J. Clarke wrote:

Li-ion batteries have lower maintenance, how???

Whether NiMH batteries benefit from the occasional deep discharge like NiCD
do is debateable. But if they do then then need it.

It isn't just that, though it is true that doing a refresh charge on an
NiMH will help maintain full capacity. I was also referring to the fact
that you can't just charge up a few sets of NiMH batteries and leave
them in your camera bag for when they are needed. The self-discharge
makes this impractical (it is true that the new Sanyo eneloop batteries
will not have this problem).

Li-ion batteries are
really less expensive if you factor in things that don't matter?

How does life-cycle cost not matter? If a lithium ion battery costs twice
as much but is good for three times as many cycles then it's cheaper in the
long run.

Many people make the mistake of not looking at the big picture when it
comes to figuring out cost. Now to be fair, the Li-Ion battery has about
a three year life-span, regardless of the number of cycles, so you
really can't base your calculations on the maximum number of cycles
unless you are a very heavy user, taking thousands of pictures per week.
Still, even with a more reasonable number of cycles, the Li-Ion cost is
very comparable to NiMH cost.

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

"Conversion" is not possible. If you think that someone is trying to
"convert" you then you need to put a few more layers on your tinfoil hat.

Conversion is sometimes possible. Some cameras can take an RCR-V3 Li-Ion
in place of two AA cells. for digital SLRs, sometimes the vertical grip
can use either two Li-Ion packs, or six AA cells.

Less expensive is debatable unless you consider only purchase price and not
life-cycle cost. The standard size was mentioned.

Also, don't forget that the Li-Ion powered camera comes with a battery
and a charger, two things that most AA powered cameras lack. Add about
$20 for a charger and batteries.

Steve
http://batterydata.com