Lithium versus Eneloops.

Daveinozbikes · 06-01-2009, 07:23 AM

With the four AA batteries used in a large number of Pentax DSLRs I"ve started wondering if there is any difference in the behaviour of the cameras with 6v(lithiums) versus (say)5.2v(Eneloops generous figure). Anybody have some thoughts or evidence on this subject?? I know light bulbs are brighter with higher voltage....

Had a quick search but I thought I would refresh the subject...

eyou · 06-01-2009, 07:55 AM

i think you will get more shots and thats about it.... (and pay more $)

Tom S. · 06-01-2009, 08:02 AM

Autofocusing may be a tad faster with the lithium too.

breischl · 06-01-2009, 12:35 PM

Never tried it, but I personally would be hesitant to put in batteries with a higher voltage. It's possible they could damage some of the electronics in the camera. I'd guess doing that conveniently voids the warranty too. But I haven't looked into either issue, so I could be totally wrong.

Marc Sabatella · 06-01-2009, 02:38 PM

Much more than 6v can be a problem, and Pentax specifically used to recommend against the rechargeable CRV3's that came out a few years ago because thier voltage was too high. But lithiums are fine. They last longer, are lighter, and can speed up AF to some extent - probably more so with bigger lenses. But Eneloops work fine, and they're rechargeable - they cost a fraction of what lithiums do in the long run.

chalion · 06-01-2009, 03:03 PM

The K100D & K200D manuals state that they can use AA Ni-MH, AA Lithium, AA alkalines, (also CR-V3's in the K100D).

(EDIT: I use in both my K100D & K200D Energizer 2500mAh batteries and they seem to work fine).

cpopham · 06-01-2009, 05:59 PM

I tested this a while ago, and while I don't have any formal results to present, I discovered the camera (K100 Super in my testing) focusses faster when using the Lithium AAs.

However, this was largely irrelevant in good light - the only time it really made a noticable difference to the total time to obtain focus was when light was getting a bit poor, and the camera was taking it's time in difficult conditions - then the Lithium AAs give you a little bit of a speed boost.

More to the point, the Lithium AAs are really nice, because they're lighter, and imo, the camera feels a bit better balanced.

**Just1MoreDave** · 06-01-2009, 07:47 PM

I try to carry a set of lithiums as backup and use rechargeables primarily. If the expiration date is correct, the lithiums will be OK hanging around in the camera bag for like 12 years. Sometimes I get behind on recharging, need flash batteries or want to go super light weight, so I install and use up a set of lithiums.

Sean Nelson · 06-01-2009, 09:00 PM

Originally posted by Daveinozbikes

I"ve started wondering if there is any difference in the behaviour of the cameras with 6v(lithiums) versus (say)5.2v(Eneloops generous figure).

The camera has a voltage regulator which ensures that a stable, consistent voltage is fed to the camera's electronics. If this wasn't the case then, for example, the metering system would give different readings depending on which types of batteries you were using.

So I wouldn't worry about the difference in battery technologies, as long as it's one that's listed as being compatible.

Sean Nelson · 06-01-2009, 09:03 PM

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

I try to carry a set of lithiums as backup and use rechargeables primarily.

I just carry a spare set of Eneloops, which keep almost a complete charge for well over a year. It never takes me more than a few months to go through a set of batteries, so the batteries in each of my alternating sets have always been charged within the last 6 months or so. That works flawlessly for me.

Mountain Vision · 06-01-2009, 09:44 PM

A lot of difference. That 1 volt difference makes a big difference in AF, and some (not me) have noticed in card write speeds as well.

Enloops are fine for non critical use, but to get the most from the DSLR lithiums are a small investment when you consider the amount of shots per set. They could last an average shooter weeks or even months.

res3567 · 06-01-2009, 11:21 PM

Originally posted by chalion

The K100D & K200D manuals state that they can use AA Ni-MH, AA Lithium, AA alkalines, (also CR-V3's in the K100D).

