Batteries - To recharge or not recharge

I guess it really depends on your preference. Mine takes two AA's as well. I use a charger if I'm going to be set up in a Hotel for a little while and have time to recharge the batteries. Not so practical in a Hostel or rustic Cabin!!

I've not yet tried the Lithium type of batteries. How much do they cost for AA Lithium?

Lately, rather than take the charger, I just go to IKEA and buy the 10pack of Alkaline Batteries for $2.49. (My camera is a pig on batteries. The consumer report was dead on!!)

Does your camera recharge the batteries, or do you need a separate charger. If you need a separate charger, it might be better just to take a "bunch" of new batteries, but if the camera does the recharging, at night in your hotel, that seems like the better option.

Lithium!! They last forever (7X longer than regular in digital cameras) and weigh next to nothing. I usually have to change regular batteries every 3 days or so with my digicam, but on my last trip I took Lithium and they lasted the WHOLE time (10 days). I took 2 extras just in case, but didn't need them. I will never again use regular. And rechargeable are a pain.

Terri and Flight Attendant...

Know how you feel. One after thanksgiving sale I got a kodak 633 for only 89.00 dollars...great deal..until we realized it sucked the batteries dry..sometimes 2 sets a day. So we bought lithium and rechargeable. There's all sorts of chargers out there the ones that are flush with wall are great for home, while you are traveling and need to add a converter and/or adapter they are too heavy to stay plugged in. So we found a kodak charger with a cord. Each night back at the hotel it just became a routine to charge. Don't leave the charger alone as it gets pretty hot. Also, had a light bulb moment for a psuedo AA battery carrying case. I found it at Target, but here's the link to it,each slot can actually hold 2 AA batteries. Keeps them safe and organized and the TSA will be happy!

http://www.memorex.com/html/products_detail.php?section=2&CID=7&SID=22&PID=1181&FID=221&opento=7

Actually, I was wondering something similar. My parents just gave me a digital camera for my birthday that takes a rechargeable battery that's square-shaped (e.g. about 2 in x 2 in - 1/4 in thick). I have charger for it that you plug into the wall but I'm afraid I won't be able to charge it every night (depending on if the hotel rooms have enough plugs) (plus if my roommate on the tour will have her own, that is another outlet needed). Any ideas?

My vote is for rechargeable. They do last a lot longer, and there is less waste, as they will recharge about 500 times before having to be replaced. You can buy a set of 4 batteries and a charger at Target for about $20. That's what I use. Find the most powerful ones you can.

Instead of leaving a trail of dead batteries on your trip, be a good world citizen and recharge instead.

Now, if there was just wind power for that electricity!

Rechargeable for sure - you can use them at home, too! But, look VERY carefully at the charger and make sure it's dual voltage. I did not and ended up with a very nice, compact one that will stay stateside.

Reminder: The TSA no longer allows loose lithium batteries in checked airline luggage - you must bring the batteries into the cabin with you. The following TSA website link explains:

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/batteries.shtm

I like lithium. I have found rechargeables to be a pain, too. After awhile they don't seem to hold a charge as long. On my last trip, I used the same two lithium batteries for over a week. Lamont is right, though, you must carry any spares on your carryon luggage, not in checked baggage.

I have a charger and rechargable batteries, but will leave home with fresh lithiums in both of our cameras and two spare lithium batteries for each. Much lighter than the rechargables and charger. Don't expect to need the spares, despite 4 weeks and being an inveterate snapper. Photo hint, TURN OFF THE FLASH, batteries will last much much longer.

This may not answer the question but will help people who are considering buying a camera for their trip.

My first digital camera took AA batteries. I thought this would be a plus (because I wouldn't have to depend on a special battery/charger) but it used them way too fast. Even the rechargables would barely last a day between charges.

My last two have used the rechargable square lithium batteries and chargers. When I bought them I looked for a camera that could take a lot of pics on one charge. They were both great (my son lost the first one). I can take several hundred shots per charge and only need to recharge the battery a few times in a month of traveling. I take hundreds of photos but delete many of them before I get home (camera movement, poor framing of moving objects, etc.).

Lithium are very good. My camera uses a lot of batteries, but I took a bunch of pictures with lithium batteries. Now according to new TSA rules, you have to take them with you in the aircraft.
For longer trips I prefer a charger.

I use a Canon camera with proprietary rechargeable batteries. The batteries have never taken more than a few hours to recharge even from dead and generally last several days on a charge. The charger and battery don't take up much space and run on 110 - 240 volts.

Last year I bought a dual charger from Walmart and it only takes 30 minutes to recharge 4 batteries, even in Europe it took same amount of time.

Thank you eveyone who posted. I went with the lithium and as I'm not checking baggage your TSA notice was a no brainer for me. :)

Is it true that we are only allowed two batteries per person? I think my friend said it's the Lithium, but am not sure.