2007Batteries/Power forum
Storage and usage practices for lithium-ion camera batteries
19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Lithium-ion batteries should be used regularly rather than stored unused, because they experience permanent capacity loss over time regardless of usage
- Lithium-ion batteries lose approximately one percent of their capacity per month through self-discharge, and any capacity lost this way cannot be recovered
- When storing lithium-ion batteries for extended periods of six months or longer, they should be discharged to around forty percent charge and kept off the charger
- Keeping lithium-ion batteries on a charger when not in use is the ideal storage method to prevent self-discharge
- Lithium-ion batteries have a built-in low voltage shut-off circuit, typically around ten to ten point five volts, that prevents over-discharging which could permanently damage the battery
- When using batteries of different ages together, newer batteries will supply most of the power because older batteries have lower voltage that drops more quickly, so matching battery ages together is preferable
- The term battery memory effect refers to limitations of older chargers and charging methods rather than an actual property of batteries themselves
Depends on
- Storage recommendations for forty percent discharge apply primarily to long-term storage of six months or more, not everyday practice
- Different manufacturers may provide varying guidance on battery storage and maintenance
- The discussion centers on Anton Bauer batteries and may not apply equally to all lithium-ion battery brands