Here are my recommendations for the best rechargeable AA batteries: Overall, the best rechargeable AA battery is the Eneloop Pro. They have a high energy capacity (2500 mAh), and they perform better than similar high-capacity AAs. They can only be charged 500 times (versus 2100 times for regular Eneloops). But most people will never charge their batteries that many times. For example, if you charged your batteries twice a week consistently, it would take 5 years to reach 500 charges. Also worthy of consideration is the Maha’s Imedion battery, which is cheaper than the Eneloop Pro (about $5 less for a pack of 4). Imedions are also low-discharge, high-capacity batteries (2400 mAh), but they do not perform quite as well as the Eneloop Pro (see this review for the details on their performance). Today, the best rechargeable batteries are the “low self-discharge” Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) cells. These batteries have a lot going for them: they come fully charged (like alkaline batteries), and they can hold their charge over many months (unlike regular Ni-MH rechargeables).

Because they can hold their charge for so long, they are suitable for low-drain devices like remote controls and flashlights. However, they are ideal for use in high-drain electronic devices like digital cameras, where they out-perform alkalines. See this graph for a comparison: Generally, the best low self-discharge batteries are made in Japan (the others are made in China), these are: Panasonic’s Eneloops, Duracell, Energizer and Sony. The Eneloop Pro batteries from Panasonic definitely hold their charge the longest, and they are my top recommendation. I do not recommend the Energizer or Duracell rechargeable batteries — these name brands seem to produce inferior rechargeables, perhaps to protect their sales of alkaline batteries. See also my review of  best rechargeable D Size Batteries, C Size and 9V batteries. Better designed than other rechargeables, Eneloop batteries have become a best-selling battery. Eneloops can be recharged up to 2100 times, and they will retain their charged capacity even after years of storage.

After 6 months, they retain 90% of their charge. After five years, they retain 70% of their charge (when stored at 20 degree Celsius). Panasonic recommends keeping the batteries in a cool location to maximize charge retention. The AA-sized Eneloops are rated at 2000 mAh, and the AAA-sized Eneloops are rated at 800 mAh (mAh stands for “MiliAmp hours” — a unit that indicates how much energy a battery can hold.) The charge times are as follows: AA Eneloops charge in 230 minutes, and AAA Eneloops charge in 135 minutes. Eneloop batteries are available at Amazon in 8 packs, and 16 packs and 32 packs. They are also available with a charger: 8 Eneloop Batteries with a Charger. Note that these links to the second-generation 2000 mAh eneloops. The Eneloop Pro is a high-capacity version of the regular Eneloop cell. The Eneloop Pro has a capacity of 2500 mAh –this is 500 mAh more than the regular Eneloops. Their only potential downside is that they can be charged 500 times — not 2100 times like the regular Eneloops.

However, on average most people will charge their batteries about 100-200 times over a 5 year period. Eneloop Pro batteries are available on Amazon. How about some good battery chargers to go with these batteries? The chargers featured below are some of the smartest out there — they have built-in protection to prevent overcharging or undercharging. Wooden Toilet Seat PlansThey can also handle most battery sizes.Better Homes And Gardens Warm Comforting Kitchen The PowerEx MH-C9000 is one of the most sophisticated NiMH AA battery analyzer/chargers available. Companies That Are Moving Toward An Employee Empowerment CultureIt has excellent ratings on Amazon — an average of 4.6 out of 5 starts from about 300 reviewers.

The drawback is that the single-status LCD panel a long programming sequence makes it a bit difficult to use for multiple cells. If this is an issue for you, consider the Maha charger listed below. The PowerEx MH-C9000 is available at Amazon for about $55. The Maha’s Ultimate Professional Charger lives up to its hyperbolic name. This compact charger can charge any combination of 1 to 8 batteries. You can mix and charge AA, AAA, C and D sized cells at the same time on individual charging circuits. Each battery size also has its own fixed contact charging points (i.e. not a spring). An LCD display shows charging and conditioning status of each rechargeable battery. Maha’s chargers can restore batteries to their optimal performance level by repeatedly charging and discharging them. It also has intelligent charging technology and overcharge protection. It also comes with an international AC adaptor, and short-circuit protection. It’s available from Amazon for around $96.

Compare the specs of 2 flash units by selecting from the pull-down menus. Metz 58 AF-1 digital Metz 58 AF-2 digital Nissin Di622 Mark II Nissin Di866 Mark II Sigma EF-500 DG ST Sigma EF-500 DG Super Sigma EF-530 DG ST Sigma EF-530 DG Super Sigma EF-610 DG ST Sigma EF-610 DG Super Guide number spec(35mm, ISO 100, in meters) Guide number test result Flash duration spec(full power) Recycle time spec(full power) 3.0 sec alkaline, 2.0 sec NiMH Recycle time test result 3.3 sec alkaline, 2.3 sec NiMH 3.3 sec alkaline, 2.0 sec NiMH 1/1 – 1/2 – 1/4 – 1/8 – 1/16 – 1/32 – 1/64 wireless TTL slave mode -180 to +90 degrees 0 to +90 degrees (14) 24 – 105 24 + 50 (no auto zoom) Bounce card / 2nd reflector Flash foot material, type metal, standard ISO (Canon) yes (flash tube / LED in live view) yes (dual beam LED) no (only in wireless slave mode)