Battery management

joebarfly · 08-08-2015, 08:30 AM

Hi,
Just getting started and learned right away I'll have to put some thought into battery management with my new K50. This is my first DSLR. Out of the box I threw the battery on the charger and then loaded up the AA adapter with some run of the mill AA's. With learning the camera and browsing the menus and trying all the different features those lasted for about a dozen pictures. Now that my battery is charged up we'll see how I do with that and I'll definitely have to pick up some lithium AA's for backup.

I did not buy the overpriced AC adapter but can see how that would be a huge saver for when I'm working on things at home so maybe I can justify the $89 retail price vs. AA's. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the knock off AC adapters I see for half the price.

What do others here do? AC adapter, more AA's, second rechargable?

Looking forward to your opinions.

photolady95 · 08-08-2015, 09:29 AM

Most of us don't use run of the mill AA's we use rechargeable Eneloops. I have 16 of these batteries and I get more shots using them than using the Li-on battery.

**savoche** · 08-08-2015, 09:33 AM

Stick to rechargeable batteries, something like Eneloops, if you want to use AAs. They last much longer than normal alcalines.

Having a spare d-li109 is probably a good idea. I have several spares for my K-5/K-3, but then they can't use AAs without the battery grip.

**ramseybuckeye** · 08-08-2015, 09:43 AM

As you've already experienced alkaline don't work too well. The OEM batteries are good and many knockoffs are decent and cheap. For AA batteries get the end loop rechargeable. I like to keep a set of lithium AA for an emergency backup, they will last longer than anything else, but of course you have to throw them away.

kkoether · 08-08-2015, 09:51 AM

Sanyo Eneloops rechargeable's for your AA needs. You won't be disappointed.

http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-Eneloop-Charger-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B003VL...=sanya+eneloop

**Aristophanes** · 08-08-2015, 10:12 AM

Amazon makes rechargeable as well. I've found they are identical to Envelops and cheaper:

Amazon.com: AmazonBasics AA Rechargeable Batteries (16-Pack): Electronics

Imp · 08-08-2015, 10:14 AM

Originally posted by photolady95

I have 16 of these batteries and I get more shots using them than using the Li-on battery.

You mean with one set of eneloops you get more than the Li-on.

joebarfly · 08-08-2015, 10:28 AM

Thanks everyone. Excellent advice. Order has been placed. Now back to shooting.....

photolady95 · 08-08-2015, 11:32 AM

Originally posted by Imp

You mean with one set of eneloops you get more than the Li-on

Yes, that's what I mean.

photolady95 · 08-08-2015, 11:33 AM

Originally posted by joebarfly

Thanks everyone. Excellent advice. Order has been placed. Now back to shooting....

You're welcome, and back to shooting's a good idea too.

**UncleVanya** · 08-08-2015, 12:27 PM

I use one original Pentax battery and one Wasabi and I have the AA adapter for use with Ni-MH rechargeable AA's. I get close to the same number of shots from all - and depending on how many flash shots you have my use allows a week of casual shooting on a single battery / aa pack. I use Lithium non-rechargeable AA's as a backup power source for emergencies as well.

narual · 08-08-2015, 07:58 PM

Wasabi replacement batteries rock.

AAs weigh too much to use except in a pinch.

Brooke Meyer · 08-08-2015, 09:05 PM

Originally posted by joebarfly

Hi,
Just getting started and learned right away I'll have to put some thought into battery management with my new K50. This is my first DSLR. Out of the box I threw the battery on the charger and then loaded up the AA adapter with some run of the mill AA's. With learning the camera and browsing the menus and trying all the different features those lasted for about a dozen pictures. Now that my battery is charged up we'll see how I do with that and I'll definitely have to pick up some lithium AA's for backup.

I did not buy the overpriced AC adapter but can see how that would be a huge saver for when I'm working on things at home so maybe I can justify the $89 retail price vs. AA's. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the knock off AC adapters I see for half the price.

What do others here do? AC adapter, more AA's, second rechargable?

Looking forward to your opinions.

Besides rechargeable AA's, typically NiMH, do yourself a favor and get a real charger. I have two dozen Powerex AA's for my flashes and a dozen AAA's for my triggers. Night before a shoot, they all go through one of these Powerex 8 Cell Charger Flashes EAT batteries and my triggers have to work. I'm sure there are other good brands but this one I know works. Don't go cheap with the charger.

stevebrot · 08-08-2015, 09:23 PM

Originally posted by Brooke Meyer

Besides rechargeable AA's, typically NiMH, do yourself a favor and get a real charger. I have two dozen Powerex AA's for my flashes and a dozen AAA's for my triggers. Night before a shoot, they all go through one of these Powerex 8 Cell Charger Flashes EAT batteries and my triggers have to work. I'm sure there are other good brands but this one I know works. Don't go cheap with the charger.