(EDIT: I use in both my K100D & K200D Energizer 2500mAh batteries and they seem to work fine).

I do as well. Have you noticed they are now 2450mAh? Why is that?

Marc Sabatella · 06-02-2009, 12:26 PM

My K200D came with a set of lithiums, so they are now my backups that stay in the camera bag. I think I've needed them for a couple of dozen shots at most in the year or so I've had the camera, because I also have two sets of Eneloops, and I generally swap them out at home *before* the set in the camera actually dies. They're good for around 500 shots, so I'll swap them out after 300-400 shots, or sooner if I expect to be taking several hundred in a single day. It's only when I forget to do the swap at home that I've ever had my batteries die on me in camera. At the rate I'm using my lithiums, I figure they'll be good another decade at least as my spares.

res3567 · 06-02-2009, 08:19 PM

Originally posted by Marc Sabatella

My K200D came with a set of lithiums, so they are now my backups that stay in the camera bag. I think I've needed them for a couple of dozen shots t msot in the year or so I've had the camera, because I also have two sets of Eneloops, and I generally swap them out at home *before* the set in the camera actually dies. They're good for around 500 shots, so I'll swap them out after 300-400 shots, or sooner if I expect to be taking several hundred in a single day. It's only when I forget to do the swap at home that I've ever had my batteries die on me in camera. At the rate I'm using my lithiums, I figure they'll be good another decade at least as my spares.

So lithium will last a very long time in storage without no ill effects? Was at Wally Mart pricing the Energizer ultimates as possible backups.

Marc Sabatella · 06-03-2009, 01:47 PM

Check the expiration date, but yeah, the assumption is that lithiums are good for a decade or so.

06-01-2009, 07:23 AM	#1
Daveinozbikes Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Dawesville,Western Australia. Photos: Gallery Posts: 128	Lithium versus Eneloops. With the four AA batteries used in a large number of Pentax DSLRs I"ve started wondering if there is any difference in the behaviour of the cameras with 6v(lithiums) versus (say)5.2v(Eneloops generous figure). Anybody have some thoughts or evidence on this subject?? I know light bulbs are brighter with higher voltage.... Had a quick search but I thought I would refresh the subject...

06-01-2009, 03:03 PM	#6
chalion Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: SE Pennsylvania Photos: Albums Posts: 628	The K100D & K200D manuals state that they can use AA Ni-MH, AA Lithium, AA alkalines, (also CR-V3's in the K100D). (EDIT: I use in both my K100D & K200D Energizer 2500mAh batteries and they seem to work fine). Last edited by chalion; 06-01-2009 at 03:08 PM. Reason: needed to correct battery name

06-02-2009, 12:26 PM	#13
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	My K200D came with a set of lithiums, so they are now my backups that stay in the camera bag. I think I've needed them for a couple of dozen shots at most in the year or so I've had the camera, because I also have two sets of Eneloops, and I generally swap them out at home before the set in the camera actually dies. They're good for around 500 shots, so I'll swap them out after 300-400 shots, or sooner if I expect to be taking several hundred in a single day. It's only when I forget to do the swap at home that I've ever had my batteries die on me in camera. At the rate I'm using my lithiums, I figure they'll be good another decade at least as my spares. Last edited by Marc Sabatella; 06-03-2009 at 01:46 PM.

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06-01-2009, 07:55 AM	#2
eyou Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 224	i think you will get more shots and thats about it.... (and pay more $)

06-01-2009, 08:02 AM	#3
Tom S. Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 4,317	Autofocusing may be a tad faster with the lithium too.

06-01-2009, 12:35 PM	#4
breischl Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Denver Photos: Gallery Posts: 92	Never tried it, but I personally would be hesitant to put in batteries with a higher voltage. It's possible they could damage some of the electronics in the camera. I'd guess doing that conveniently voids the warranty too. But I haven't looked into either issue, so I could be totally wrong.

