Rechargeable batteries only 1.2 volts. Problem?

[Tafia]

Anyone had a problem with rechargeable AA batteries for compact cameras only being 1.2 volts. Alkaline are 1.5volts

I have not used them before and know that, for example, my Seiko travel alarm clock dims when the volts drop to 1.3.

I guess they must be OK in say a battery-hungry Canon compact camera ( which I am about to buy)

I have ordered Uniross 2700 mAh batteries, now I just need the camera.

[AlfaFoxtrot]

Rechargeables are 1.2 nominal I think.

[Zad]

It purely depends on the design of the power supply inside the camera. If it is a fancy switched mode one (fancy yet cheap) then it will operate right down to not-a-lot-of-volts.

[toohuge]

All rechargeable's are 1.2V. It's not too much of a worry, the only thing i would have suggested is to buy some high capacity batteries, which you have!

[VxDuncan]

1.2/1.25V should be well within tolerance in most applications. Thing is, with most rechargables the Voltage Vs Discharge profile stays fairly constant, that is the Voltage doesn't fall off much over time (until such point when it drops dramatically when flat). Traditional alkalines aren't the same, they have a more pronounced discharge Voltage drop-off. Therefore, unless brand new they are unlikely to be the full 1.5V.

Also, they tend to have higher internal resistance than rechargables. THerefore can't maintain Voltage as well in higher current drain applications.

[Tafia]

I checked these re-chargeables out of the box and they show 1.28 volts before first charging.

BTW out of interest, I ordered them at 16.02 on Tuesday and they arrived - from the Isle of Man to North Wales - at 08.30 on Wednesday. Stunned.

The charger is coming from Jersey ( same company) and, as it is under £18, is VAT free. Brill.

Company is picstop.co.uk if anyone wants to use this high speed and cheaper-than-high-street service.

Thanks to all for replies.

T.

Edited by Tafia on Thursday 2nd October 09:46