• If you want the best energy capacity (2550 mAh) — get the Eneloop Pro
• If you want maximum recharge capacity (2100 times) — get the 4th Generation Panasonic Eneloops

Overall, the best rechargeable AA battery is the Eneloop Pro. They have a high energy capacity (2500 mAh), and they perform better than similar high-capacity AAs. They can only be charged 500 times (versus 2100 times for regular Eneloops). But most people will never charge their batteries that many times. For example, if you charged your batteries twice a week consistently, it would take 5 years to reach 500 charges.

Sanyo Eneloop

Top Review Sources:

• Consumer Reports: Recommended
• Doc’s Charger and Battery Reviews: “Good performance for a 2000 mAh rated battery, and fantastic shelf life for a Ni-MH”
• Amazon: 4.5/5.0 (1,600+ reviews)

Eneloops are currently the top rated rechargeable AAs, and we have found them to perform well.  We should also mention Imedion batteries, which are similar to Eneloops but rated at 2400 mAh (this stands for milli Amp hour, and indicates a battery’s energy storage capacity). Eneloops, by comparison, have a lower rated capacity — 2000 mAh (or 1980 mAh according to my informal tests).

You’ll find the Sanyo eneloop AA four pack ($11) on Amazon. You can also buy an eneloop AA four pack with included recharger ($18) as well as an eneloop AA eight pack ($20).

Eneloop Pros

The Eneloop Pro is a high-capacity version of the regular Eneloop cell. The Eneloop Pro has a capacity of 2500 mAh –this is 500 mAh more than the regular Eneloops. Their only potential downside is that they can be charged 500 times — not 2100 times like the regular Eneloops. However, on average most people will charge their batteries about 100-200 times over a 5 year period.

Eneloop Pro batteries are available on Amazon.

Energizer Ultimate

Pros:

• Great for high-drain devices and maximum runtime
• Fantastic shelf life

Cons:

• Not rechargeable

Top Review Sources:

• Consumer Reports: Recommended
• Amazon: 4.5/5.0 (150+ reviews)
• CHOICE Online (Australia): “The ENERGIZER e2 Lithium was by far the top performer in our test”

The Energizer Ultimate is a disposable battery meant for high-drain devices and long periods of time away from another power source. It is the successor to the similar Energizer e2. Like the e2, the Ultimate is a lithium battery. One of lithium’s advantages over other types of batteries is a longer runtime. The Ultimate AA is a 3000 mAh battery that operates at about 1.7 volts; it is able to energize a high-drain device (such as a powerful camera) for a longer period of time than most other batteries. If you have a gadget that needs the higher voltage, or if you need a battery that will last in a high-drain device for as long as possible, lithium is a great option. Another lithium advantage is its 10+ year shelf life, making it a good backup battery to have around for emergencies. Lithium batteries also operate in sub-freezing temperatures, unlike alkaline disposables.

The Energizer Ultimate four pack ($5) is available on Amazon. Also for sale is an eight pack ($15).

Duracell CopperTop

Pros:

• Low initial cost
• Long shelf life

Cons:

• Not long-term cost-effective

Top Review Sources:

• Amazon: 4.5/5.0 (125+ reviews)
• PC Magazine: Longest runtime in flashlight test (of seven batteries tested)
• CandlePowerForums.com Alkaline Battery Shoot Out: 4^th place (of 19 batteries tested for watt-hours)

Duracell CopperTop batteries use alkaline technology to deliver reliable performance at a low cost per battery. While rechargeable batteries will save you money in the long run, disposable alkalines like the CopperTop have advantages such as lower initial cost and longer shelf life (7+ years). CopperTops are not suited for high-drain devices; they won’t last as long as NiMH or lithium batteries. However, if you use batteries very infrequently or need a long-lasting, inexpensive solution for a smoke detector or rarely-used remote control, the CopperTop offers a compelling price/performance balance.

The Duracell CopperTop 20 pack is for sale on Amazon.

