best DSLR takes AA batteries?

Question

Whats the best DSLR to buy which takes AA batteries... I keep thinking of the Pentax isd

AA batteries are my first priority

Answer 1

Try the feature comparison tool at dpreview.com
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare.asp

You can't search by power source, but the results page shows the power sources you can use (proprietary vs. AA).

For example, searching for SLR's under $1000 that take Compact Flash cards doesn't pull up anything that takes AA's.

Change Compact Flash to SD/MMC in your search, and the Pentax DSLR's show up. All but the yet to be released K10 take AA's.

I spent a little time with this comparison tool and can't find any DSLR's that take AA's besides the Pentaxes, but you should try this for yourself.

AA's are one reason I went with the K100D and Pentax *ist DS.

If you do end up getting a Pentax that takes AA's, be sure to use rechargeable NiMH batteries or lithium (disposable) AA's. Standard alkaline AA's won't get you that many shots.

My direct answer to your question is the Pentax K100D - incredible value for the money with your required AA's and built-in image stablization.

Answer 2

Most use Accu's in specific forms as made by the brand. They are Lithium Ion batteries, very powerful very long life BUT not your average AA battery. One of the reasons why pretty much most Lithion Ion batteries have a specific non AA like shape is because..their higher voltage. Many are 4,7v or even 7,4v. That is dangerous for stuff that expects 1,5/1,2 volt. Lithium Ion is not to be trifled with. If you find a AA shaped Lithium Ion battery and you put it into a normal AA expecting thing like lets say a remote. It probably blows the wires within the remote, your mp3 player, etc. There are yes lithium dry batteries that do 1,5 volt. They are more powerful then Alkalines and safe to use in 1,5volt usage. Usually found in camera equipment. There are even rechargable versions of that. But you talk about a DSLR, and expect it to have a odd shaped accu. I suggest you always take with you on vacation the special battery charger. And having a 2nd battery so you can swap them out can't hurt. If one of them dies you have time to buy another pair.

Answer 3

Prolly the Pentax, K100D. Note that the upgrade to this camera, the K10D does not use AA batteries. I don't think any of the newer, better 10 megapixel dSLR cameras do. Quite frankly, the batteries these really nice cameras use are so powerful and the new systems so energy efficient that I couldn't see choosing a camera based on AA use. Buy a second battery if you need to.

Answer 4

Why in the world would the fact that it can take regular batteries outweigh all the other features of DSLR's? To me, that's just plain idiocy. It's much more important to find the camera that you like rather than a camera that can take AA batteries.

If you are concerned about running out of power and being able to use regular batteries, you'll still be better of buying these lithium batteries off of eBay.

I just recently purchased 2 additional batteries for my Canon DSLR and it cost me exactly $16 shipped. That way, I won't ever have to worry about running out of juice since these batteries will last a few gigs worth of shots a piece.

You will by much happier if you just buy the camera that you like the best regardless of the battery type and then buying extra batteries off of eBay. This will not only pay off in terms of your overall happiness with your DSLR, but it'll pay off in terms of not having to buy AA batteries. Even NiMH rechargeable batteries don't compare to the lithium battery packs that come with DSLR's.

Answer 5

Nikon DSLRs can take a special battery adapter that holds AA batteries. Basically it is shaped exactly like the rechargable battery, you open it, cram some AAs and off you go.

Answer 6

DSLRs have never been into AA batteries. The rationale is, that at a given size and weight, a lithium battery will perform better.

However, there is a solution for your request. Most DSLR cameras have additional accessory called battery grip. It adds size and weight, but improves handling of a camera and provides extra power.

For example, Canon Rebel XT/XTi can be complemented by BG-E3 battery grip which holds 6 AA batteries.

Answer 7

OK
All the Pentax *ist D series (D, DL, DL2, DS, DS2) and K100/K110 series can use AA batteries (new K10 does not)

Nikon D70/D70s can use AA's with $200 grip

Fuji S2 & S3's can also use AA batteries.