Alkaline batteries are bought by many people just because they are so cheap but in many cases they are just not the right battery for the job. Some people try to make up for this by buying rechargeable alkaline batteries. These batteries may be good for some uses but they aren't good for digital cameras for example. The good thing about alkaline batteries is that you can find them almost anywhere.

With technological advances that have come about recently in batteries and battery chargers there are numerous alternatives to alkaline batteries. Many digital camera makers recommend the NiMH or lithium-ion batteries that are available now because of performance and economy. These batteries are the most popular digital camera batteries. Search long and hard, talk to everyone who knows anything, read as much as you can, and the answer is always the same; Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries are what you want. They are rechargeable, environmentally friendly, and relatively inexpensive. Even more importantly perhaps, they are designed for high-drain applications such as digital cameras and will provide you with more pictures per charge than any other standard battery type other than the much more expensive lithium ion batteries. If they have any weakness, it's their overall life; lasting only about 400 charge and discharge cycles.

Nickel Cadmium or NiCad batteries used to be the most widely used of rechargeable but they are very toxic and therefore an environmental nightmare. They do charge well however, and they last long in low temperatures.

Lithium Ion batteries last much longer than the NiMH batteries and they hold their charge better as well while in storage. The main issue with the Lithium batteries is that they are newer and are not as available as others.

The choice of what type of battery to use depends upon what type of device you are using. Do your research and choose the right battery for your device.