote, get a good recharger as well, one that will intelligently set the recharge rate individually.

Raybo · 08-22-2009, 12:57 PM

Originally posted by deadprez

Sanyo eneeloops with this charger here

This way you can analyze your batteries and group the ones with similar performance together.

All it takes is 1 weak cell to ruin your day.

I agree!

A good charger along with some good LSD cells makes all the difference!

PentaxPZ · 08-22-2009, 01:23 PM

Originally posted by fb_penpho

I tried many makes of Ni-mh batteries, even the ones with low internal discharge. I think the problem is with the camera, it may have been curable but Pentax either did not want to or could not, difficult to know.

The problem is due to the much lower voltage of the Ni-MH, so the camera shuts down thinking that the battery is depleted, whereas it is not. I always wanted a feature whereby you told the camera what type of batteries you are using so that it would adjust the voltage thresholds by which it would operate.

I noticed to my annoyance that the K-M/2000 has this feature in the firmware. Judging by my experience with those batteries it showed every sign that it can operate with those much lower voltages.

In the end I moved to a K20D to solve the problem, going to a K-M just to solve the battery problem seemed a waste. Due to production variation I am well able to believe that some K100D coped with the lower voltages better than other. But just the fact that Pentax added this to the firmware of the K-M did make me annoyed as I was more that happy to keep the K100D

The K100D Super has the battey facility in menu to state what type of cell is in the camera!
Im using a Travor battery pack on my K100D Super and if left will discharge itself in 2-3 weeks!
So I usually charge before a shoot!
and the battery lasts a decent time, but never actually logged the number of shots

GerryL · 08-22-2009, 02:53 PM

Originally posted by PentaxPZ

The K100D Super has the battey facility in menu to state what type of cell is in the camera!

I have to check this out as I have never noticed it really.
You can really do this?

PentaxPZ · 08-22-2009, 02:56 PM

Yes in my super I can.......

I have seen it there but never changed it!
and the K-m is auto or you can set it manually!

and after 2 months the K-m is now showing the batteries that came with it as half on the battery meter!
impressive!

WalterGA · 08-24-2009, 07:21 AM

I got disgusted with the NiMh performance in my IstDs2, so went with CRV3 li rechargeables. Much better solution for me.

opiedog · 08-25-2009, 12:18 PM

i recently switched to using NiZn batteries. they provide 1.6v each. energizer lithiums out-of-the-box are about 1.7v

so far so good.
i got about 450 shots on one charge with quite a bit of chimping, but very little flash.

i'm still testing on how good the longevitiy of each charged battery.

so far my second set of batteries are still chugging along.

just another option to the eneloops

PolishMike · 08-25-2009, 04:05 PM

Originally posted by WalterGA

I got disgusted with the NiMh performance in my IstDs2, so went with CRV3 li rechargeables. Much better solution for me.

Seconded. I tried NiMH - got 200 shots (if lucky) with my K100D. Bought some fancy Hybrios and Eneloops and only managed to squeeze out around 150-200 shots, with the camera starting to switch off and show an empty battery intermittently after as little as 50 shots from a full charge - turns out my K100D has a really high shut-off voltage, and the camera thinks the battery died every time more load is applied.

Getting some CR-V3s gave the camera a new lease on life - non-rechargeables got me *well* over 1000 shots. I've got a set of rechargeable CR-V3s on order now from dealextreme.

audiobomber · 08-25-2009, 05:50 PM

I had endless trouble with rechargeable alkalines (Energizer and Duracell) in my K100DS and Canon p&s. All the troubles stopped when I discovered Rayovac Hybrids. They use the same technology as Eneloops but less expensive and more accessible around here. They hold their power when not being used and last several times longer when they are being used.

08-21-2009, 05:38 PM	#1
ManixZero Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Huntingdon, Cambs. UK! Photos: Gallery Posts: 97	K100D Batteries - Finally a solution My partner uses a Panasonic TZ3 Compact (a great little camera) running on a pair of Li-ion cells and it wasn't long before I envied the Li-Ion Cell performance over the NiMH cells. That is until I bought a set of Eneloop cells. They have been a revelation in performance! I have now supplemented them with a set of Duracell Active Charge (similar claims) I have yet to try them but for all those standard NiMH cell users out there - Your frustrations have been addressed! These latest cells are much better both it terms of shots per charge and charge retention that i can't recommend them strongly enough! Cheers MZ Last edited by ManixZero; 08-21-2009 at 05:44 PM. Reason: Copy & Paste from word cocked up

08-22-2009, 02:09 AM	#4
fb_penpho Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: London Photos: Gallery Posts: 212	Did not work well on my K100D I tried many makes of Ni-mh batteries, even the ones with low internal discharge. I think the problem is with the camera, it may have been curable but Pentax either did not want to or could not, difficult to know. The problem is due to the much lower voltage of the Ni-MH, so the camera shuts down thinking that the battery is depleted, whereas it is not. I always wanted a feature whereby you told the camera what type of batteries you are using so that it would adjust the voltage thresholds by which it would operate. I noticed to my annoyance that the K-M/2000 has this feature in the firmware. Judging by my experience with those batteries it showed every sign that it can operate with those much lower voltages. In the end I moved to a K20D to solve the problem, going to a K-M just to solve the battery problem seemed a waste. Due to production variation I am well able to believe that some K100D coped with the lower voltages better than other. But just the fact that Pentax added this to the firmware of the K-M did make me annoyed as I was more that happy to keep the K100D

08-25-2009, 05:50 PM	#15
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I had endless trouble with rechargeable alkalines (Energizer and Duracell) in my K100DS and Canon p&s. All the troubles stopped when I discovered Rayovac Hybrids. They use the same technology as Eneloops but less expensive and more accessible around here. They hold their power when not being used and last several times longer when they are being used. Last edited by audiobomber; 08-25-2009 at 06:47 PM.

