The subject of batteries for field shooters used to be as simple
as charging them until the red light went out, slapping them on
the camera and shooting until they died. Now, the typical
ENG/EFP crew carries a much wider array of battery-operated
devices. Notebook computers, cell and satellite phones, PDAs,
belt-clipped radios, micro-mixers and even GPS receivers may
accompany camcorders and batt-lights. Modern field shooters must
know their way around battery systems. Modern batteries
communicate digitally to chargers like the Anton-Bauer Dual 2702
Powerchager shown above while talking to the user through an LCD
window. Batteries are usually defined by the chemistry they use.
The three most common types are nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel
metal hydride (NiMH), and lithium ion (Li-ion). Each has its
strengths and weaknesses. We’ll compare their performance later
in the article. But first, let’s define the specifications we
use to judge them. Regardless of the battery type involved,
there are a few fundamental s