camera batteries

[pontifex]

Do camera batteries, the rechargeable kind found in most DSLRs go bad?

I have a D50 and if I don't use the camera in a long time, the batteries are almost always dead or near dead. I have one now that won't even hold a charge.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

My lithiums hold a charge very well even when not used for a while. Lithiums will go bad with age and lots of use though, but mine have been chugging along quite well for 3+ years.

 

[corkyg]

Yeah - eventually they will die after a lot of recharges. I just threw a set out - wouldn't stay charged more than a day. They are still "semi-expendable." Eneloops hold up pretty well.

Most rechargeables are NiMH. Li-ion are more durable, but not readily avaialble in standard sizes (AA, AAA, etc.)

Where they are used is mainly in proprietary designs - and in those circumstances, they hold up very well. Been using my Canon BP-11A's now going on 4 years.

 

[ElFenix]

lithiums have both a shelf life and a charge cycle life.

nimhs will self discharge after a while and require quite a bit of conditioning to keep at peak performance (though no where near as much as nicads did)

 

[bryanl]

Originally posted by: pontifex
Do camera batteries, the rechargeable kind found in most DSLRs go bad?

I have a D50 and if I don't use the camera in a long time, the batteries are almost always dead or near dead. I have one now that won't even hold a charge.

Cameras draw a tiny amount of current even when turned off, so if you don't plan to use the camera in the next few days, either remove the batteries or recharge them. But don't leave the charger connected constantly or the batteries will be ruined through overcharging, even with a smart charger
.

 

[pontifex]

well, one of my batteries is completely dead. i guess it doesn't really matter since I haven't really used the camera in ages.