Not pathetic at all. I use Energizer Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. I bought two packs of 4 and they came with a cheap (albeit slow) charger. Way better than disposables. For $25 for 4 with the charger I can hardly complain. I find it good to have a backup set of kodak photo alkalines too. Another thing I've come to learn is you can never have too many batteries for the flashlight and camera. Guess I'm living up to my Scouting motto of "Be Prepared."

Find the option controls of your camera though, so that the display isn't on all the time. Nothing's more frustrating than having minimal battery power because you forgot to turn off the LCD. Likewise for the flashlight, always have a good set of batteries for it (or preferably them).

I use a Garrity flashlight I bought for $12 at Wal-Mart, takes 2 D cells. You can buy a set of 2 (the one I have plus a smaller one) for about $20 I believe. They have awesome rubber grips, are waterproof, and actually float. (they're really light consequently) For the price they're not bad. Haven't done much draining myself but they are good for that too.

If you feel you need something for security, I'd recommend the 4 D cell maglight. Personally I'd use alkalines in that as they are heavier in case you need to knock some malcontents around. Don't have one myself and have never had cause to use one, but they could come in handy. One thing about the maglite, I've heard that the bulbs break easily, so always have a backup on hand. It isn't pretty having to find your way through a dark abandonment using your palm pilot, or your cameras lcd to find your way around, believe me!

Good on ya! Turn that frown upside down! I use maglights, I have two mini's and a four d cell big un. I mostly use durcell pro's, however between flashlights and radios it is becoming expensive. I should probably invest in some rechargables. T.L.

Posted by Pickwick Not pathetic at all. I use Energizer Nickel Metal Hydride batteries. I bought two packs of 4 and they came with a cheap (albeit slow) charger. Way better than disposables. For $25 for 4 with the charger I can hardly complain. I find it good to have a backup set of kodak photo alkalines too. Another thing I've come to learn is you can never have too many batteries for the flashlight and camera. Guess I'm living up to my Scouting motto of "Be Prepared." Find the option controls of your camera though, so that the display isn't on all the time. Nothing's more frustrating than having minimal battery power because you forgot to turn off the LCD. Likewise for the flashlight, always have a good set of batteries for it (or preferably them). I use a Garrity flashlight I bought for $12 at Wal-Mart, takes 2 D cells. You can buy a set of 2 (the one I have plus a smaller one) for about $20 I believe. They have awesome rubber grips, are waterproof, and actually float. (they're really light consequently) For the price they're not bad. Haven't done much draining myself but they are good for that too. If you feel you need something for security, I'd recommend the 4 D cell maglight. Personally I'd use alkalines in that as they are heavier in case you need to knock some malcontents around. Don't have one myself and have never had cause to use one, but they could come in handy. One thing about the maglite, I've heard that the bulbs break easily, so always have a backup on hand. It isn't pretty having to find your way through a dark abandonment using your palm pilot, or your cameras lcd to find your way around, believe me!

Haha you've inspired me to research "maglite's" on the net. Haha after finding out just what they are, and learning everything that they are about, I'm very happy. They aren't as expensive as I thought they would be, and I know just where I can get them. I think I will also go with a red shell, seeing how black can be easily lost in a dark environment. I don't think I can use a flashlight as a clobbering weapon. In fact, I don't want to take any weapons with me on my explorations. Yes, I know all the dangers of exploring, and yes, I know I am a feeble girl. But I am very much more afraid of carrying a weapon around and having it turn against me, rather than being attacked. I just asked another exploring friend just the other day to throw out a switchblade that I found at his place. I asked him what it was for, and he told me he took it with him when he went exploring. I then told him that was a bad idea, and all the dangers it would create, and then he threw it out. I have already been in some very horrible situations prior to exploring, so I don't really fear what can happen.

I was planning on going roofing today, because it was the day before yesterday that I saw on a bus ride an abandoned apartment building with exterior fire escape stairs leading right to the roof, but I am not sure if I'm still up for that. This would be a lone expedition too. Hmm.

Posted by Team Leader Good on ya! Turn that frown upside down! I use maglights, I have two mini's and a four d cell big un. I mostly use durcell pro's, however between flashlights and radios it is becoming expensive. I should probably invest in some rechargables. T.L.

Yes yes, rechargables are very nice. They may not last super duper long, but you don't throw them out after usage. They are pretty decent in my camera, and I also found out on how turing off my LCD display prolongs battery life like no tomorrow. I am very happy about this.

And thanks for the cheery-uppy comment.

I just realized I have a "Moderator star" for my journal.

TIMES INFINITY!!!!!!!!

I have long since dreamed of the day that I would see anything underneath my username. This makes me UBER-UER happy! *happy dance*

Okay I'm alright now. Sorry about that little spew.

C&D

Maglites aren't all they're cracked up to be. Unless you don't mind lugging around a 10 lb. flashlight that's too big to fit into any of your pockets...
I usually use a small LED flashlight. (headlamp disassembled to fit in the palm of my hand)

I think I've seen these "LED" flashlights on Canadian Tire commercials. They look very promising and cheap.

Which one to buy?!