What are the different types of Camcorder Batteries available?
Most of the video recording units come with an original battery pack. After a period of time, the power holding capacity of these batteries gradually decreases. The life span of any camcorder battery is estimated between 1.5 to 3 years and you need to buy a replacement camcorder battery to keep your camcorder up and running. Lead acid bricks, AA alkaline, and Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) were widely used for power when camcorders were introduced. Today, digital camcorders use Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium Ion (Li-ion) rechargeable batteries because of their added advantages over the other chemistries.

Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the first choice batteries for portable devices like digital camcorders. These rechargeable camcorder batteries are capable of providing more power than other battery types. They also have a higher energy density and can store more energy when compared to other chemistries. They have no memory effect, so you can recharge them anytime, even if the batteries are not fully drained. These batteries have a lower self discharge rate and once they are charged, they can retain power for a longer duration, making them ideal for outdoor shooting.

Nickel Metal Hydride Batteries
Most of digital camcorders are powered by Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries. These cell types are economical, so they fit well within your budget. They can withstand overcharging and over discharge conditions and need very little maintenance. These camcorder batteries also have a wide operating temperature range and are environmental friendly. The drawback of these digital camcorder batteries is they suffer due to memory effect. They also have a very high self discharge rate.

Nickel Cadmium Batteries
You can find Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) batteries in older versions of camcorders. These replacement camcorder batteries are perfect to handle higher loads and are preferred for portable power units. These camcorder batteries function efficiently in up to 70 degree temperature and have a life cycle of more than 500 cycles. They are available in a wide variety of sizes and capacities. NiCd cell types are susceptible to memory effect so you have to fully cycle them once every two or three weeks.

What are the different brands of Camcorder Batteries available?
Popular camcorder brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony also manufacture digital camcorder batteries. You can also buy camcorder batteries from other battery manufactures like High-capacity, Duracell, and Energizer but check for the compatibility with the OEM.

How do I select the ideal Camcorder Batteries?
Before you decide to buy camcorder batteries be precise on your requirements. Otherwise, you will end-up in buying a camcorder battery that will not suit your video camcorder. It is necessary to buy an appropriate camcorder battery that matches the power capacity of the original. Voltage of the replacement camcorder battery should be on par with the original camcorder battery.

How to charge a Camcorder Batteries
Whether you are using it or not, camcorder batteries will discharge power, and you have to charge them periodically. A few camcorders come with an internal battery charging option, which allows you to shoot as well as charge your camcorder batteries with an available AC power source. Many video cameras do not have an internal charging option and you have to use an external charger to recharge your camcorder battery. In case of external charging, make sure you buy camcorder batteries that can be charged using a 12-volt car's cigarette lighter as well as a 120-volt wall power. It eliminates the need for sophisticated chargers and the camcorder batteries can be charged both in car and at home.