rechargable batteries

[jodi]

Anyone know how long they last? I've been using three pair of AA rechargable Ni-MH batteries in my digital camera for probably well over a year, maybe even two now. I will keep them charged and use one pair until it runs out, then use the next, etc. until all three pairs are used, then charge them all again.
Just recently, they stopped working in my digital camera. I thought something was wrong with my camera since they all stopped working at the same time (they are not the same age - one pair is significantly newer than the other two). Finally, I put regular batteries in and the camera worked fine again. The batteries are showing as almost fully charged when I test them, and they work enough to power the camera on, but the camera turns off as soon as I try to take a picture. Regular batteries work fine, so long as they are BRAND new and completely charged. I know that digital cameras are a very high drain device, but I'm trying to figure out if the problem is with my:
1. rechargable batteries - is there a point at which they stop charging fully? I always deplete them before I recharge them.
2. My battery charger, although I don' t think this is the case as DH uses it to charge his AAA batteries for his MP3 player with no problems, or
3. my camera. Is there some reason that rechargable batteries would just stop working?

I figure my cheapest remedy is to just buy new batteries to see if that fixes the problem, but I thought I would ask around here first to see if anyone has any advice
Thanks!

[kealina]

lol... we have been having the same problem and were planning the same thing... we figured that when all of our pairs (we have 5) finally go kaput we will go buy a replacement pack at SAMs club... i can't really help tho except to say that you're definately not alone and that we think it's the batteries too... i guess we just assumed it was age or maybe use...
good luck... and let us know how it goes...

[tinapbeana]

don't know if this helps or not, but i find that sony batteries last MUCH longer in my sony camera than the high end rechargable energizer whatchamajiggers... so much so, that i'm considering getting off the $10 to buy another set of sony's...

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by jodi

Anyone know how long they last?

The important point is that they do not last forever. According to Energizer, their 2500 mAh batteries can be recharged about 500 times.

[jodi]

Well, I probably charge mine once a month at MOST, so in two years, that is still no where near 500 times Oh well.
I bought new batteries and a charger last night. I was going to buy 4 AAs for $9.99, but decided to get a new charger instead for $9.99 that came with 2 AAs and 2 AAAs. It's by Ray-O-Vac - some new "hybrid" type. They are supposed to hold a charge longer while not in use. I'll let you know how they work.

[poundwise]

I have both Duracell and Energizer rechargeable alkaline batteries (AA, AAA). The Duracells are clearly better but, frankly, they are both pretty lousy, especially in my digital camera.

I mostly use Dollar General brand alkaline batteries and then save the spent ones to take to a responsible recycling facility.

For my camera, I use lithium (AA) batteries and do the same.

[Broken Arrow]

Here's where I went to get my ejimakayshun.