What’s in Your Camera? Batteries That Click for Both Consumer and Conservation

From the Energizer bunny to the dependability of Duracell put to the test, commercials tell people that one common household battery is better than the next. Not true, according to battery comparison test data. The most mainstream home batteries have two categories — general-purpose alkaline and high-power lithium — but they all last about the same amount of time, the numbers show.

So, if brands don’t matter, what is the best battery option for environmentally conscious consumers? Here is a rundown of the definitions, and pros and cons of using alkaline versus high-power lithium batteries, followed by a new competitor that came into the mix in 2006: Oxyride batteries. The definitions, as well as comparisons, are the result of personal tests and research of a consumer with a platform for best battery for the buck at michaelbluejay.com.

Alkaline batteries

The Michael Bluejay definition: Alkaline is the most common type of household battery. It became popular in the 1970s, as an alternative to wimpy carbon zinc and zinc chloride batteries (e.g., “heavy duty” and “general purpose” batteries). Alkalines have a lot of power and are inexpensive, but they usually can’t be recharged.

The pros

• they have a lot of power
• they are inexpensive
• they can be recharged up to 10 times
• special alkalines, such as Duracell Ultra, can be used in devices that require a high energy output
• they won’t go dead between long periods of non-use

The cons

• regular alkalines don’t work well in high-drain devices (i.e., digital cameras)
• they lose their voltage quickly
• a special charger is required to charge; in a regular charger they will explode

The verdict

Great for short use of electronics and the rechargeable ability makes them less of a waste — an important factor for environmentally conscious consumers. For specifics on how long alkalines will last by size (the average AAA lasts about 1.3 hours), see this list: http://www.zbattery.com/zbattery/batteryinfo.html.

Lithium batteries

The Michael Bluejay definition: Lithium batteries can’t be recharged (household sizes such as AA, AAA, etc.). They’re also toxic and shouldn’t be disposed of in the regular trash. That makes them impractical for most purposes.

The pros

• tons of power!
• can survive in subfreezing temperatures
• long shelf life (the average smoke detector battery lasts from seven to 10 years)

The cons

• they are toxic!
• they aren’t rechargeable
• they are expensive

The verdict

Unless the use is for an emergency flashlight, alkalines will serve better for everyday purposes. Lithium batteries are the most toxic battery that can be used, and are highly discouraged for people who are concerned about the environmental impact that their products have.

Oxyride batteries

The Michael Bluejay definition: Oxyride batteries came out in 2006 to challenge alkalines. And, they do a great job at that; they last more than twice as long as standard alkalines in digital cameras, and around 1.5x as long as high-drain alkalines such as Duracell Ultra. They’re cost competitive with alkalines, too. The only problem is that they’re not rechargeable.

The pros

• more power: 1.7 volts, higher than the 1.5 from an alkaline battery
• still inexpensive
• last more than twice as long in high-drain devices

The cons

• the extra voltage may make bulbs burn out quicker
• nearly impossible to recharge — it is not recommended
• still relatively new to the market

The verdict

While appearing to be a slight upgrade from alkaline, Oxyride batteries are more wasteful for these purposes if the consumer actually recharges the alkaline batteries.

So, while the energizer bunny may beat a drum repeatedly and claim that it has the unsurpassed lasting energy that consumers can trust, the longest-lasting battery has less to do with the brand and more to do with alkaline.

For rechargeable, disposable batteries that are as toxin-free as possible, alkaline batteries should keep the consumer’s electronics going and going and going.