Can I use Rechargeable Batteries?

Well, it depends.

Many wildlife cameras these days have an option to use rechargeable batteries. These include all NatureSpy cameras, Browning, Camojojo, and Reconyx. For specific information relating to the wildlife camera you have or are interested in, check the 'Tech Specs' on the product page.

Nearly all other manufacturers do not support using rechargeable batteries.

It is possible to use rechargeable batteries in these trail cameras, but this will come at a cost. Essentially, it will depend on how well you want your camera to work. As an environmental organisation we would of course love to be recommending the use of more eco-friendly and sustainable options including rechargeable batteries, but we also want you to get the most out of the tech you buy and have fully functioning cameras that are working the best they can for you.

Poor quality, low power or incorrect batteries are the number one cause of users experiencing issues with trail cameras. The following are some common battery-related issues you could experience; if you do have any of these problems change your batteries:

• Camera screen flashing on and off
• Shorter videos than you’ve set
• Poor detection/missing things
• Taking a picture but no video in hybrid mode (Bushnell Core, Spypoint, Ltl Acorn)
• Screen not coming on
• Not triggering at all
• Inconsistent performance
• Turning the camera on but the battery percentage or bar going down steadily, then turning off
• Dull LEDs or infrared flash brightness

Why We Don't Always Recommend Rechargeable Batteries

Regrettably, rechargeable batteries are not recommended by the majority of manufacturers:

• The Voltage isn’t high enough: Trail cameras are either a 6V or more commonly, a 12V system and typically run off 8 batteries that need at least 1.5V from each battery. Rechargeable batteries are all only 1.2V per battery. This means that most rechargeable batteries won’t have enough power to work sufficiently in camera traps. They may turn the camera on, and they may even allow it to record in the day, but night-time recording will pose a problem as that’s when the LEDs are needed, and these are the things that require the most amount of power.
• Milliamp Hours Vary: Something else to look out for is the mAh - or milliamp hours. This can vary between brands, but it’s always printed on the packaging or batteries themselves. The mAh needs to be at least 2500mAh to be adequate enough to power a trail camera but there is a bit of a catch…
• False Promises: Most rechargeable batteries give numbers that in reality they don’t back up with performance.
• If you really want to use them: The ones to look out for are Panasonic Eneloop Pro. They are the only higher quality rechargeable batteries which will, generally speaking, work in a trail camera. Please keep in mind however, they will only work to a certain degree and are not comparable to the performance of Lithium batteries.
• If you do choose to use them: Be prepared to lose performance – using rechargeable batteries can mean a loss of detection range, slower trigger speeds and reduced IR LED brightness.

For wildlife cameras that can support rechargeable batteries - some of these issues won't impact, or will allow the camera to at least function normally.

What is Best to Use?

Our recommendation is to use Lithium AA batteries, specifically Energizer Ultimate Lithium, here’s why:

• They have a higher voltage – approx. 1.85V per battery
• They don’t care about cold temperatures, performing as normal down to -15C
• They last about 5x longer than alkaline batteries
• Their battery current is much higher at around 2900mAh
• They give far better performance and much longer battery life making them more cost-effective long-term
• Higher voltage & mAh means better detection distances, quicker speeds & brighter IR LEDs

The Takeaways

Rechargeable batteries will work… to a certain point: You won’t get the most out of your camera if you use them and we would only say it’s worth using them if you’re a casual wildlife watcher, not taking many videos at night and you check your camera regularly.

Use Energizer Ultimate: These are best – with high currents, resilience to the cold, longer battery life and cost-effectiveness, we use these in all our own projects. They are costly though, which is why the switch to rechargeable batteries has gathered pace.

If you’re experiencing problems – change the batteries: If you are experiencing any issue with your trail camera change the batteries – it’s highly likely to solve any problems you may have.

Please recycle your batteries if and when you can when they are no longer in use. This can be done at most recycling centres and some supermarkets.

Happy Camera Trapping!

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