Batteries are a digital camera’s most trusted partner. With these components, one can go wherever and whenever to take photos. But without them, a camera won’t function at all.

Most digital cameras use the double A sized battery. Depending on one’s preference, batteries can either be the non-rechargeable and the rechargeable types. Different brands and make are available on the market today but it is always best to determine first the type of battery your digital camera is designed to use.

Batteries have only limited power the reason why experts recommend digital camera owners to always carry extras with them. In this way, you can enjoy taking pictures longer than not having any extra supply at all especially while at the height of a very special occasion you so desire to document.

There are effective techniques to follow to save as much battery power as possible while on a photo taking endeavor. A very helpful tip is to refrain from using the playback function as you are still taking more pictures. Many people often get excited to see the images they’ve taken and show them to family and friends. Sometimes, there are very conscious digital camera owners who preview their images after every shot if only to make sure that the image is perfectly clear.

But this is a wrong technique as image playback consumes a lot of power and can easily drain your batteries. If you constantly do this, there will always be a chance that you won’t be able to take shots of other great scenes or views worth capturing on digital camera. The best thing you can do is explain to your companions that you don’t want to run out of battery power and you will show them the images after you’re finished.

Most experienced photographers would recommend the use of rechargeable batteries. Although the traditional non-rechargeable AA Alkaline batteries are cheaper, they’re best used as backup only as much as possible.

Another great way of ensuring you enjoy longer battery life for your digital camera is to use the right type of battery. Never mix battery types and brands as this can only damage your gadget.

The most common rechargeable battery is known as the Nickel Metal Hydride or NiMh. This is not very costly and can be recharged for about 100 times. Additionally, when your NiMh batteries conk out, you can use the standard AA ones in their place to continue your picture taking session.

The Lithium Ion or Li-Ion pack is also widely used in digital cameras but can be used only in certain compatible camera models. For instance, Sony Li-Ion batteries can only be used in Sony digicams. This battery type also costs more and cannot be replaced by the traditional AA batteries. It takes three to five hours to recharge this battery. As this is the latest and more advanced battery type, it is capable of providing more power to your digital camera compared to the NiMh battery.

A very important reminder when using these two common battery types is to always fully discharge them before recharging them. When you are able to follow these steps, there’s no way that you will run into an emergency situation with your digital camera.