Batteries, Batteries Batteries

[memobug]

The S2 power system employs two battery types
1. Two CR123 Lithium cells (http://theswampbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=851#post851) power the focusing and on-board flash circuits and
2) Four AA batteries (http://theswampbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=852#post852) power the camera's digital side.

In a pinch, the CR123 batteries can be eliminated and the camera can be powered from the AA batteries alone. This will disable the on board flash and the battery low indicators will not work properly. The manual suggests that this mode should only be used in emergencies, however many shooters have taken to operating the camera this way. The thing to keep in mind is that the internal pop-up flash cannot be used, the batteries will discharge more rapidly, and the battery indication will not be functional.

The S2 is often knocked by critics for its dual battery system as compared to the single, integrated Lithium Polymer system in the D100. Others find the convenience of AA batteries a plus.

WARNING Whenever you use your AC adapter, be sure to remove the CR123 batteries from the housing or they will be discharged by the charging circuit! Don't forget to put them back when you're done!

[memobug]

CHEAP CR123 BATTERIES

In any case if you intend to use the popup flash (which actually performs quite well as a fill flash) you will want to have a ready supply of CR123 batteries available. If you shop around you can find these as inexpensively as $1.50 apiece, compared with typical retail pricing of $6 or more.

One source we have had success with is Botach (http://www.botachtactical.com/toscr123a3vo.html) a military surplus mailorder house.

More info can be found in the Battery / Charger forum (http://theswampbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=170)

[memobug]

Digital cameras have an appetite for power. This has improved in the past couple of years, but the fact remains. To get the best performance from your camera, you'll want to take advantage of Nickel Metal Hydride batteries.

These are the same size and shape as standard AA alkalines, but they are based on a different chemistry. Nickel Metal Hydride or NiMH is a great for high current requirements and much better than Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) without its "memory" effects

Set yourself up with a dozen AAs and a quick charger and you will enjoy the economy and long life these can offer

Cell capacity is measured in milliampere hours. 1800 is pretty typical right now, up from 1600mAH a year or two ago.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Maha 100 minute charger (http://www.mahaenergy.com/default.htm)
Olympus B-50SU 4 AA NiMH Batteries and Charger (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005YVPI/qid=/sr=1-1/ref=pd_sbs_p_1//002-3526560-6539264?v=glance)
Radio Shack (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F002%5F011%5F003%5F000&product%5Fid=23%2D043)

[memobug]

The four AA batteries that are mounted in the lower housing of the S2Pro are held in a plastic tray.

We recommend that you get a second tray to make it easier to swap batteries in and out when you are in a rush.

We found the best pricing in Canada from Mike Winter at winterphotographics.com There is no website, but you can contact Mike by Fax at 403-932-2712 or email mark@winterphotographics.com

Winter Photographics
Box 1057, Cochrane, AB. T4C 1B1
CANADA

The price in Canadian Dollars was about $20 + 10 S/H/I which works out to a little under USD $20

Another source is Tallyns:
https://www.tallyns.com/Secure/BattryHldrS2Order.htm

Battery

[memobug]

Some discussion on this on the forum:
http://theswampbbs.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=133

The CR123 have been known to last up to 1000 exposures depending on how often the popup flash is used

The AAA NiMH lifetime will depend on whether you are using CR123, how frequently you review images on the LCD and the capacity of the batteries. Users have seen 300-500 or more exposures on a set of AAA NiMH batteries

[memobug]

Rechargeable CR123 batteries (http://theswampbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=95) have been located but the economy isn't really worth it. When you consider the number of inexpensive litium CR123 batteries you can purchase for the same price from sources like Botach (http://www.botachtactical.com/toscr123a3vo.html) it's not worth the bother. Plus NiMH batteries undergo a self discharge of up to a couple percent per day. Those rechargeables could be dead when you need them.

Bottom Line: CR123 rechargables: No - use the lithium or none at all if you don't need the popup flash.
AA Rechargables: Yes, use high capacity NiMH cells and a fast charger.

[bill garofalo]

Here is what I do. Took out the 2 C123As
Bought a " Digital Camera Battery" with charger. They sell a shoulder carrying case which is a must. Now go out on a shoot and don't worry about camera battery power. I use 2 Nikon flashes, and have 6 sets of double A rechargeables.
Now I can concentrate on learning the fine ponts of operating my S2. Thanks to you guys out there I have learned a lot.
bill garofalo;)