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AA battery based digital SLR camera

My old Canon EOS film SLR cameras used 2CR5 and CR123A lithium batteries for power. I thought that was too troublesome, because they are relatively more expensive and harder to find than regular double-A batteries. So I bought accessory grips that supported the use of four AA batteries. Life got better, because I can run out of power on a trip and still be able to find battery everywhere.

Then I got a Canon EOS D30 digital SLR camera. It uses a special rechargeable battery pack, the BP511. This battery pack is even harder to find than the lithium batteries. Even if I could find it and buy it on a trip, I won't be able to use it right away, beccause it would need charging. Now I not only have to bring my camera and a bunch of BP511 batteries, I also have to bring the charger and cord.

What a pain?

The battery grip for the new digital SLR cameras doesn't make the situation any better; they still require the use of BP511 battery pack. Canon D30, D60, 10D, 20D, and Digital Rebe all suffer from this difficency. I am not aware of any digital SLR cameras that uses standard AA batteries. But it's about time they made one.

Chieh Cheng
Mon Dec 20 12:00:32 PST 2004

Someone pointed out to me that the new "Pentax *ist DS uses 4 x AA batteries to operate, or 2 x CR-V3's". Quoted Post

I guess I'm a little too late with my wish. ;-) But I'm greedy, so now I wish Canon and all the other digital SLR makers would support AA batteries as well.

Chieh Cheng
Thu Dec 23 16:04:28 PST 2004

As indicated by the quoted post (above), FujiFilm FinePix S2 and S3 Pro uses AA batteries as well.

Chieh Cheng
Mon Dec 27 14:29:50 PST 2004

I found just found out that Canon makes a AA battery holder for the Canon EOS 20D . . . well . . . for the BG-E2 battery grip for the 20D to be exact! I am so jealous. I want the 20D now. This battery holder is called the Canon BMG-E2 Battery Holder. You can find it at various photo shops, including Amazon:

Canon BMGE2 Battery Holder for use with the BGE2 Battery Grip

Chieh Cheng
Wed Jan 19 14:56:54 PST 2005

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (350D, with its BG-E3 vertical battery grip, can also utilize 6 AA batteries for power. As a plus, the AA battery holder is included with the purchase of the BG-E3 battery grip, unlike the BG-E2 battery grip for 20D.

Chieh Cheng
Wed May 25 15:02:05 PDT 2005

Of course there's always the option of using a AA based external power supply. Just figure out how many are needed in series to meet the camera's voltage requirement. Pretty much all you need is an extra camera bag (to hold the battery pack) and all the other parts can be found at RadioShack. (With the exception of models where power adapter socket is something specific to the camera manufacturer.) Some people have also done this successfully with C and D batteries for extended photo taking sessions. Also note that putting sets of batteries in parallel at the required voltage also can increase endurance. (Going with larger than AA or using parallel sets might also be needed on models where AA batteries don't satisfy the current requirements.)

pauljs75
Mon, 26 Sep 2005 04:17:30 -0700

My expertise in digital photo shooting is expanding. For example, I have compared my Canon EOS Rebel with my still working perfectly Konica Minolta Dimage Z2. I have taken at the most 15,000 photos in two and 1 half years. I have two issues: I still wish, and I'm sure it can happen, for a digital SLR camera to be AA battery operated. Secondly, I wish the SD card will be used with the SLR camera, instead of those compactflash card. Yes, it's about time. Let me repeat: AA battery and SC Card Digital SLR Cameras. The reasons are obvious to make the cameras with these.

Jason
Fri, 08 Dec 2006 06:45:07 -0800

I use SD Card with my DSLR through a SD Card to CompactFlash adapter. I reviewed the Minolta SD-CF1 adapter on this web site.

Chieh Cheng
Fri, 08 Dec 2006 09:57:48 -0800

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Title: Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro on clearance for $999!
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Excerpt: Normally, I don't recommend purchasing from Ritz Camera, because they are generally over priced compare to places I recommend (see my "Where to buy cameras?" article). However, I noticed that Ritz Camera is having a clearance on Fujifilm - FinePix S2 Digital SLR Pro Camera Body for $999. Comparing t . . .
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