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08-22-2009, 01:28 AM	#2
Barnster Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mid North Coast,Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,016	Are they more expensive than standard rechargables?And how many recharges do you get out of them?And what is the mAH on them?

08-22-2009, 01:57 AM	#3
Mallee Boy Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,904	I have been using Eneloops for probably three years now, the first two sets are still going but are definately going flat quicker. Cameras they have been through are a DS & DL, and now a K200D. Am now using those sets around the house in clocks etc. Trick is to mark each set so as one knows who's who. PS: for Barnster, just google "Eneloops" there is a dedicated site for them by Sanyo

08-22-2009, 05:32 AM	#5
deadprez Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Toronto Posts: 113	Sanyo eneeloops with this charger here This way you can analyze your batteries and group the ones with similar performance together. All it takes is 1 weak cell to ruin your day.

08-22-2009, 06:19 AM	#6
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	Definitely does help having the right charger (with individual cell settings and charge info). Eneloops are world renowned for their low discharge rate and durability in high power devices. Though the newer Energiser NiMh 2500mAh and Maha Powerex 2700mAh batts have come to be the best in longevity and power.

08-22-2009, 07:09 AM	#7
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,819	If you search here and on other fora you will find that Eneloops have been highly recommended many times. Certainly they are all I use any more, after comparing with several other top brands. As Ash wrote, get a good recharger as well, one that will intelligently set the recharge rate individually.

08-22-2009, 12:57 PM	#8
Raybo Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 872	Originally posted by deadprez Sanyo eneeloops with this charger here This way you can analyze your batteries and group the ones with similar performance together. All it takes is 1 weak cell to ruin your day. I agree! A good charger along with some good LSD cells makes all the difference!

08-22-2009, 01:23 PM	#9
PentaxPZ Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Camborne, Cornwall, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 377	Originally posted by fb_penpho I tried many makes of Ni-mh batteries, even the ones with low internal discharge. I think the problem is with the camera, it may have been curable but Pentax either did not want to or could not, difficult to know. The problem is due to the much lower voltage of the Ni-MH, so the camera shuts down thinking that the battery is depleted, whereas it is not. I always wanted a feature whereby you told the camera what type of batteries you are using so that it would adjust the voltage thresholds by which it would operate. I noticed to my annoyance that the K-M/2000 has this feature in the firmware. Judging by my experience with those batteries it showed every sign that it can operate with those much lower voltages. In the end I moved to a K20D to solve the problem, going to a K-M just to solve the battery problem seemed a waste. Due to production variation I am well able to believe that some K100D coped with the lower voltages better than other. But just the fact that Pentax added this to the firmware of the K-M did make me annoyed as I was more that happy to keep the K100D The K100D Super has the battey facility in menu to state what type of cell is in the camera! Im using a Travor battery pack on my K100D Super and if left will discharge itself in 2-3 weeks! So I usually charge before a shoot! and the battery lasts a decent time, but never actually logged the number of shots

08-22-2009, 02:53 PM	#10
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Originally posted by PentaxPZ The K100D Super has the battey facility in menu to state what type of cell is in the camera! I have to check this out as I have never noticed it really. You can really do this?

08-22-2009, 02:56 PM	#11
PentaxPZ Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Camborne, Cornwall, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 377	Yes in my super I can....... I have seen it there but never changed it! and the K-m is auto or you can set it manually! and after 2 months the K-m is now showing the batteries that came with it as half on the battery meter! impressive!

08-24-2009, 07:21 AM	#12
WalterGA Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Atlanta Posts: 110	I got disgusted with the NiMh performance in my IstDs2, so went with CRV3 li rechargeables. Much better solution for me.

08-25-2009, 12:18 PM	#13
opiedog Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NC Posts: 787	i recently switched to using NiZn batteries. they provide 1.6v each. energizer lithiums out-of-the-box are about 1.7v so far so good. i got about 450 shots on one charge with quite a bit of chimping, but very little flash. i'm still testing on how good the longevitiy of each charged battery. so far my second set of batteries are still chugging along. just another option to the eneloops

08-25-2009, 04:05 PM	#14
PolishMike Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 150	Originally posted by WalterGA I got disgusted with the NiMh performance in my IstDs2, so went with CRV3 li rechargeables. Much better solution for me. Seconded. I tried NiMH - got 200 shots (if lucky) with my K100D. Bought some fancy Hybrios and Eneloops and only managed to squeeze out around 150-200 shots, with the camera starting to switch off and show an empty battery intermittently after as little as 50 shots from a full charge - turns out my K100D has a really high shut-off voltage, and the camera thinks the battery died every time more load is applied. Getting some CR-V3s gave the camera a new lease on life - non-rechargeables got me well over 1000 shots. I've got a set of rechargeable CR-V3s on order now from dealextreme.