Jesu S

I have two camera bodies that I use all the time, and several older cameras that I only use very occasionally ... perhaps every six months. Is it a good idea to keep the batteries for the infrequently used cameras continuously charged (i.e. sitting in the charger for six months at a time), or charge them only when I plan to use the camera? I was told that letting a battery drain completely and leaving it discharged for several months would kill the battery or at least drastically reduce battery life.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I check my unused batteries (all NiMH) about every three or four months by placing them in the camera to see what the indicator says about them. If they are between 1/3 and 1/2, I put them in the charger. I always check the levels before I go out shooting. I would not recommend leaving them in an active charger for an extended period of time.

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I agree with Longshadows recommendations.

jcboy3

You should, instead, agree with dirtpusher's link and the recommendations on that site.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

A lot depends on the type of battery. NiCad, Lead Acid, Ni MH and Li ion cells all have different characteristics and different recharging and storage requirements.

Joe Blow

Dirtpusher has the right link. http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_store_batteries

Remove the battery from the camera. Keep it dry and at near room temperature, avoiding high and freezing temps. Do not let Li-Ion go flat as that will kill them.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Yep, letting a Li ion or Li polymer self-discharge below about 2.4 V will cause the protection circuit to prevent charging which makes the battery useless. You can often “resurrect” them with some chargers or by carefully applying a constant current charging voltage with limited current of ~3.7V directly to the battery if you have the proper equipment. Much easier to just recharge them periodically and not let them self discharge below the cut-off voltage.

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

Battery University explains all that.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Today's camera batteries BUILD no memory. So, it won't hurt them if you store them long term without charging. BUT, when you take that camera out after six months without charging the battery in between uses you may be disappointed when you start shooting and your battery goes and then you don't get the shot. Charge your batteries about every other month.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Charge them every few months.

Bison Bud

Leaving any rechargeable battery in an active charger for long periods of time is possibly the worst thing you can do to them! Trickle chargers aren't as bad as rapid chargers, but the excess heat that comes from overcharging does indeed damage the battery and shorten it's life. All rechargeable batteries generate heat as they charge and discharge and the faster rate either way, the tougher it is on battery life and performance. There are now many different types of rechargeable batteries and some, especially the Lipos, don't like to be fully discharged. Others, like Ni-Cads seem to do better if fully discharged, but the whole charge memory thing that people have talked about for years is still debatable. My recommendation for most any rechargeable battery would be to store it fully charged and then check it's charge status at least once a month, charging again if it gets down below half a charge. For personal safety and battery protection from short circuit, some sort of cover for the battery contacts is a really good idea. Putting a fully charged battery in your pocket with uncovered contacts is just asking for trouble. Short circuit conditions can cause these batteries to explode and/or burn and it only takes a second. Also remember that any rechargeable battery will eventually wear out, they don't last forever, but proper use can make them last a very long time. Good luck and good shooting to all.

dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma

You don't want to store li batteries with full charge.

lamontcranston

I have cameras made by Nikon, Sony, Canon, and Panasonic. Every one of them has a manual that gives you instructions on how to manage battery life. I would recommend following the instructions found in your manual for your specific camera.

OviedoPhotos

I have a timer that allows for 1/2 hour increments. I put all the batteries I rarely use on this timer for a 1/2 a day.