Digital camera batteries can wear out quickly, especially if you're an avid photographer. Digital cameras typically use either standard alkaline batteries that you replace when they are depleted or a rechargeable lithium or NiCad battery that comes with the camera and can be replaced.

Camera batteries that come with the camera can always be replaced when they start to wear down. To preserve the original battery for camera use as long as possible, allow the battery to drain fully before recharging. While this is necessary for the NiCad batteries in older models, it's still a good idea even with a newer SLR camera battery designed to have a longer lifespan.

Digital camera batteries are available from battery manufacturers and distributors, so when shopping for a digital camera battery consider the following:

1. Check big manufacturers of batteries like Duracell and Energizer when shopping for digital camera batteries

2. Shop with camera battery outlets for cheaper prices on batteries manufactured by the camera manufacturer

3. Replace original camera batteries with rechargeable battery packs and battery chargers

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop for camera batteries with a trusted brand name

Buy camera batteries from a company that only manufactures batteries if you're interested in the latest or most trusted battery technology. Digital camera batteries produced by battery companies will typically not be the original battery that comes in a camera. Instead, these batteries are only available as a digital camera replacement battery but may be longer-lasting than your original.

I recommend: Shop with brands like Duracell and Energizer online to see what digital camera batteries are available from these companies. From the company's website, you can browse to see what batteries are available for your digital camera model.

Browse camera battery outlets for low prices on the manufacturer's batteries

A large number of camera outlet stores offer lower prices on cameras and accessories. From these outlet sites, you can search for a specific battery, a camera model, or even a brand name. With online camera battery outlets, you can typically find a replacement camera battery exactly like your camera's original but at a slightly cheaper price than the camera manufacturer offers.

I recommend: Shop online outlet stores like Battery Depot and Planet Battery for a wide selection of digital camera batteries. Simply select your brand and model to find what camera batteries are available and choose the battery type you want.

Look for rechargeable batteries and chargers to replace your camera batteries

While some cameras still use alkaline batteries, you can get better camera battery life overall by using rechargeable lithium or NiCad batteries. Rechargeable camera batteries do need to be replaced eventually, however, even the extended life SLR camera battery. Battery life becomes shorter over time as the battery is drained and recharged. If you're buying a rechargeable battery for the first time, don't forget to buy a charger as well.

I recommend: Purchase rechargeable battery packs from online retailers like Thomas Distributing for the best deals, especially if you know your camera model number and are simply replacing the original rechargeable battery. If you're buying a rechargeable battery for the first time, find out what comes with the battery and purchase a battery charger like those at Camera-Battery.net separately if necessary.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider the type of camera battery that comes with a digital camera before you purchase it. Don't buy a camera that has aging battery technology when you can purchase a camera with better battery life for a few more dollars.
• •  Take into account how you'll be using a digital camera when you buy camera batteries. If you're going to be traveling or won't have access to a battery charger for extended periods, you may want to either purchase a longer lasting battery or purchase spare batteries to use with the same camera.