I am sick and tired of cameras that use proprietary batteries - batteries that cost a lot and that don't last. For example I have a Sanyo camcorder that I have five rechargeable batteries for and the best battery won't last for more than 30 minutes (most of them only last 10 minutes). Before this camera I had a SD Samsung mini-DVD camcorder that couldn't record even one mini-dvd before needing the battery to be replaced - and replacing the battery in the middle of a dvd caused a lot of lost footage. So my question - are there any good quality, HD, camcorders that use standard batteries (like AA or AAA)? Thanks!

 

Many camcorders have the ability to use an external battery pack, either 6 or 12 volts. If yours does, you could rig up a web belt with either lantern batteries or standard sealed lead-acid (SLA) rechargeable batteries.

 

It might be the amperage rating of the batteries you are using is not that great. Unfortunately some manufacturers use inferior batteries. There are companies online though that sell better quality batteries with a better amperage rating than what the manufacturer provides. If a manufacturer gets knowledge that you used them then they might void your warranty but if it has no warranty then I would try aftermarket rechargeables. They are cheaper and usually last longer than what the manufacturer sells.

 

No, I do not know of any video cameras that use AA batteries. Mainly I think because AA alkaline and even lithium do not contain enough energy to power the camera for long and then tossing them in the garbage for a new set gets very expensive quickly.

What brand batteries are you using in your camera? I have a mixture of brand name Canon batteries and aftermarket cheapies. Initially the cheap aftermarket batteries perform well but soon loose their ability to hold a charge while the real, brand name ones soldier on for years.