Not sure if this thread belongs here or should be else where. A moderator can move it is in the wrong place.

My bridge camera uses 4 AA batteries. As really good batteries are costly, I choose to use re chargeable batteries. When I purchased my camera from a camera store, they suggested using something they call ecoCell's, something they sold in the store. They are 2100 mAh, NiMN, AA, 1.25 volt. Normal batteries are 1.5 volt. They assured me I should be able able to shoot 600-700 pictures on a charge. So I purchased the charger and 8 batteries.

My question is this. I have never gotten 600 pictures out of a charge, no problem. How long should these batteries live. I made my purchase 3 maybe 4 years ago and been using them ever since. I have had pretty good service with them, but now I am really lucky if I get 100 pictures on a charge.

I fear that the problem may only be one of the 4 batteries I am now using, so is there a way to test them one at a time to see if one of them is not holding its charge? Since their life is getting shorter, I stopped into my local Walmart where they had RayOVav rechargeable in a 4 pack for $7.49. That is not a lot of money, but they give me 400-500 pictures per charge.

Should rechargeable last for ever or do they just wear out?

Comments please

Thanks

Steve