J. Clarke wrote:
Paul Allen "paul dot l dot allen at comcast dot net" wrote:

SMS wrote:
Paul Allen wrote:

snip

It's too
bad NiMH cells can't match the size, weight, and power
density characteristics of Li-ion cells, because NiMH's have
a lot of other advantages.
What might those be? The size, weight, and power density advantages of
Li-Ion are just three of the many advantages.


The major advantages of Li-Ion a

1. Much lower self-discharge rate (except for Sanyo Eneloop NiMH
batteries)

2. Higher maximum number of charge/discharge cycles

3. Higher energy density in terms of both weight and volume

4. Far, far better low-temperature performance

5. Lower cost, when you factor in the higher energy density, and the
maximum number of charge/discharge cycles

6. Protection circuitry integral to the battery pack, rather than
integral to the camera

7. Accurate charge level indicator due to linear voltage decline
proportional to charge level

8. Lower maintenance.

9. Much better selection of higher-end cameras use Li-Ion batteries.

10. No problems with battery doors that are part of the charging circuit
(battery doors are the most often replaced part of digital cameras).



NiMH rechargeable batteries have the following advantages over Li-Ion
rechargeable batteries:

1. Faster charging with high rate chargers

2. Ability to use disposable AA batteries if NiMH AA batteries are
discharged and no charger is available

3. Longer shelf life
Sounds like biased li-ion evangelism to me. Suit yourself.

I don't see any "evangelism".

Excuse me? I should prefer proprietary batteries because the selection
of high-end cameras using them is wider, or because of battery doors?
Li-ion batteries have lower maintenance, how??? Li-ion batteries are
really less expensive if you factor in things that don't matter?

Li-ion battery technology certainly has some advantages. Some people
over-state the case in their zeal to make a conversion.

What do you perceive to the the advantages of
NiMH?

The ones that weren't listed, and that matter most to me: They're
less expensive and come in one standard size. Until the camera
makers get together on one or two standard li-ion battery sizes,
I'll prefer AA batteries. (And my next camera will most likely
use a proprietary battery, because battery type is not the
most important factor in choosing a camera.)

Paul Allen