Digital cameras are electronic devices so they need a power source of some kind. The most convenient way to power your camera is with batteries. For any enthusiastic and ardent photographer, there is a deep sense of disappointment if he were to miss a fabulous shot because the digital camera battery went dead. It is necessary to bring carry another replacement battery with you if you are intention is to take a lot of photos. You must first learn about digital camera batteries before you attempt to buy one.

There are 3 kinds of digital camera batteries that we often use, including:

• alkaline battery
• Ni-MH battery
• lithium-ion battery

Alkaline battery is the most commonly known and widely known battery. There are many brands of alkaline batteries like Duracell, Energizer, Sony, Samsung, Maxell, etc available in the market. Unlike rechargeable batteries, alkaline batteries become useless once drained. If using alkaline batteries, remember to take them out of the digital camera after using, the alkaline liquid will damage the camera if let it out.

Ni-MH battery is a rechargeable type of battery. It is widely available in all retail stores in size AA. Ni-MH batteries are quite inexpensive and the voltage and performance are similar to standard alkaline batteries of similar sizes. You may initially be paying more money when purchasing Ni-MH batteries but the ability to recharge 1000 times can save a lot of money in the long run. For Ni-MH batteries, fully charge/discharge battery up to 3 cycles before achieving full capacity of a new battery. Fully discharge and then fully charge the battery every two to three weeks for battery conditions.

Lithium-ion battery (sometimes abbreviated Li-ion batteries) is also a rechargeable variety. Nowadays, most digital cameras use Lithium-ion battery as source of power supply. It weighs lighter and is more powerful than both alkaline battery and Ni-MH battery. Lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from the memory effect. They also have a low self-discharge rate of approximately 5% per month (compared with 30% for Ni-MH battery). For Lithium-ion battery, do not discharge it, it does not have memory effect.

With all the multiple features the digital cameras offer, the single biggest problem is to make the batteries last longer. This could well be your biggest expense, and therefore you need to understand the three biggest sources of power drain. The LCD screen consumes maximum power. You must learn to turn this feature off unless there is sheer necessity. Using the camera’s viewfinder will conserve power. Another big power drain is the flash. Whenever you can, use natural lighting to take your photos, you must take off the flash. This will help save your battery for times when you absolutely need the flash. A third cause of drain on your battery is the frequent use of zoom. It certainly consumes more power zooming in and out than it does keeping your zoom at a steady place. Try to find a setting you like and sticking with it as much as possible.

Make sure the Power Saving mode is on, or better still switch off your camera when you're not using it. In cold weather, keep your camera and batteries warm in your jacket until you are ready to use them. The cold drains batteries very quickly. Likewise, keep batteries away from sunlight and other heat sources. Most digital cameras have an adapter that allows you to plug directly into a power point. As far as practicable use the adapter as this will increase the life of your battery. Needing to buy more or recharge your battery is something you will not be able to avoid completely, but with a few precautions, you can lessen the frequency.