question about BP-E1

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I'm thinking about the BP-E1 for my EOS 3, but I wanted some opinions on whether it was worth it or not.

I heard something about being able to switch between the camera grip 2CR batts and the BP batteries, or does the grip battery have to be removed to install the BP-E1? Also, if I used lithium AA's, would I see an improvement in battery life over the 2cr5's in the camera grip, since there is room for only 4 AA's?

Plus, just to verify, the BP-E1 does not have a vertical shutter button, does it?

I would love to get the PB-E2, but the cost isn't worth it. I'm not concerned about more fps, just battery life.

-- Dan Shallenberger (dshallenberger@cinci.rr.com), February 05, 2002

Answers

Dan;

I use a BP-E1 on an EOS-1n. I am unsure whether Lithiums are ok to use in this item...or perhaps you have already verified this. For me, I use "AA" NiCad's in the BP-E1 for cold weather, its the perfect combination of light weight (over the big drive) and effectiveness. In my experience, plain 2CR5's die really quickly in below freezing temperatures where NiCads do a lot better. Have never compared lithium AA's in the BP-E1 vs. 2CR5's.

There is NO vertical release button on the BP-E1.

MH

-- Michael Hintlian (michael@hintlian.com), February 06, 2002.


According to Canon, you should not use lithium AAs in the BP-E1. When new, lithium AAs have about 1.7v and may fry your goodies. Of course, you could run 'em down in a flash to 1.5v, test with a multimeter to confirm voltage and use 'em with zeal. However, you may use alkaline, Ni Cad and Metal Hydride AAs and, of course, lithium 2CR5 in the BP-E1.

It has been my experience that a 2CR5 lasts longer than 4 alkaline AAs in my EOS 3. I get about 40 rolls with one 2CR5--about ten rolls better than AAs. However, some people claim only half a dozen rolls before the battery dies! There's probably big differences in how people shoot and maybe even differences between camera samples to account for this. I prefer to manually focus much of the time and mainly use single shot mode. I'm sure AI Servo and continuous drive modes eat lots of batteries.

-- Puppy Face (doggieface@aol.com), February 06, 2002.


i have had the same experience with rechargables compared to lithium. the 2CR5 is lithium and is the best battery to use for long shooting sessions. i sometimes use nickle-metal-hydride rechargables but they don't last nearly as long as the 2CR5. if still want to use a battery pack/motor drive the best batteries to use are normal disposable alkalines. contrary to popular belief they last longer than rechargables of any kind and are only matched by lithiums. you can usually buy bulk packs of 20 for around $7 at K-Mart. good luck.

-- Jeff Nakayama (moonduck22@hotmail.com), February 06, 2002.

Dan,

There's only a little benefit in using the BP-E1 - longer and cheaper battery life. But as you identified already, the BP-E1 has no vertical shutter button. I would go for the (yes, more expensive and heavy) PB-E2 were you get additinal vertical controls and a faster working camera (not only fps, autofocus is faster because of parallel processing, too). Or invest the money for the BP-E1 in batteries and enjoy the smaller and lighter camera.

Martin

-- Martin (uboot67@yahoo.com), February 07, 2002.


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