I use a lot of rechargables for camera flash & other camera attachments. The rechargables are much better now than 20 yrs ago...I know that. I have good experience w/the life of rechargables. However, I do notice that the rechargables will lose more power when not being used. So, in my camera bags I keep a couple of sets of normal alkaline batteries for "emergencies", which in reality, don't happen very often.

If the electrical item eats up batteries quickly, I'd think you'd be money way ahead for rechargables.

Re. EdB's "hybrids"....I haven't had luck with them. After a few uses they don't seem to hold much recharge at all. I think I've given them a fair chance also. Might just be me. But overall, I like rechargables.