Out of curiosity, what does the $61 charger have that these less expensive chargers from the same maker lack?

Powerex MH-C204FA AA / AAA NiMH or NiCD Battery Charger

Powerex MH-C800S 8-Cell Smart Charger for AA / AAA NiMH MH-C800S

For users like the OP, the options are AA vs. dedicated Li ion. The price for eight Eneloop + a high end charger can buy you a handful of Wasabi.

Steve

Brooke Meyer · 08-08-2015, 09:59 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Out of curiosity, what does the $61 charger have that these less expensive chargers from the same maker lack?

Powerex MH-C204FA AA / AAA NiMH or NiCD Battery Charger

Powerex MH-C800S 8-Cell Smart Charger for AA / AAA NiMH MH-C800S

For users like the OP, the options are AA vs. dedicated Li ion. The price for eight Eneloop + a high end charger can buy you a handful of Wasabi.

Steve

1. Model C801 ( $61) has 8 cells, twice the 4 cell C204 ($22.95). The C801 has an AA charge time 1 hour vs 2-4 hours of the C204.

2. Model C801 ($61) has a rapid charge time of 1 hr and soft charge time of 2 hours. Model C800s ( $39.95) has a rapid charge time of 1-2 hours and a soft charge time of 3-4 hours.

I have a lot of batteries so time adds up.

Never used AA's in my Pentax bodies or Wasabi batteries so I can't comment on either application. Out the door for a shoot, I've 5 Pentax D-L190's and they've been working well since 2011.

My intention was to recommend that if you're going to use rechargeable AA's, a good charger will pay you back long after the price is forgotten. AA's are almost universal in flashes, its a common requirement. AAA's are very common in remote camera and flash triggers. Typical photographer uses.

I threw away enough cheapo AA & AAA chargers over the years to more than pay for the MAHA, even it was just for household use. The cheapo's were wasted money Though I'd share my experience and maybe save some of the headaches of my experience. There are times when it makes sense to spend more up front

08-08-2015, 08:30 AM	#1
joebarfly Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: CT Posts: 87	Battery management Hi, Just getting started and learned right away I'll have to put some thought into battery management with my new K50. This is my first DSLR. Out of the box I threw the battery on the charger and then loaded up the AA adapter with some run of the mill AA's. With learning the camera and browsing the menus and trying all the different features those lasted for about a dozen pictures. Now that my battery is charged up we'll see how I do with that and I'll definitely have to pick up some lithium AA's for backup. I did not buy the overpriced AC adapter but can see how that would be a huge saver for when I'm working on things at home so maybe I can justify the $89 retail price vs. AA's. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the knock off AC adapters I see for half the price. What do others here do? AC adapter, more AA's, second rechargable? Looking forward to your opinions.

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08-08-2015, 09:29 AM	#2
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Most of us don't use run of the mill AA's we use rechargeable Eneloops. I have 16 of these batteries and I get more shots using them than using the Li-on battery.

08-08-2015, 09:33 AM	#3
savoche Master of the obvious Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Lowlands of Norway Posts: 18,311	Stick to rechargeable batteries, something like Eneloops, if you want to use AAs. They last much longer than normal alcalines. Having a spare d-li109 is probably a good idea. I have several spares for my K-5/K-3, but then they can't use AAs without the battery grip.

08-08-2015, 09:43 AM	#4
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 17,295	As you've already experienced alkaline don't work too well. The OEM batteries are good and many knockoffs are decent and cheap. For AA batteries get the end loop rechargeable. I like to keep a set of lithium AA for an emergency backup, they will last longer than anything else, but of course you have to throw them away.

08-08-2015, 09:51 AM	#5
kkoether Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Huber Heights, OH, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 731	Sanyo Eneloops rechargeable's for your AA needs. You won't be disappointed. http://www.amazon.com/Sanyo-Eneloop-Charger-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B003VL...=sanya+eneloop

08-08-2015, 10:12 AM	#6
Aristophanes Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Rankin Inlet, Nunavut Photos: Albums Posts: 3,948	Amazon makes rechargeable as well. I've found they are identical to Envelops and cheaper: Amazon.com: AmazonBasics AA Rechargeable Batteries (16-Pack): Electronics

08-08-2015, 10:14 AM	#7
Imp Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Washington, DC Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,749	Originally posted by photolady95 I have 16 of these batteries and I get more shots using them than using the Li-on battery. You mean with one set of eneloops you get more than the Li-on.

