The details of this test were as described in part 1, charge all the batteries slowly up to full capacity, leave for 3 weeks, then get the SB800 flash on top of the D300 running of Camera Control Pro on a laptop and see how many flashes were available from each set of batteries to determine the retained power after 3 weeks. The flashes were at full power with 40 seconds rest, as in the second test in part 1. A relatively simple test and with a surprise or two.

Results:

Eneloop 191 flashes net loss 3.045%

Imedion 211 flashes net loss 0.47%

Energizer 208 flashes net loss 12.97%

Powerex 250 flashes net loss 5.66%

The biggest surprise was the Energizers, after reading their (pictured) packet stating “holds each charge for up to 6 months” here they were 13% off the pace with 5 months 1 week to go! They had already dropped below the LSD Imedions after only 3 weeks. Moral of the story, don’t believe everything you see advertised, even if it is in red or has a cute advertising bunny. The Eneloop did pretty much what was expected and seems like a good result. The Powerex was a very big surprise, they make no claims about Low Self Discharge for this battery but it has proven to be a good performer. Based on current rate of discharge it would need another 9 weeks, or 12 weeks in total to drop below the Imedions. For a photographer who used their flash relatively often, these will probably prove the best. The Imedions, what can I say, the result almost seems too good. Did the Maha gremlins sneak in and top them up? I don’t know, but really don’t think one could ask for any better, this is a genuine Low Self Discharge battery. This will become my new household battery as I really can’t see one disadvantage either environmentally or financially from using these batteries. I would go so far as to say I am a fan of these batteries now and will actively encourage others to use these. As I said in part 1, I would prefer to throw one used rechargeable into landfill, than 500 used disposable batteries into landfill.

There will be a part 4 to these tests, I will charge all the batteries again, note the capacities, then wait a few months and discharge them using the Powerex MH-C 9000 and see what capacity remains. This will give an indication of the self discharge rate over a longer time.

I truly hope these tests have been useful to some and shown what is the capabilities of the new breeds of rechargeables and possibly encouraged a few to try rechargeables. If anyone has any questions please email.

Part 1 of the AA rechargeable tests  http://wolfeyes.com.au/news/?p=6

Part 2 of the AA rechargeable tests  http://wolfeyes.com.au/news/?p=8

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