The best thing about digital cameras is that they save you precious time and money on film and having photos developed. In its place though are the expenses involved in buying digital camera batteries, which can be quite costly especially if you use your camera regularly. Rechargeable batteries can save you a lot of cash but you will also need disposable ones when you go shooting outdoors and you cannot recharge batteries instantly. The most practical thing to do would be to get a digital camera which can run on both rechargeable and disposable batteries.

Before shopping for your camera batteries, you have to know the different battery types available in the market.

Model-Specific Batteries

Model-specific batteries are made specifically for a particular brand of camera or a brand’s product line. The chemistry in these batteries is Lithium-ion or NiMH, also called nickel-metal hydride. Model-specific batteries last the longest compared to other batteries and they usually come in very compact designs. The battery gauges measure the remaining power of the accurately. They are very environment-friendly because you do not throw them away just like disposables. In the long run, investing on model-specific batteries can actually save you more money.

However, these camera batteries have their own set of cons. Of course, they need electricity for recharging, which may not always be accessible everytime. Also, you cannot use these batteries in other models or brands.

Universal Rechargeable Batteries

Stuffed with Nickel-metal hydride or NiMH, these batteries come in all sizes and conventions, which makes it easily available in all battery stores. They also last long and are more environment-friendly. However, it usually takes at least two of these batteries (AA-size) to get your camera working, which can add to the weight you are holding.

Disposable Batteries

Made of Lithium, alkaline and oxy-alkaline, disposable batteries are very light and can be found in most shops. Convenience stores usually sell disposable batteries regularly. The lithium content also helps in increasing the operating speed of the camera itself. Of course, the cons are very obvious. You throw them away after the power runs out, which makes it unsafe for the environment.

If you really want to save money on your camera batteries (who doesn’t?) then here are some tips to keep in mind.

Using universal rechargeable batteries can prove more inexpensive in the long run compared to using alkaline batteries. Lots of photographers live on universal rechargeable batteries because they are more practical to spend money on. Before you buy out the nearest store for rechargeables, make sure that your camera can actually use them. There are certain camera models and brands that are not receptive to using other rechargeable batteries. This is something that camera buyers should check before plunking down cold, hard cash for a digital camera. You might end up having to use model-specific batteries for the rest of your life (or at least until you buy another camera). You will never run out of sources for your rechargeable batteries. All camera shops sell them and you can even purchase them on eBay. If you have the cash, you can buy them by the bulk, which can save you money in the long run. Stores such as Home Depot and Wal-Mart offer discounts on bulk purchases of batteries. You can buy four pieces of pre-charged Kodak AA rechargeables for only less than eight dollars.

If you are buying from eBay, make sure to research first. There is no doubt that there are tons of sellers there offering rechargeable batteries, but you have to find one that is reputable and offers good value for your money. Before transacting with a seller, check the feedback from his past customers. If he is getting good feedbacks, then go ahead and negotiate for the price. Remember to haggle; you might get your batteries lower than his advertised price. If you purchase from eBay however, you might have to shoulder shipping costs if you cannot arrange a meet-up with your seller.

Another point of buying in large quantities: buying small quantities or per piece of alkaline batteries in AA or AAA are definitely more pricey than buying them by the bulk or in packages. Since most digital cameras can use these batteries, why not buy them in large quantities?

A safe way to go about this is to ask other digital camera owners where and how they purchase their batteries. Chances are several of them know a reliable supplier of digital camera batteries who offer them at reasonable prices. Since this seller is referred to you by someone you know, you will feel safe purchasing any kind of batteries from him. You can also visit online forums that are dedicated to photography. Go to the digital camera section and look for discussions about camera batteries. Just like the feedbacks from eBay, the discussions will let you know the reputable and reliable sellers in your area.