30D Battery Life

[FSALESI]

I've just upgraded from the Rebel XT and am pleasantly surprised with the battery life of the 30D. Currently I'm on about 850 pics on its first charge. The LCD still shows a full battery. Something is fishy, what's the scoop on this? Is it going to go from full to empty with nothing in between?

Thanks.

[EOSAddict]

Upgraded from a 300D to a 30D, same experience, massively increased battery life.

[FSALESI]

I'm worried about the meter still showing full. The battery is obviously not full and must be close to empty. Has anyone noticed this? BTW, firware 1.04.

[Ray.Petri]

Hardly ever run out of battery power yet on 20D or 30D even when I'm using image stabilisation or internel flashgun. I keep 4 batteries charged up as a precaution and usually change them when I might be going for a big shooting session.
Canon really should be commended for its attention to battery life.

When they do run out they are most likely to catch you unawares so if it's important charge/change them before it becomes necessary.

Don't worry about it - rest assured that it's normal and make the most of it.

I wish the AA rechageable cells and the devices that use them were as efficient.

[tdaugharty]

The only time I ever had an issue with battery life was with the early BG-E2 grip. I can make it an entire weekend on one battery.

[nitsch]

I'm worried about the meter still showing full. The battery is obviously not full and must be close to empty. Has anyone noticed this? BTW, firware 1.04.

Don't worry about it, it will eventually show less than full charge on the meter rather than suddenly going from full to empty and leaving you in the lurch. The battery life is amazing though, so don't hold your breath!! :)

[KenTT]

I've just upgraded from the Rebel XT and am pleasantly surprised with the battery life of the 30D. Currently I'm on about 850 pics on its first charge. The LCD still shows a full battery. Something is fishy, what's the scoop on this? Is it going to go from full to empty with nothing in between?

Thanks.

I have had the experience going from a Canon 10D to the 5D, battery seems to go on for ever.:)

[Jon]

The discharge curve on Li Ion batteries is pretty steep. It'll chug along for a while and then go to "low". After that it'll go to out pretty quickly, so you should change as soon as you notice the "low" warning.