Dead Batteries
Mar 26, 2017 11:27:09 #
After 3rd party batteries didn't last as long asthe OEM, I scrapped them and since have only used the OEMs. They may cost a little more, but none of my OEMs has ever needed to be replaced, even after years of use.
Mar 26, 2017 11:36:40 #
I too write the purchase date on my camera batteries, but only use the date as a guide. I use only OEM batteries for my DSLR. On the "battery info" menu of my Canon I can check the current charge percentage, the number of shutter releases, and the charge performance of the battery. Once the charge performance gets too low (as soon as I see it drop to one bar on the scale for me, probably different levels for different photographers) I know it's time to recycle that battery. I don't know if a 3rd party battery provides the charge performance information or not. How long I keep a battery in service also depends on whether I'm taking short local trips or planning a long trip into a remote area. For a vacation, or planned photography trip I'll recycle any battery that has been at two bars on the charge performance scale for a while. The available information and scale may be different for your camera.
Mar 26, 2017 11:42:28 #
DavidPine wrote:
While I have an abundance (9) of Nikon batteries, I have been using several Nikon batteries for over five years without any incidents or failure. I couldn't tell you which are newer from the originals. One thing I love about Nikon batteries is that they seem to just work and work. I make sure they get recharged every couple of weeks.
I use Nikon Batteries too. I numbered them, as I purchased them and always follow the numbered sequence as they are discharged. They seem to last forever. e.g. on my D70, D300, D7100 and my Df.
Mar 26, 2017 12:52:05 #
boberic wrote:
No camera company makes batteries. They buy them from the various makers. Is there any way to find out who makes the batteries fior Nikon, Canon--or any other camera maker. A fair number of other camera parts and pieces are also made by vendors.
If i were to make an educated guess I would start by checking with Lenmar.
Mar 26, 2017 14:33:46 #
StanRP
Loc: Ontario Canada
cthahn wrote:
Keep your batteries fully charged. Where do you get the idea to leave them partially charged.
Of course you should 100% charge batteries you are using. Partially charged - 40 to 50% is for long time storage - months - years. At this level, it can handle high temperature swings without losing too much capacity. Of course, to avoid discharging, they should be taken out of the camera.
Mar 26, 2017 16:30:38 #
russelray wrote:
Never had that problem with Canon batteries in the 10 years I have been using them. They always get fully discharged while I'm using the camera, each day, every day. The Canon-supplied charger always charges them.
Your batteries have a safety circuit that prevents them from fully discharging and probably also has a circuit that prevents them from overcharging...as long as circuits work as intended.
Mar 26, 2017 16:49:41 #
Quote:
After 3rd party batteries didn't last as long asthe OEM, I scrapped them and since have only used the OEMs. They may cost a little more, but none of my OEMs has ever needed to be replaced, even after years of use.
I find that OEM's cost as much as 3 times as much as well rated 3rd party.
Mar 26, 2017 18:23:29 #
I tend to rotate my batteries, do not store them in the camera for any length of time and have always used the camera manufacture's batteries. If there is ever a problem with the camera/battery combination, you are basically covered (not necessarily without cost) as far as being taken care of, not voiding the warranty, etc.
Mar 26, 2017 18:45:23 #
russelray wrote:
Never had that problem with Canon batteries in the 10 years I have been using them. They always get fully discharged while I'm using the camera, each day, every day. The Canon-supplied charger always charges them. Been doing this for 10 years with batteries and cameras supplied with Canon XSi, T2i, and T6s.
No, your batteries are not fully discharged. The protections built into your camera and or battery turn off the battery when the cells reach a critical minimum voltage. You can check that with a voltage meter. If, for some reason that protection does not kick in, and the cells go below that point, you may not be able to bring them back up. Oh, and if they should ever swell on you, just get rid of them. It's a sign they have been over charged, and could be potentially dangerous.
Luckily for us, the chargers that come with our cameras have very good protections built in to stop the charge when it reaches a critical level. If you haven't already read the articles in the links above for the "Battery University", I suggest you do so.
Mar 26, 2017 18:51:34 #
Longshadow wrote:
I write the date placed into service on the battery with a fine point sharpie. That way I know which are the oldest.
That's a good idea. I'll have to do that for the next time I buy a battery. I number each battery so that I can cycle them. I currently have seven batteries for my two Canon DSLRs. Six OEM and one Digipower. The oldest is about five years old. The newest about two years old.
Bud
Mar 26, 2017 21:02:21 #
Any thoughts on leaving a charger long after the battery is fully charged? (Like over night) I have always suspected that this would not be a good thing. and do not do it.
Mar 26, 2017 21:21:01 #
sodapop wrote:
Any thoughts on leaving a charger long after the battery is fully charged? (Like over night) I have always suspected that this would not be a good thing. and do not do it.
I have been doing it all the time, for ten years now. Never a problem.
Mar 26, 2017 21:24:50 #
RCJets wrote:
No, your batteries are not fully discharged. The p... (show quote)
I'll believe you, but if the camera says the battery is too discharged to operate the camera and thus turns itself off, that, to me, is fully discharged. I have no need for a volt meter. How much voltage may or may not be left in the battery is moot if the battery won't operate the camera. My camera batteries have only one function: to run the camera. Never cared how much voltage it took, only how many pictures and videos I can take with one battery. Since I can't get through a day with just one battery, I always buy a second one whenever I buy the camera. Never had a lithium ion battery swell on me. In fact, I have never had one go bad on me. My Canon XSi, 10 years old, is still going strong with its two original batteries.
Mar 26, 2017 21:42:37 #
If you leave your lithium ion battery plugged in and 'charging' after it is full charged, you are relying on the protective circuits to cut off the charge before you have an explosion. Quality batteries and chargers 'should' do this, but I'd rather not rely on the 'safety' functioning as expected to keep me safe.
Mar 26, 2017 23:14:33 #
Might be the difference between a brand OEM product and a third party product. The instructions that came with my camera and battery don't say anything all this charging and discharging, so I went online and found this, which is right in line with the instructions with my camera and battery instructions: https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/index?page=content&id=ART104347
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.