Battery Backups - how many do we really need? .. What's adequate? ... What's more than enough? ... What's overdoing it? ... Do we really only need one, or no?

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

What's adequate? ... What's more than enough? ... What's overdoing it? ... Do we really only need one, or no?

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

I assume you are referring to camera batteries?
That being the case, it rather depends on the camera you use.
Over the years I have found different manufacturer's of equipment
vary in consumption. One the whole I have found two batteries
to be adequate, that said, my walk-about camera goes through
them at a rate, so I have three batteries, one in camera, one
stand-by in pocket and one on charge.
Hope this helps.

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Leicaflex wrote:

I assume you are referring to camera batteries?
That being the case, it rather depends on the camera you use.
Over the years I have found different manufacturer's of equipment
vary in consumption. One the whole I have found two batteries
to be adequate, that said, my walk-about camera goes through
them at a rate, so I have three batteries, one in camera, one
stand-by in pocket and one on charge.
Hope this helps.

Three's a good number, Leicaflex ... two backups, one original ... any more's overkill, though ...

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

It depends ...............

3dees

I have one in my camera and one in my grip. that's all I have ever needed.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Chris T wrote:

What's adequate? ... What's more than enough? ... What's overdoing it? ... Do we really only need one, or no?

It depends. Its a completely personal preference depending on your needs and experience. I generally carry four spares in my holster bag and put at least one of them in my pocket if I'm not carrying the bag around with me.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

I have 3 for each camera. Not to steal this thread from Chris T, but Anyone know? How long will a battery remain charged while sitting untouched in the camera bag?

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Chris T wrote:

What's adequate? ... What's more than enough? ... What's overdoing it? ... Do we really only need one, or no?

I started with one extra battery, have it in a holder on my camera strap.
One day, with my grandson "helping" to put things away, that battery disappeared right after charging it.
Grandson couldn't remember where he'd put it, I couldn't find it; bought a new one just before we went on holidays. Next day found the "lost" one in the drawer with AA, AAA, D and C batteries....
I've only once needed the third battery, when we were on vacation for four weeks, camping (tent) and had no opportunity to charge the batteries.
From time to time I will have to put in a fresh battery; while I'm happy I have not needed the third one again, I am happy to have it and cycle through all 3 batteries.

Steve DeMott Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)

Chris T wrote:

What's adequate? ... What's more than enough? ... What's overdoing it? ... Do we really only need one, or no?

I have a complete back-up for both cameras. Each camera uses 2 batteries. One in the camera and one in the add-on grip.

Here's a small article on how to maintain li-ion batteries.
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/five-apps/five-tips-for-extending-lithium-ion-battery-life/

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

steve DeMott wrote:

I have a complete back-up for both cameras. Each camera uses 2 batteries. One in the camera and one in the add-on grip.

Here's a small article on how to maintain li-ion batteries.
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/five-apps/five-tips-for-extending-lithium-ion-battery-life/

Thanks, Steve ... I'll take a look ...

BTW, seems like you have a good case for at least one more spare, if not - two ....

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Morning Star wrote:

I started with one extra battery, have it in a hol... (show quote)

There ya go, Star ... got all the bases covered ...

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

insman1132 wrote:

I have 3 for each camera. Not to steal this thread from Chris T, but Anyone know? How long will a battery remain charged while sitting untouched in the camera bag?

That's perfectly alright, Insman ... it's a related topic ...

IMHO ... some batteries last longer than others, unused ...

I think I will start keeping a log - how many days or weeks since I last used the fully-charged spare I put in the bag ... (date insert)

That way, I will know which manufacturer's battery charges are retained, and which ones self-deplete ...

It'll be a good reference from then on, huh?

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

mwsilvers wrote:

It depends. Its a completely personal preference depending on your needs and experience. I generally carry four spares in my holster bag and put at least one of them in my pocket if I'm not carrying the bag around with me.

Wow, Mark ... I'll bet that makes it difficult, when called to a draw - huh?

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

3dees wrote:

I have one in my camera and one in my grip. that's all I have ever needed.

DDD ... I suspect you really should have one backup for each of your uses ... for you, that'd be two more than you have, currently ...

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

RichardTaylor wrote:

It depends ...............

Okay, I'll bite, Richard ...

What does it depend on ... ???

I'm ALL ears, Mate!!!!