Batteries in the Pentax K200D

[hector49]

So, as I reveiw dslr's, I have noticed that most come with rechargeable li ion batts, but the Pentax take 4 AA's.
My questions are:
- what is the thought on using this type of system - is it effective - does it last as long as a rechargeable
- is there a li ion battery you can buy for the Pentax - I am thinking there isn't given the battery cavity, but thought I would ask.
thanks
hector

[GEli]

I have no first hand experience with the K200D, but frequent a Pentax forum wherein I've heard a great deal regarding this subject from people who do have the camera.

The consensus seems to be that it's a great alternative for folks on the go - the ability to buy batteries from a corner store in a pinch is great when traveling. Four good rechargeable batteries (2800mAh Li-ions) will get you around 1000 shutter actuations. This is definitely comparable to what you can get with a proprietary rechargeable on the K10/K20D - considering that the batteries for those around around $80, compared to the $30 or so a set of 4 fantastic rechargeable AAs will set you back.

To your second question, no there is not.

[hector49]

thanks - that makes sense - I suppose, as read on another thread, if I decide to go with a Pentax, I could get a good charger (meaning quick) and charge up a couple of sets if I am heading out - or every time I head out.
plus you make a good point about being able to pick up regular batteries at a corner store, or such.
and I really didn't think there was a battery back you could buy - but there is the grip - I could always look at that.
thanks
hector

[GEli]

I believe the grip for the K200D takes AAs as well. I really like Eneloop batteries (very quick at recharging my flash) as they don't discharge very quickly when not being used. The proprietary battery is arguably worse, as it costs a great deal more than the equivalent in AAs - but...there's a slight (slight) space advantage. I wouldn't treat it as either a positive or a negative point unless you travel a lot (as I said, batteries from the store in a pinch).

Oh, and get a K200D. They're lovely cameras and Pentax glass is superb.

[Ylva]

I usually use rechargables in my K100D, but when on holiday a few weeks back, I ran low and bought some lithium ones from a shop - they've now been in the camera for three weeks and are still going!

Having four AA batteries in the camera definitely makes it a bit heavier than some other models, but as previously mentioned, it really is handy to be able to pick up emergency batteries anywhere when your rechargables run out.

And I back the K200D too - looks great!

[hector49]

I didn't realize the grip used AA's as well - I haven't really looked at them, but either way, I probably wouldn't get one right away anyway.

thanks for the advice, I have been looking at the lenses as well - they seem to be really nicely priced. and I also like the fact that all lenses ever are compatible with the body - that makes it a really nice system.

there are also some great features on this camera that some of the others I have been looking at don't have.

anyway, you have given me some great info to think about - now I just have to decide.

thanks

[ccallana]

I use an older *istDL which also uses AA batteries - I like them better than proprietary batteries for at least 1 reason - they are the same as the ones in my flash - I only have to keep 1 kind of battery around

I use the Sanyo Eneloops for the most part now - I can get easily 1000 shots on 1 charge. With standard NiMH I was getting around 600. With non-rechargable Energizer e2 Lithiums I've gotten close to 2000 shots.

The only downside I've seen so far is its hard to do a speed change - takes a bit of time to change 4 batteries... otherwise, I love it

[mattdm]

It also takes non-rechargeable CRV3 lithium cells, which have a little more capacity than AA lithiums. That's what I did in my K100D. I got a bunch for about $5 each, and each 2-battery set lasted for around 2500 shots. If that;s a couple of months of shooting for you (especially if you tend to go several weeks between bursts of shooting) this can be a good option — you basically never have to worry about making sure there's a recharged set, and you get the highest performance. (Make sure to recycle 'em when they're depleted, though.)