08-08-2015, 10:28 AM	#8
joebarfly Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: CT Posts: 87 Original Poster	Thanks everyone. Excellent advice. Order has been placed. Now back to shooting.....

08-08-2015, 11:32 AM	#9
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Originally posted by Imp You mean with one set of eneloops you get more than the Li-on Yes, that's what I mean.

08-08-2015, 11:33 AM	#10
photolady95 Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cruising the forum watching his back Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,712	Originally posted by joebarfly Thanks everyone. Excellent advice. Order has been placed. Now back to shooting.... You're welcome, and back to shooting's a good idea too.

08-08-2015, 12:27 PM	#11
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,458	I use one original Pentax battery and one Wasabi and I have the AA adapter for use with Ni-MH rechargeable AA's. I get close to the same number of shots from all - and depending on how many flash shots you have my use allows a week of casual shooting on a single battery / aa pack. I use Lithium non-rechargeable AA's as a backup power source for emergencies as well.

08-08-2015, 07:58 PM	#12
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	Wasabi replacement batteries rock. AAs weigh too much to use except in a pinch.

08-08-2015, 09:05 PM	#13
Brooke Meyer Guest	Originally posted by joebarfly Hi, Just getting started and learned right away I'll have to put some thought into battery management with my new K50. This is my first DSLR. Out of the box I threw the battery on the charger and then loaded up the AA adapter with some run of the mill AA's. With learning the camera and browsing the menus and trying all the different features those lasted for about a dozen pictures. Now that my battery is charged up we'll see how I do with that and I'll definitely have to pick up some lithium AA's for backup. I did not buy the overpriced AC adapter but can see how that would be a huge saver for when I'm working on things at home so maybe I can justify the $89 retail price vs. AA's. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the knock off AC adapters I see for half the price. What do others here do? AC adapter, more AA's, second rechargable? Looking forward to your opinions. Besides rechargeable AA's, typically NiMH, do yourself a favor and get a real charger. I have two dozen Powerex AA's for my flashes and a dozen AAA's for my triggers. Night before a shoot, they all go through one of these Powerex 8 Cell Charger Flashes EAT batteries and my triggers have to work. I'm sure there are other good brands but this one I know works. Don't go cheap with the charger.

08-08-2015, 09:23 PM	#14
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Brooke Meyer Besides rechargeable AA's, typically NiMH, do yourself a favor and get a real charger. I have two dozen Powerex AA's for my flashes and a dozen AAA's for my triggers. Night before a shoot, they all go through one of these Powerex 8 Cell Charger Flashes EAT batteries and my triggers have to work. I'm sure there are other good brands but this one I know works. Don't go cheap with the charger. Out of curiosity, what does the $61 charger have that these less expensive chargers from the same maker lack? Powerex MH-C204FA AA / AAA NiMH or NiCD Battery Charger Powerex MH-C800S 8-Cell Smart Charger for AA / AAA NiMH MH-C800S For users like the OP, the options are AA vs. dedicated Li ion. The price for eight Eneloop + a high end charger can buy you a handful of Wasabi. Steve

08-08-2015, 09:59 PM	#15
Brooke Meyer Guest	Originally posted by stevebrot Out of curiosity, what does the $61 charger have that these less expensive chargers from the same maker lack? Powerex MH-C204FA AA / AAA NiMH or NiCD Battery Charger Powerex MH-C800S 8-Cell Smart Charger for AA / AAA NiMH MH-C800S For users like the OP, the options are AA vs. dedicated Li ion. The price for eight Eneloop + a high end charger can buy you a handful of Wasabi. Steve 1. Model C801 ( $61) has 8 cells, twice the 4 cell C204 ($22.95). The C801 has an AA charge time 1 hour vs 2-4 hours of the C204. 2. Model C801 ($61) has a rapid charge time of 1 hr and soft charge time of 2 hours. Model C800s ( $39.95) has a rapid charge time of 1-2 hours and a soft charge time of 3-4 hours. I have a lot of batteries so time adds up. Never used AA's in my Pentax bodies or Wasabi batteries so I can't comment on either application. Out the door for a shoot, I've 5 Pentax D-L190's and they've been working well since 2011. My intention was to recommend that if you're going to use rechargeable AA's, a good charger will pay you back long after the price is forgotten. AA's are almost universal in flashes, its a common requirement. AAA's are very common in remote camera and flash triggers. Typical photographer uses. I threw away enough cheapo AA & AAA chargers over the years to more than pay for the MAHA, even it was just for household use. The cheapo's were wasted money Though I'd share my experience and maybe save some of the headaches of my experience. There are times when it makes sense to spend more up front