06-01-2009, 02:38 PM	#5
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Much more than 6v can be a problem, and Pentax specifically used to recommend against the rechargeable CRV3's that came out a few years ago because thier voltage was too high. But lithiums are fine. They last longer, are lighter, and can speed up AF to some extent - probably more so with bigger lenses. But Eneloops work fine, and they're rechargeable - they cost a fraction of what lithiums do in the long run.

06-01-2009, 05:59 PM	#7
cpopham Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Auckland Posts: 553	I tested this a while ago, and while I don't have any formal results to present, I discovered the camera (K100 Super in my testing) focusses faster when using the Lithium AAs. However, this was largely irrelevant in good light - the only time it really made a noticable difference to the total time to obtain focus was when light was getting a bit poor, and the camera was taking it's time in difficult conditions - then the Lithium AAs give you a little bit of a speed boost. More to the point, the Lithium AAs are really nice, because they're lighter, and imo, the camera feels a bit better balanced.

06-01-2009, 07:47 PM	#8
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	I try to carry a set of lithiums as backup and use rechargeables primarily. If the expiration date is correct, the lithiums will be OK hanging around in the camera bag for like 12 years. Sometimes I get behind on recharging, need flash batteries or want to go super light weight, so I install and use up a set of lithiums.

06-01-2009, 09:00 PM	#9
Sean Nelson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 353	Originally posted by Daveinozbikes I"ve started wondering if there is any difference in the behaviour of the cameras with 6v(lithiums) versus (say)5.2v(Eneloops generous figure). The camera has a voltage regulator which ensures that a stable, consistent voltage is fed to the camera's electronics. If this wasn't the case then, for example, the metering system would give different readings depending on which types of batteries you were using. So I wouldn't worry about the difference in battery technologies, as long as it's one that's listed as being compatible.

06-01-2009, 09:03 PM	#10
Sean Nelson Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 353	Originally posted by Just1MoreDave I try to carry a set of lithiums as backup and use rechargeables primarily. I just carry a spare set of Eneloops, which keep almost a complete charge for well over a year. It never takes me more than a few months to go through a set of batteries, so the batteries in each of my alternating sets have always been charged within the last 6 months or so. That works flawlessly for me.

06-01-2009, 09:44 PM	#11
Mountain Vision Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: America's First Wilderness Posts: 529	A lot of difference. That 1 volt difference makes a big difference in AF, and some (not me) have noticed in card write speeds as well. Enloops are fine for non critical use, but to get the most from the DSLR lithiums are a small investment when you consider the amount of shots per set. They could last an average shooter weeks or even months.

06-01-2009, 11:21 PM	#12
res3567 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Houston Tx. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,876	Originally posted by chalion The K100D & K200D manuals state that they can use AA Ni-MH, AA Lithium, AA alkalines, (also CR-V3's in the K100D). (EDIT: I use in both my K100D & K200D Energizer 2500mAh batteries and they seem to work fine). I do as well. Have you noticed they are now 2450mAh? Why is that?

06-02-2009, 08:19 PM	#14
res3567 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Houston Tx. Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,876	Originally posted by Marc Sabatella My K200D came with a set of lithiums, so they are now my backups that stay in the camera bag. I think I've needed them for a couple of dozen shots t msot in the year or so I've had the camera, because I also have two sets of Eneloops, and I generally swap them out at home before the set in the camera actually dies. They're good for around 500 shots, so I'll swap them out after 300-400 shots, or sooner if I expect to be taking several hundred in a single day. It's only when I forget to do the swap at home that I've ever had my batteries die on me in camera. At the rate I'm using my lithiums, I figure they'll be good another decade at least as my spares. So lithium will last a very long time in storage without no ill effects? Was at Wally Mart pricing the Energizer ultimates as possible backups.

06-03-2009, 01:47 PM	#15
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	Check the expiration date, but yeah, the assumption is that lithiums are good for a decade or so.