Digital Camera Batteries
Digital camera batteries come in all shapes and sizes. Since the battery is the power source, it is one item you will want to get in the highest quality possible. Beginning with the most basic camera models, you will find that there are many that use "off-the-shelf" batteries.
This simply means that the camera runs on regular batteries, such as AA, which are disposable. If your particular camera runs on AA batteries, the best quality and dependability is in rechargeable units. Definitely buy enough batteries to power your camera along with a spare set that can be charging while you are shooting.
High Quality Cameras Require High Quality Power
As the quality and complexity of the camera increases, so do the digital camera batteries. The high-end point and shoot cameras and digital SLR cameras have what are known as proprietary batteries. A proprietary battery is one that works only with cameras that are formatted for that particular battery. There is no substitution. This means that you can't go to the nearest convenience store and get a replacement battery when yours dies in the middle of an important photographic event.
Buying a spare battery or two for your camera is a given, rather than an option. When you order your camera, you should also order a second (or even a third) battery. And make sure you order the battery that is made by the camera manufacturer, not a third party substitute.
3rd party manufactured digital camera batteries
When you look for batteries, you will notice a huge difference in prices from one dealer to another. For instance, when buying a replacement battery for a Canon Digital Rebel, you will see that one battery costs $38 while another one that looks identical costs $13. When you read the specs, they look the same, too. The difference is that one is made by Canon and the other is made by a third party manufacturer. Buy the cheaper model at your own risk. You may get lucky, but you can also get burned.
Typically the off-brand batteries do not perform as well, giving less in the way of number of shots per battery charge. Additionally, they may even come from shady dealers who prey on unsuspecting customers. They will make it hard to get your money back if the battery performs poorly or does not work. Just proceed with caution here. Read the reviews online. Online comments by other buyers are great resource that can alert you to the possibility of getting ripped off.
Battery Grips
Aside from buying the products of the brand manufacturer, you can extend your shooting time by using a battery grip made for your digital SLR camera. A battery grip is a unit that holds more than one battery and fits nicely into the camera's battery compartment. It makes your camera look so much more like a pro model due to the added size, but it also gives you double the working time and number of shots before having to recharge.
Battery grips are somewhat pricey, but if you are planning extended shooting events, they could be a good investment for you. Digital camera batteries provide the power that gets those great shots. Get the best equipment in this category. Lithium-ion batteries are the best if you have a choice between lithium-ion and NiHD batteries. And always buy batteries specifically made for the brand and model camera you are using.