Reliance on Li Ion batteries in Oly Pen series

alexisgreat wrote:

Big Ga wrote:

alexisgreat wrote:

Big Ga wrote:

Chris R-UK wrote:

It is quite difficult to find cameras that use AA batteries nowadays and I am pretty certain that there are no current ILC cameras that use them.

Many cameras have battery grip options that have an AA holder as an alternative power source.

Yes indeed, I have that for the E-520. I might end up getting one of the larger OM-D bodies down the road to have this option available to me (I'd have to get the EM1 or EM5)

Hmmm. That one for the E520 must have been a 3rd party add on, yes? I don't recall Oly making a grip for that camera at all, let alone one with an AA cartridge.

In fact, thinking about it, the only one I can think of that DID have an AA cartridge was the grip for the E3 (and so I guess the E5 as well). However that was just a disaster. And in fact, the whole grip/camera design was so bad that I don't think rechargeable AA's worked in it! how stupid is that!!

Does the EM1/EM5 have an AA option? I don't recall it doing so.

Yes, both the E-520 and E-620 had a third party grip made by Ownuser. I shelled out $200 for that lol- but it takes 6 batteries and is on the heavy side (especially with the 6 AA batteries!)

Nikon have OEM grips that take 8 AA's ! I used to use this option when I shot with Fuji S5pro bodies. With a set of eneloops in there, they would last all day. I think some models like the D300/D700 also allow a faster FPS rate when using the AA method. Very nice.

The EM1 and EM5 do, but I think they only need 4 AA batteries? Not sure about that.

Hmmm. Just on spec I'm dubious about this. 4AA batteries would only be 6v for non rechargeable and around 4.8v for rechargeables (which is really the only sensible option).

Oly power management is bad at the best of times. I doubt any of their cameras would work with such a lowered voltage. I might be wrong though if they have a step up circuit in there. but again I'm dubious.

Can't say I recall seeing an AA cartridge though. I'm sure I've got an Em1 grip here somewhere as well ....