I want to take an extra set of rechargeable AA digital batteries on vacation with me. Does anyone know if you have to have the same brand of batteries as your charger. All of the chargers say you do---but I have heard that is because they want you to buy theirs?<BR>Thanks.<BR>

Just bought some today at Radio Shack... 4 extras for $17.99... they dont have to match your recharger.

They DO have to be the same "kind"--nickel hydride or whatever. We found the recharger worked in the shaver plug in France.

I was just packing my charger and now I understand why you are asking this question... my charger talks about using the same Ni-MH batteries. Not the same brand as the charger, but the same Ni-MH type of batteries. I just wanted to clarify this after reading the other post.

You're better off buying new batteries rather than risking a blow out. Do you really want to carry a converter box, adapter plug and the battery charger unit? You'll find batteries anywhere tourists go and don't sweat the prices. And don't depend on the razor plug to work. If it doesn't and you blow out your camera, will you believe me?

17.99 for 4 AA-batteries? I think I paid $3 for 10 at Ikea (Varta).

Daniel: You need rechargeable batteries for a digital camera, which cost a lot more than typical batteries.

Mary - I bought the small charger with the flip-up plug. I charged 4 extra batteries today and will leave the charger at home when we leave tomorrow. Those should get me thru a two week vacation. But if you want to take your charger - all you should need is an adapter plug. Most chargers do not require a convertor of any sort.