I was recently told that "AA" Lithium cells were available, something I was not aware of. Sure enough, there they were in BigW, albeit at $4.73 each in a four pack compared to $1/$1.50 for same brand standard alkaline cells. It doesn't make clear the comparative life expectancy but indicates on a graph 4/5 times. They weigh about a third lighter than standard alkalines and have a shelf life in the case of those that I bought best before 2024! My thought is that in things like cameras they will have a very long life and because they are 1.5 volts would be better than re-chargeables.

Harry,

They seem to last a lot longer in my wife's digital camera, which just eats up alkalines. We've been using lithiums for a long time as alarm system and smoke detector batteries because they last for years. Of course they always seem to die at the same time, and it's a big hit on the pocket book.

I *considered* that, Doug, but settled on regulars and changing them twice a year. The 5 in my house must communicate through the power lines because when 1 battery runs low and starts to beep, they all beep.

At 2am it's a PITA getting out a ladder to swap them. Especially since you change the first 4 near-dead batteries before getting to the problem one. Meanwhile they're all beeping!!!

Jim,

ours our monitored, so we get a phone call whenever the units think they are having a problem... like you said, it's always at 2 in the morning!

I am a big fan of Energizer lithiums. I get 800 or more pictures from a set of fresh batteries.
Just make sure you get the Lithium Ultimates marked 8X.
I just bought two 4 pacs on E-Bay for $6.00 ea.. I also get them at Adorama Camera Shop in New York, USA for $7.99 http://www.adorama.com/BYEULAA4.html
Those prices may or may not help you being in Australia