Trail Camera batteries 🪫

[J H]

Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on best route for Trail Cam batteries?

We are currently running 10 Zeiss Secacam 7’s on normal disposable AA alkaline batteries - roughly 35p per battery and their lasting between 2-4 months depending on temperature and individual camera activity.
8 batteries per camera.

I’ve never had great success with rechargeable alkaline AA’s for the extra cost and they never seem to last as long as disposable ones after a few charge cycles. So we would be forever swapping batteries over.

Has anyone tried disposable lithium aa’s (3/4x cost of alkaline) to compare how much longer they last compared to the Alkalines?

Or has anyone even tried the Lithium rechargeable (double the cost again) to see how they perform and last for the extra money spent.

Cheers
JH

 

[jthyttin]

I only use AA form factor (usually rechargeables, Eneloop Pro the black ones) for occasional summer use.

Otherwise external lead gel battery (about 10Ah 6V). Even lead battery freezes, with 50% charge it happens in -20C. Gel batteries cope with this, to certain extent, but I try to swap fresh batteries in coldest weather. Especially video drains internal batteries fast, since it needs to keep the IR on (and animals tend to move when it's dark).

I think some Ikea rechargeables used to be popular in UK, same performance as Eneloop Pro but fraction of the price. With Lithium, check the voltage since it's not necessarily 1.5V even if form factor is AA.

 

[Tim.243]

Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on best route for Trail Cam batteries?

We are currently running 10 Zeiss Secacam 7’s on normal disposable AA alkaline batteries - roughly 35p per battery and their lasting between 2-4 months depending on temperature and individual camera activity.
8 batteries per camera.

I’ve never had great success with rechargeable alkaline AA’s for the extra cost and they never seem to last as long as disposable ones after a few charge cycles. So we would be forever swapping batteries over.

Has anyone tried disposable lithium aa’s (3/4x cost of alkaline) to compare how much longer they last compared to the Alkalines?

Or has anyone even tried the Lithium rechargeable (double the cost again) to see how they perform and last for the extra money spent.

Cheers
JH

I have 2 units with one being 25 miles away, in rough cost it will be £5.00 say in 8-10 weeks. plus the cost of the pictures.
Seeing Deer around the time they can be shot against them coming through at 2-3 in the morning for me is a time and fuel saver. So worth the cost of battery's

 

[75]

I never had any luck with rechargeable, including eneloop. They never seem to last anywhere near as long as Duracell. Not the end of the world for local cameras but stuff that is an hour+ round trip to change batteries became boring quickly!

 

[EssexBigMac]

Can you not get a solar charger with battery pack? If not best battery’s I’ve ever had kentli AA 3000mWh 1.5V rechargeable Lithium li-ion usb AA battery ad usb charger | eBay
Try them!

 

[zambezi]

With Lithium, check the voltage since it's not necessarily 1.5V even if form factor is AA.

100%.

"AA" is just a form factor. It is not a voltage specification. Example below has a standard alkaline 1.5v AA next to a 3.6v AA lithium.

 

[fallow me]

Energizer lithium, at around £18 for ten ,expensive but last a very long time

 

[Tim.243]

Energizer lithium, at around £18 for ten ,expensive but last a very long time

Mine takes 12 so £36.00 to fill it up.

 

[Damoeire33]

Try kentili I've found them excellent. Last 4 times longer than duracell
Lithium rechargable

 

[Sierra]

I use Energiser Lithium in mine.

I get 8+ months of use in a Spypoint Micro & LM2 before they need replacing.

Try having a play with the internal camera settings as well. If the cellular is only active a couple of times a day then it massively helps longevity. The photos have a time date stamp anyway so you know when they are moving.

 

[North Cornwall Deer]

I use these without any issues, rechargeable lead acid where not so great.

 

[J H]

Energizer lithium, at around £18 for ten ,expensive but last a very long time

How long have you been getting out of these batteries?

 

[J H]

I think i’ll try a few different ones and see how they perform. If the rechargeable Lithium ones last and don’t need changing for over 6months between charges this will certainly be the long term way to go.

 

[Camdig]

Energiser AA lithium, I find they last 3-4 months with alot of activity.
Not too expensive when bought in bulk.

 

[fallow me]

How long have you been getting out of these batteries?

I use them in hik m15s and get between 2 to 3 months depending on camera settings

 

[jthyttin]

You must have a good reason, trying to extend changing the batteries to 6 months. Personally I'd like to visit a camera, say every 2 months at maximum.

If you have a remote location you rarely visit, keep in mind the time needed to recharge batteries. If you just want to switch fresh ones, you need extra set for every camera.

Also remember, that keeping cameras outside 24/7/365 won't be best for them. If possible, arrange so that every now and then you can take one inside and get it thorougly warm and dry.