What’s Your Preference?

SnowflakeMama · #11 (**permalink**) 02-12-2012, 04:57 AM

Thanks for all the feedback!

I had originally considered a grip just for the battery life, and hadn't even thought about ergonomics until I started reading more articles and definitely after reading the posts here I can see that can be a significant benefit.

After hearing from you all I am thinking that I will probably invest in one, but I'll get the camera first and give it a try to see how it feels before I decide. Also, I am thinking I should probably wait until I get to a larger city where I can at least give one a try before buying - just in case...

Thanks again, much appreciated!

ccting · #12 (**permalink**) 02-12-2012, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

This is an issue you've explained several times, and every time you have I, and others, have told you that the problem is not with the camera, but with your inability to research. Many cameras, including Canon's Rebel line, have their own OEM grips that are designed to hold either regular LI-ION batteries or, in most cases, AAs. DOnt blame the concept of a grip on your experience (or lack thereof) with one that wasn't actually designed for your camera.

Oh ty.... my bad

Osmosis, Any recommendation on which D5100 Grip has shutter speed, aperture control and AA battery support?

OsmosisStudios · #13 (**permalink**) 02-12-2012, 05:11 PM

You wont find any, and here's why: The D5100 doesnt have the contacts in the battery compartment for control of aperture and shutter speed, because Nikon didn't intend for it to have a battery grip. If you look in the battery compartment of a D90, or on the bottom of a D300s, there are about a dozen metal contacts: these allow the camera and grip to communicate. The D5100 only has contacts to conduct power (and judge the life of the battery). The grips that are available run either through an IR signal or through a small cable that isn't designed to communicate that much information: all it sends is a simple fire/dont fire signal for the shutter.

As for AA: I only looked at the first page of Google results, but I found 1 grip that has AA batteries "in an external" section, but it still requires EN-EL14 batteries. Again, this could be an electronic issue and simply isnt a possibility.

That said: Why AAs? A single EN-EL14 should get you 750-1000 photos (based on Live-View and flash use). AAs will get you considerably less, even if you could get them to work.

ccting · #14 (**permalink**) 02-13-2012, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

That said: Why AAs? A single EN-EL14 should get you 750-1000 photos (based on Live-View and flash use). AAs will get you considerably less, even if you could get them to work.

16 X eneeloop AA batteries(as I can get dealer price) is about 1/2 price of a En-EL 14 battery Furthermore AA can be used for many other purposes (for touchlight, radio, toys, anything). Even after i have upgraded the camera body to D800, i can reuse the AA battery but EN-EL14 just can't. I assume that buying specific camera batteries is a great waste. EN-EL has about 500-700 cycles of recharge.. but Eneeloop has 1500 cyles..

I guess the extra AA batteries are used to recharge the EN-EL14 in the grip, which may shorten the camera batteries