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Batteries Not Included

by Diane Berkenfeld

Alkaline batteries, for example, are fine for occasional use, but constant demand of digital cameras calls for more power. Frequent battery use may warrant rechargeables. On the other hand, Nickel Metal Hydride batteries may appeal to some customers because they're environmentally friendly, containing no mercury or cadmium.
"As more and more people discover the benefits of digital photography, the problem of insufficient battery life has become more apparent," said Brian Kimberlin, senior marketing manager for Panasonic Battery Group. "Panasonic, which also markets digital still cameras, stepped up to this challenge to provide a solution for consumers, and created a battery specifically designed for the longevity and endurance the digital camera requires."
The following is an overview of new batteries, chargers, and power packs available.

Panasonic's answer to high drain digital cameras is their newly developed AA Nickel-Zinc battery; the first of its kind to be introduced to the U.S. market. The Nickel-Zinc AA outperforms high drain Alkalines, offering longer lasting power. Introduced at last month's PMA show, the batteries will be available in May. Email: denningc@panasonic.com.

www.lenmar.com.

Harding Energy introduced its new Quest Platinum 1800 mAh rechargeable NiMH AA batteries and Q2 Plus fast battery charger at PMA. A 12V auto adapter is available as an accessory. Harding Energy offers a kit which includes the Q2 Plus charger, four batteries, an AC power supply and 12V adapter with two battery holders. An eight bay charger is planned for later this year. www.hardingenergy.com.

GE/Sanyo is now offering two versions of their rechargeable battery charger and quick charger. Both models can charge either NiMH or NiCd batteries, AA and AAA. The GE/Sanyo chargers will be available this spring. www.sanyobatteries.com.

DigiCom digital camera accessories offers 1600 mAh AA NiMH batteries that can take a charge up to 1200 times. The company offers both a battery charger and rapid charger. Both come with four AA batteries. www.digicomdigital.com.

www.fdk.co.jp.

Fuji Novel has a full line of Super Alkaline batteries, button cell batteries and 2CR5 and CR-P2 lithium batteries. Email: fujinovel@aol.com.

HP Marketing distributes Ansmann's Powerline batteries and chargers. The Digi Cam Power Set Traveller is one of the company's newest chargers. This charging unit comes with an exchangeable plug set for use in the U.S., Europe, Great Britian and Australia making it a great choice for people who do a lot of traveling in any of the aforementioned countries. www.hpmarketingcorp.com.

Telepower introduces their new TP-C100 portable 12V and 110V Handi Charger. The charger can charge two or four AA or AAA NiMH or NiCd batteries, or both simultaneously. The TP-C100 also allows two batteries to charge while two others are conditioned at the same time. www.jbro.com.

Kodak's batteries are now sporting the company's familiar MAX brand. The packaging features a new look, tying Kodak's film and battery brands together. Kodak recently expanded it's line of Lithium batteries with the Kodak MAX KCRV3 battery. The KCRV3 is used by Kodak's EasyShare DX3500 and DX3600 digital cameras. www.kodak.com.

DigiPower has a variety of battery chargers, including Quick chargers. DigiPower also offers a number of batteries that were developed for many of the recently introduced digital cameras. The QCK-NKLI is a new Lithium Ion charger for the BP-NKLI battery pack; used in the Nikon Coolpix 995, 775, 880 and 5000 cameras. Email: digipowersolutions@mizco.com.

www.varta.com.