BP-511 Lifespan?

[daniell]

How long has everyone been using the same BP-511 Li-Ion packs?

[Citizensmith]

I've got two from a G1 I bought in 2001 and they are still going strong.

[Snorky47]

I've been using the one which came with my Drebel for about 16 months, and it shows no sign of quitting. On the other hand I have a generic BP-511 which was originally purchased for use with my Canon Video Camera, which is still going strong after about 2 1/2 years. I use both, as well as two more generics and the BP-511A that came with my 20D in all three cameras. To be honest, even though I mark each one with the date it was put in service, I pretty much just grab a battery, any battery, when I'm ready to shoot. One of these days I'll probably get "caught" with a dead battery, but for now, so far, so good.

[kb244]

One of my BP-511 batteries, which still seems to last as long as a brand new one, was the one I had from my G3 almost two years ago, though I think Citizensmith takes the cake.

[GSDDude]

Does anyone discharge the BP-511 when storing for more than a few days? Will leaving the battery charged for prolonged periods hurt the battery ( such as developing a memory like Ni-Cads ).

[Raj]

BTW, how many shots you usually get with BP-511 (usualy exposures/non flash) ? I suspect the new BP-511 I got with my 20D kit is draining too soon. I took some ~400 shots without flash in field & battery indicator went to one step lower.
This is not a show stopper as I have a spare batter. Surprisingly the second one appears to be stronger than kit one.

[Citizensmith]

BTW, how many shots you usually get with BP-511 (usualy exposures/non flash)

The closest I've ever come to noticing was shooting close to 1000 shots in one day on a RebelD. Flash use was all from a 420 and I don't have any IS lenses. I chewed through the first battery and was down one bar on a second. So maybe 500-600 shots per battery.

[Citizensmith]

One of my BP-511 batteries, which still seems to last as long as a brand new one, was the one I had from my G3 almost two years ago, though I think Citizensmith takes the cake.

I just wish the G1 was going as strong as the batteries. The lens often refuses to retract when you turn it off, and the left button on the rocker switch doesn't work. I took the back off and somehow the little plastic lug has broken off the back of the switch. So it's hanging in there but just barely. It's been a good camera though.

[robertwgross]

Does anyone discharge the BP-511 when storing for more than a few days? Will leaving the battery charged for prolonged periods hurt the battery ( such as developing a memory like Ni-Cads ).

Don't confuse NiCd with Lithium ion batteries. They are completely different animals.

When I first started using these things in 2002, I was told to expect 300 or more charge cycles on each battery. Now, I wouldn't be surprised if that was a little conservative. Also, I was told to expect 1% self discharge per day. I've picked up some of mine that were last charged two or three months ago, and I can't tell much difference to one that I last charged yesterday. So, basically, I wouldn't worry about it.

---Bob Gross---

[Raj]

The closest I've ever come to noticing was shooting close to 1000 shots in one day on a RebelD. Flash use was all from a 420 and I don't have any IS lenses. I chewed through the first battery and was down one bar on a second. So maybe 500-600 shots per battery.
Yeah, matches my results, but i guess canon quoted (i read on dpreview) this battery takes 1000 shots including flash shots too :lol:
No sweat though ... !

[ahmadof]

i've stored both generic and original (came with 10D) for three months at a time with no noticable disharge. I have also noticed no difference in performance between the generics and canon. i too just grab a battery and go. i tend to get about 500 shots without flash.

[GSDDude]

Don't confuse NiCd with Lithium ion batteries. They are completely different animals.

When I first started using these things in 2002, I was told to expect 300 or more charge cycles on each battery. Now, I wouldn't be surprised if that was a little conservative. Also, I was told to expect 1% self discharge per day. I've picked up some of mine that were last charged two or three months ago, and I can't tell much difference to one that I last charged yesterday. So, basically, I wouldn't worry about it.

---Bob Gross---


Thanks for the info. Doesn't hurt to ask.

[spoolin_photography]

BTW, how many shots you usually get with BP-511 (usualy exposures/non flash) ? I suspect the new BP-511 I got with my 20D kit is draining too soon. I took some ~400 shots without flash in field & battery indicator went to one step lower.


i have got 1500 photos out of a single BP511A in my 20D, i was amazed with how long it lasted

[dphotomania]

Damn, 1 battery last that long for a 20D.... then I dont need the 6 generic batteries that I got.... :p