Nkon D800e battery life: Anybody have any issues with the life of batteries in the Nikon D800e? How long will battery last when the camera is left in the camera bag? I have to recharge...

MCoupe4me

Anybody have any issues with the life of batteries in the Nikon D800e? How long will battery last when the camera is left in the camera bag? I have to recharge the battery every 2 to 3 weeks even if the camera is not even switched on.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

My battery in the D800 lasts months with occasional use between charges. You may have something going on with the battery or the camera.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

MCoupe4me wrote:

Anybody have any issues with the life of batteries in the Nikon D800e? How long will battery last when the camera is left in the camera bag? I have to recharge the battery every 2 to 3 weeks even if the camera is not even switched on.

My cameras never sit for days much less months, I get between 1200 and 1600 shots on a charge.
I do have several Nikon models using the same EN-EL 15 battery in the sales and rental inventories and those don't all get used regularly but a fully charged battery never seems to lose charge.
Are you using a factory battery or an aftermarket? Many of the aftermarket batteries are not worth their packaging. There are also counterfeit batteries out there that look quite good.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

MCoupe4me wrote:

Anybody have any issues with the life of batteries in the Nikon D800e? How long will battery last when the camera is left in the camera bag? I have to recharge the battery every 2 to 3 weeks even if the camera is not even switched on.

Dump it :)

Meganephron Loc: Fort Worth, TX

Do you have the auxiliary battery pack? Had D800 with battery pack and besides being bulky, heavy and ergonomic ally awkward, I had to check the charge on both batteries even though the auxiliary was supposed to be used first. All these reasons are why I trade in for the D4s. Lighter,faster, better low light, better color, ergonomically comfortable. Image quality just as good at sizes I use (up 24x36)

Meganephron Loc: Fort Worth, TX

MT Shooter wrote:

My cameras never sit for days much less months, I get between 1200 and 1600 shots on a charge.
I do have several Nikon models using the same EN-EL 15 battery in the sales and rental inventories and those don't all get used regularly but a fully charged battery never seems to lose charge.
Are you using a factory battery or an aftermarket? Many of the aftermarket batteries are not worth their packaging. There are also counterfeit batteries out there that look quite good.

A truly unique experience. With battery pack, still had to recharge batteries if camera sat for several weak. Single battery setup will not get you through a long day. Never got anywhere near 1200 photos eve with two batteries. Nikon blew the battery design on this camera which is why you have to spend $600 for the extra pack. And yes, I only use Nikon OEM batteries no gray market. Camera was huge disappointment. Much happier with D4s.

MCoupe4me

Thanks for all the reply's. I am using the Vivitar battery packs along with an aftermarket battery grip. The Vivitars have a higher 2500mAmh output than the original Nikon batteries. All my other digital cameras tend to hold power longer than the D800e. I was thinking there was something in the setup that might cause the camera to be using more power even in shutdown mode. Once again, thank you to everyone that responded.

DigitalDon Loc: Calgary, Alberta

On my 800E I usually get between 3000-4000 pics on a fully charged battery. However, I seldom review the pics in camera. I find pics that look fine on the small camera monitor are not neccessary good on a full size monitor. I also never remove the battery until completely discharged. I always have 2 batteries. I cannot say whether my camera drains while not being used, I am always using my cameras. (I do leave them on quite a bit, I am sure they are shutting off automatically as there doesn't appear to be a drain.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

MCoupe4me wrote:

Anybody have any issues with the life of batteries in the Nikon D800e? How long will battery last when the camera is left in the camera bag? I have to recharge the battery every 2 to 3 weeks even if the camera is not even switched on.

I have developed the habit of shutting my camera off between shots if it will be a few minutes or longer. I have gone for as long as 4-5 days of heavy shooting without running out, although I always carry at least one extra battery.

I have had no problems with the Nikon supplied batteries.

amehta Loc: Boston

MCoupe4me wrote:

Thanks for all the reply's. I am using the Vivitar battery packs along with an aftermarket battery grip. The Vivitars have a higher 2500mAmh output than the original Nikon batteries. All my other digital cameras tend to hold power longer than the D800e. I was thinking there was something in the setup that might cause the camera to be using more power even in shutdown mode. Once again, thank you to everyone that responded.

The higher battery capacity often results in higher "self-discharge" rates, which is what you are experiencing.

Sanyo eneloop batteries were developed several years ago to hold charge longer. they are supposed to have a high level of charge (over 80%) after a year, while high capacity NiMH batteries would be at 50% after several weeks. While they used slightly different materials, they also reduced the capacity. This is all part of the trade-offs in battery design.