You guise aer silly. Yea, the 3/4 system has it's cons, but it has it's pros too, which is why i use it. I really prefer 3/4 x/y dimensions, because, yea the wider stuff can let you see more of the action, it is also nearly impossible to easily and quickly use them as deskstop images (which i use mine for).
Anyways.......
Power source options.
Cameras have an amazing variety of power source types and form factors. You have the traditional AA/AAA or even AAAA battery, the 9 volt, and then other "standard" yet less common sizes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_battery_sizes
The 4 main electrical types of batteries (the mechanism that actually produces the electrical current) are Alkaline, NiCD, Lithium, and NiMH.
Read more about those here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battery_types#Types_of_batteries
Alkaline is on the low end in terms of how much use you will get out if it before you need to replace them.
Lithium one time use batteries are far and away the superior choice when picking non-rechargeable sets. I personally have had alkaline batts last me 3 days, and lithium last me 3 months. They are also better in cold temperatures.
Lithium recharge batteries are the best, they are very light, and have alll the pros of lithium tech listed above. The only drawback to this type is that lithium is highly toxic and lithium mining is very environmentally damaging.
The old school of recharge batteries is the NiDC. They have been in use for a very long time (over 30 years), and are on par with alkaline as far as lasting before needing a recharge. The use of these batteries is on the decline because of the heavy metals used in them.
The rising rockstar that will eventually replace NiCD is NiMH. These batteries have a bit less lifespan between charges than lithium, but they are not nearly as expensive, and not toxic. These are my choice for my 4xAA ultra zoom.
A lot of smaller cameras come with rechargeable batteries that only fit within a specific set of models made by the same company. You should try to avoid these if you can, but they are not "bad". The thinner batteries will hold far less charge than any of the batteries listed above in most cases, the fatter ones more of a charge. They will come with a specific charger also. If you lose either it can be nearly impossible, especially after a few years, to find a replacement. However, if you are careful these have their benefits too if you upgrade often especially.
Whatever you end up choosing, make sure you get a camera/battery combo that works best for you!
Next topic will be on accessories.
- A