BP511(a) vs. AA in a grip

[m]

hello,

I have an original Canon battery and 2 third party ones.
Canon provides 1.39Ah and the others reach 1.5Ah.

One of the cheap batteries seems to be broken.
The charger states it's loaded, but the camera doesn't display a fully charged battery.

I was wondering if AA batteries in a grip are a good alternative.

6 AAs provide about as much Energy as two original BPs, so I don't think there's too much of a difference.

If you use a grip, which batteries do you use?

I think a grip is useful anyway.
If it enables me to use AAs in both flash and camera, I'd be happy to buy one.

 

[Ewinter]

AAs usually only provide two third to a half of what a fully functioning Li-on would.
Grips are useful anyway, but the AA option is usually an emergency option

 

[Aglet]

Good quality NiMH AA cells should provide as much performance as a good OEM BP511, much more actually.
Try Sanyo Eneloop, possibly Panasonic R2 (?) series AA NiMH with super low self-discharge characteristics.
AA alkalines won't last near as long but a good emergency backup.
I haven't had much luck with other brands of NiMH tho did have some good results from Ray-O-Vac ones some years ago.

 

[LookingThroughMyLens81]

Good Lithium or NiMH AAs will choke-slam the Canon batteries. I use Energizer Lithiums in my 20D and I've always gotten more out of them than the Canon 511s. Lots of on-the-go photographers go with the AA's over the battery packs because they are easy and quick to replace when out and about.

 

[Jim Saunders]

B&H has NiMH AAs under the Watson brand; They're inexpensive and seem to run just fine. They come in packages of four and can be had with the (effective) matching charger. If the grip works for you then I (personally) regard AAs as workable.

Jim

 

[m]

Good quality NiMH AA cells should provide as much performance as a good OEM BP511, much more actually.
Try Sanyo Eneloop

The eneloops work great in my flash.
The Ni-MH 2.7Ah batteries from the same brand that I have lying around got me thinking about it.

I use a grip with AAs on the film bodies, but I do not take as many pictures with them.
I was able to rely on alkalines in an emergency in the past, which is really nice.

Thanks guys.
I'll try to get a grip on this battery problem =)