Batteries. Making sure they live long.

[Jackal]

I have one question on my mind right now as my Rebel XT's battery lays in my bag fully charged. (the battery that comes with the camera. Not third party)

Is it healthy for the battery to stay charged for long periods of time? (3-7 days). Or should you drain the batter by leaving it in preview mode before putting it away?

The only downside of discharging the battery is it won't be ready when you need it. :(

Would love to hear your experiences in battery life or any facts on the subject.

Thanks alot!

[johnnybfan]

Does the XT use the Li-on batteries? (I know dumb question -but I have a 300d) Because from what I understand the Li-on batteries will last much longer if they are not fully discharged. They are not at all like the nicad's which had major memory problems or the Nimh which like to be fully discharged from time to time.

[mdm]

From what little I read it does not matter.

[Jackal]

The battery that comes with the XT is the NB-2LH Lithium-Ion battery. So if what you said is true, johnny, then so far so good.

Any other comments?

Found this with a quick google search:
http://www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-34.htm
Reading it right now.

[tim]

Don't drain the battery, that's about the worst idea i've read about batteries. Batteries are rated for a number of full charge cycles, if you discharge it all the time it won't last as long, plus it won't be ready when you need it. Read this: http://www.batteryuniversity.com/

[Jackal]

Hah! Looks like I beat you somehow. We posted the same link. :)

Ok guys here's the most important point! Spread the word.

Avoid frequent full discharges because this puts additional strain on the battery. Several partial discharges with frequent recharges are better for lithium-ion than one deep one. Recharging a partially charged lithium-ion does not cause harm because there is no memory. (In this respect, lithium-ion differs from nickel-based batteries.)

[tim]

Hah! Looks like I beat you somehow. We posted the same link. :)

Ok guys here's the most important point! Spread the word.

Yeah, it's a good site :)