Rechargeable batteries - for how long?

ScarletBea

Hi, does anyone have any idea how often you can recharge batteries before they stop working properly?
I think that my camera batteries aren't lasting as long after I fully charge them.

bazster

ScarletBea wrote: »

Hi, does anyone have any idea how often you can recharge batteries before they stop working properly?
I think that my camera batteries aren't lasting as long after I fully charge them.

Impossible to say with any certainty. How long have you had them?

n.b. have you been using your camera outdoors in the recent cold weather? Batteries do discharge a lot quicker when they are cold.

ScarletBea

I've had them since 2005 hehehe

And yes, I noticed that when trying to take pictures during my holidays in Copenhagen, so it could have been the cold, thanks.

bazster

Blimey, 5 years old, wouldn't be at all surprised if they're getting a bit tired!

altin_2

I have mine for about 2 years, and use them mainly for my little boys toys. Definitely they start having power issues after some times.

savemoney

The cold can effect batteries

I have some still working almost 10 years old since I got my 1st digital camera in 2000

ScarletBea wrote: »

I've had them since 2005 hehehe

And yes, I noticed that when trying to take pictures during my holidays in Copenhagen, so it could have been the cold, thanks.

brightonman123

might be worth fully discharging them, then put on charge overnight.

Aldo were doing 4packs of AA size for £2.79..

kwikbreaks

I used to hoard rechargeable batteries and some can indeed last for years but they also tend to lose a fair bit of their capacity and older ones didn't start out with the sort of capacity modern ones have. Most specify 500 to 1000 recharges which for irregular usage would probably be well over 5 years but I'll guarantee that 5 year old batteries won't have anything like their original capacity.

I got fed up with being let down by old batteries and now ruthlessly bin any that are over 3 years old or that have gone flat quicker than I think they should have done. It probably doesn't save money but it does keep my blood pressure down.

A good quality charger ensures you get the biggest charge into the cells possible. Fast chargers reduce cell lifetime regardless of any manufacturers claims to the contrary.