Batteries or G2 issues

I know that my batteries, purchased with G2 in '02 or '03 have had a long happy life, but I'm hoping that new batteries are all I need.

I've been using one Canon and two "no name" BP 511's since camera was new. Canon brand battery began slowing down first, but now, none of the three will hold a charge for more than a few shots. Puzzling to my pea sized brain is the fact that when the batteries are fully charged, I get a voltmeter reading of about 8.3 volts. After a few minutes and a handful of shots, warning light comes on and the camera powers down, but the batteries still show 8.17 volts. That is a solid 8.17 volts, with no gradual drop.

Is this an indication that something else is going on inside the camera, or is this normal dying battery behavior? Maybe it's my G2 telling me it's time for a Pro1??

Thanks! - Dale Soelter

I am sure it is time to buy new batteries.

A Pro1 in the same package will be great!

A voltage reading of 8.2V is normal for a new BP-511A fully charged.
A voltage reading on a good discharged battery will be about 7.2V

The high voltage reading (8.17V) on your discharged battery is an indication that the internal resistance of the battery is high, i.e. that the battery is unable to charge to a normal level and must be replaced.

The actual voltage for your battery inserted in the camera will be certainly less than 7V and the low battery indication will lit.

150 - 200 charge cycles or 2 years may be the expected life of rechargeable batteries.