Batteries for digital cameras

[Ron Barker]

Does anyone have experience of coping with rechargeable batteries for digital cameras on high treks in November. I have a Fuji Finepix with the bespoke Fuji batteries. I have a spare battery and can probably charge both before leaving Kathmandu. HOWEVER, we are going on an 18 day trek over the high passes and it will be cold. I suspect that the batteries will quickly suffer from cold and will not last the period. They may not even get through the first few days if my experience of dischege in Scotland at XMas is anything to go by !!

Has anybody solved this problem yet?

[Ian]

I got a Minolta A1 with Battery grip, takes 6 of AA batteries. Also I got loads of Energiser Lithium AA disposables when in the States - they were $8 for 4 at Home Depot special offer, they are £3 each in rip off Britain. They are OK down to -40C even if you and the camera are not! This is for a 31 day trek to Mera Peak. But I am not convinced the digital camera will be OK if continuously below freezing. All the web reports I have seen have been for just a couple of hours then back inside in the warm. A couple of reports of serious cold trekking including Mera and Island Peak but they had digital SLR with metal bodies and the works. I have a FinePix 6800 and a MX700 but although the body is metal I would be concerned about the lens movement and shutter. I am going to take an Olympus Mju Film camera for Base Camp / High Base Camp etc.
But I have also found video clips on the web of summitting Mera Peak.
Ian

[Ron Barker]

We are going to Everest High Passes on an 18 day trek. This gets to 5,500 metres alkthough we will never sleep above 4,500 to 5,000. Temperature will therefore be a big issue in November.

[je‚„]

Well then ... there are some places that have power on the way
eg Namche bazar has power.

You will be surprised where you will find power!

I got some charging done free (lower down) just take some extra cash (1-2$) for each charge! and keep those batteries warm!

[%sig%]

[ange]

Hi Ron, we took titanium e expensive batteries from Oz but found the best, longest lasting duracell batteries in Lukla...can get them in heaps of teahouses! Save youself some cash..we took 5 sets of 4 batteries for a 3 week trek...keep em warm too....good luck