Battery Basics: Knowledge is Power

Camcorder batteries can make or break a video shoot. While offering freedom from the nearest wall outlet, they present their own, sometimes maddening, quirks and restrictions. And since they're not among the cheapest accessories you'll ever buy, it helps to know what you need and what's available before you start waving money around. Making an informed battery purchase will pay off in more ways than one.

But besides reading up on the various types and features of batteries, consider your own shooting habits. For instance, if you're not in the habit of videotaping, say, day-long weddings, then you probably won't need to invest in a tripod dolly with 48 pounds of extra batteries aboard. On the other hand, if capturing sunsets and the private lives of wildlife are your specialties, then perhaps a solar-powered charger would be a reasonable investment.

You want to tailor your purchase to your individual requirements, and avoid seductive sales pitches designed to trap the impulsive buyer. How long do you typically run your camcorder? Do you often use the zoom lens, fill-in lights, or viewfinder replay? How about those convenient autofocus, fast forward or reverse options? These all consume battery power that could be used for straight shooting in…