Originally posted by Muggins I actually PREFER the AA batteries for my needs. I travel a lot around Europe for quick weekend trips. I usually stay in a hostel and in the room as little as possible. Its nice to know that if my Eneloops die, I can go to any news agent and be back in business for a few quid. No need to worry about having to charge overnight or worry about losing expensive battery packs.
You and me and maybe five others seem to be part of the small group of "People who think there are numerous advantages to AA batteries."
(Could be renamed to "People who regularly shoot more than five miles from their house.")
Granted, I do imagine video and live view would take a big toll on AAs. Fair enough.
But I propose a simple test: shoot with your choice of camera, until the battery(ies) die. Then go into the nearest 7-11, and if you're using AAs, buy some AAs and put them in your camera. If you're using the proprietary lithiums, take out your charger (did you bring it?) and ask the guy behind the counter if you can unplug the Slurpee machine for a few hours to charge your battery.
Whoever ends up shooting for the longest, wins.
Why people just look at shots per charge and stop there, I'll never know. Somehow it's better to have 1000 shots on a Li-ion than limitless blocks of 500 shots on AAs. (Those are just hypothetical numbers.)
And you can use those AAs for myriad other things. I'm not saying Li-Ions are bad, but the option of having AAs as well (as with the K-7's grip, which is a beautiful thing) is a bloody great idea.