Digital camera batteries in Spain

He should buy rechargeable AA's there. That way, he has the correct plug ends for the recharger. If his batteries die at a bad time, then he can get regular AA's to use until he can recharge his. When he gets back to the states, he can buy recharger here.

I usually use lithium batteries in my camera, but if I run out on a trip I can use regular AAs. I don't use rechargeables, but that is just personal preference. Just make sure that whatever camera you buy doesn't require some sort of specialized battery. My dad's camera is a Kodak Easyshare, but it takes a special battery and can't use regular AAs in a pinch. When his battery died in the Costa Rican rainforest last week, I couldn't give him any batteries and he just had to stop taking pictures. Rechargeables can be unpredictable, too, but at least you can use regular AAs if necessary.

I use a Canon with AA batteries. When traveling, we take a stash of them along with us, enough to change the batteries every two days...likely, he may not be taking as many pics per day as I would, but we find the AA batteries are easy...easy to find, no recharging or worrying about plug adaptors and all that. Of course, he will be staying in a place that would likely make recharging much easier.

It depends on the camera type. If you're going with a large digital SLR, they typically take special batteries. I that case, just get an extra, and always keep the 2nd battery charged, with you, and ready to swap.

If you're going with a more compact camera, definitely go with one that takes double A batteries. You can get rechargables (get the good ones) or in a pinch AA batteries are available e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. I wouldn't worry about getting a rechargable here or there - you'll probably just need an adapter for the plug. Personally, I'd shop for a good rechargable setup here (you're better at finding deals here than you will be in Europe), bring along several seys of rechargable AAs, and always have one set of throwaway AAs with you as a backup. Then you're covered.

It depends on the camera type. If you're going with a large digital SLR, they typically take special batteries. I that case, just get an extra, and always keep the 2nd battery charged, with you, and ready to swap.

If you're going with a more compact camera, definitely go with one that takes double A batteries. You can get rechargables (get the good ones) or in a pinch AA batteries are available e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. I wouldn't worry about getting a rechargable here or there - you'll probably just need an adapter for the plug. Personally, I'd shop for a good rechargable setup here (you're better at finding deals here than you will be in Europe), bring along several seys of rechargable AAs, and always have one set of throwaway AAs with you as a backup. Then you're covered.

There are several places to get reviews of cameras that might answer your question more specifically.

I bought a Canon A590 for our recent trip. This was my second camera in this series. It was relatively inexpensive at Amazon.com. It takes AA batteries: rechargeable, lithium, or other non-rechargeable. It can be used fully automatic or you can read the manual and set just about anything that you like.

I used it for over a week on a single set of "Energizer Ultimate Lithium" batteries every day for a week and they are still going. AA batteries are readily available in Europe.

Rechargeable batteries work best if you take a lot of pictures and recharge the batteries often. They will fade if you store the camera. For three months, I would not mess with charger unless your son is an avid photographer.

AA batteries can be purchased anywhere. My Cannon takes AA. My camera shop expert says she uses AA and keeps a spare of lithium. I gave up on rechargeable batteries . . . everntually they do give out. They don't last a life time and my camera shop expert agrees. No more battery recahrgers for me.

Janice,

I'd highly recommend buying the most appropriate Camera for your Son's needs, regardless of what type of batteries it uses. Consider the intended use, and whether he will need a greater zoom range, greater wide angle, greater degree of manual controls, etc. The Canon A590 IS mentioned in a previous post seems to get good ratings, and was just listed as a "Best Buy" at Consumer Reports.

I haven't found any problem at all using proprietary Lithium-Ion batteries when I travel, as long as the Charger is designed to operate from 100-240 VAC (a Plug Adapter will be needed however). I routinely travel with one or two Cameras (dSLR & a compact P&S), both of which use Li-Ion batteries and the fact that I can't use AA batteries in an "emergency" has never been an issue. Given that your Son will be in a Dorm (or whatever) and will have ready access to a Charger, it won't matter whether he's using Ni-MH (AA) or Li-Ion batteries.

If you choose a Camera that uses AA batteries, I'd suggest buying Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable batteries having a capacity of at least 2100 maH. Often these are sold in sets of two or four, along with a Charger (be sure to verify that the Charger is designed for "world" operation, as mentioned above).

Whichever type of batteries you choose, I'd suggest buying two batteries (or sets) so that there's always a spare available if needed. At least one extra Memory Card is also a good idea. I'd suggest 1-2 GB or above (again that will depend on the intended use - for dSLR users that shoot RAW, larger cards are advisable.

Hope this helps? Good luck with your decision!

Go for the AA batteries, but yes, please get the rechargables. We have saved a fortune by using them. Think about how many things use batteries. I do not expect them to last a lifetime, but we only buy batteries perhaps once a year or less. If your son is a student, having a charger will save him lots of money. I bet he has other electronic equipment that need batteries. Have him get a charger in Spain. It will pay for itself over and over and over. Need I mention that rechargables are a bit more eco friendly too. One does not throw batteries in the regular trash over here, you need to take them to special bins.