See also our extensive review of rechargeable batteries and chargers on MetaEfficient.

These cameras are also perfect for the beginner with many featuring on-board user guides to show the way.

We surveyed reviews on Consumer Reports, CNET, Digital Photography Review, and PC Magazine as well as user reviews from Amazon. Here is the round-up for the top rated SLR cameras under $700:

Nikon D3100 SLR Camera ($669)

Pros:

• Very good image quality, especially in low light; 14.2 megapixels
• User-friendly for beginners, yet versatile for advanced users

Cons:

• A little slow compared to competition
• Auto focus in live view mode is sluggish

Top Review Sources:

• Amazon: Average 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 179 reviews
• Consumer Reports: Overall score 70 out of 100; Very good image quality, ease of use, and versatility
• DP Review: Overall score- 72%; highest marks for image quality and design

The Nikon D3100 is a top rated entry level SLR camera. With an on-board guide to walk you through functions, the D3100 would be a good choice for first time SLR camera buyers. It also uses handy in-camera editing. Reviewers rave about the low light image quality. It’s exceptional through ISO 800 and usable up to ISO 3200. Where it’s lacking is in speed compared to its competitors. The Nikon D3100 comes with a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor zoom lens and a rechargeable Li-ion battery.

The Nikon D3100 SLR camera is available on Amazon.

Canon Rebel XS SLR Camera ($539)

Pros:

• Superior image quality
• Reasonably-priced SLR
• User-friendly controls features a “My Menu” for customized use
• Excellent noise profile

Cons:

• No spot meter

Top Review Sources:

• CNET: Very good, 3.5 out of 5 stars; “Excellent photo quality for its class”
• DP Review: “Highly recommended”
• Amazon: Average 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 306 customer reviews

The Canon Rebel XS is a step below the Canon Rebel XSi, offering a basic set of features in an affordable SLR camera. While reviews generally call into question the design of the camera in terms of ergonomics and a difficult viewfinder, the Canon Rebel XS consistently produces high quality photos using a 10.1 megapixel sensor. It comes with an extensive software package, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, and a rechargeable Li-ion battery and charger and is compatible with all Canon lenses. The Canon Rebel XS is a solid choice if you’re interested in a dependable camera for picture quality.

The Canon Rebel XS is sold on Amazon.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 SLR-Like ($500)

Pros:

• Electronic viewfinder
• Swivel touch screen LCD display
• Ergonomic design; smaller than a traditional SLR
• Fast and accurate auto focus

Cons:

• Not as good in low light or high ISO as SLRs
• Not as much control as an SLR

Top Review Sources:

• Consumer Reports: Their highest rated SLR-like camera with a 75 out of 100, they love the viewfinder
• DP Review: 72% overall score: “Good for anyone wanting SLR quality and compact camera ease of use”
• Amazon: Average 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 33 customer reviews

Called a four thirds camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 falls into the SLR-like category of advanced digital cameras. Because it doesn’t have a mirror lens, it is not considered an SLR. Yet it acts and feels like an SLR due to the ability to use interchangeable lenses as well as a large image sensor for SLR-quality photos. Panasonic was the first company to bring this type of camera to market and the G-2 is an upgraded version of their previous models being one of the top rated cameras of it’s kind. Those looking for the full array of manual controls from an SLR will want to look elsewhere, but for those wanting SLR quality pictures from a camera they can still keep in their pocket, then the Panasonic is a versatile option.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 is available on Amazon in blue, red, and black.

Pentax K-x SLR Camera ($559)

Pros:

• Excellent image quality, especially in low light
• Fast auto focus
• Uses 4 AA batteries- some may prefer for replacement while traveling

Cons:

• Image stabilization is somewhat inconsistent
• No auto focus points in viewfinder

Top Review Sources:

The Pentax K-x SLR is available on Amazon in black, white, and red.

Nikon D3000 SLR Camera ($538)

The Nikon D3000 is available on Amazon.