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epowell
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Joined: September 23, 2015
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Location: Czech (mostly) Vancouver (sometimes)
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 Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 3:59 pm Post subject: Question about digital camera batteries |
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We all know that if you charge up a digital camera battery then let the camera sit for a year or two unused, the battery will swell up and die...
....my question is this: What if a digital camera is purchased, but never charged up, but rather is left sitting for 3 or 4 years on the shelf at home. Will this camera's battery still be good once it is charged up and used regularly?
Thanks
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photogdave
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Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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| Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 4:14 pm Post subject: Re: Question about digital camera batteries |
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| epowell wrote: |
| We all know that if you charge up a digital camera battery then let the camera sit for a year or two unused, the battery will swell up and die... |
Not true of the Li-ion batteries that most digital cameras have come with for the last 10 years or so.
| epowell wrote: |
....my question is this: What if a digital camera is purchased, but never charged up, but rather is left sitting for 3 or 4 years on the shelf at home. Will this camera's battery still be good once it is charged up and used regularly?
Thanks |
The battery should work fine, again if it's Li-ion. If it's Ni-Cad or Ni-MH you might be out of luck. Fully charge it, run it until it's dead then fully charge it again. Should be okay.
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epowell
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Location: Czech (mostly) Vancouver (sometimes)
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| Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 4:29 pm Post subject: Re: Question about digital camera batteries |
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Oh really??
So I found a couple of Canon camera in excellent condition for very cheap and they both have NB4L http://estore.canon.ca/shop/en-CA/catalog/product-...CpIUi0rLIU
batteries.
These cameras are 6 years old and not used at all... both batteries were slightly bulging (swelling), and I turned down these cameras because I figured the batteries will die soon.
I wonder if I made a mistake?
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photogdave
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| Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 4:36 pm Post subject: Re: Question about digital camera batteries |
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| epowell wrote: |
Oh really??
So I found a couple of Canon camera in excellent condition for very cheap and they both have NB4L http://estore.canon.ca/shop/en-CA/catalog/product-...CpIUi0rLIU
batteries.
These cameras are 6 years old and not used at all... both batteries were slightly bulging (swelling), and I turned down these cameras because I figured the batteries will die soon.
I wonder if I made a mistake? |
The only reason they would swell would be from overcharging or long exposure to direct heat. The proper Canon chargers cannot overcharge, so it's either the latter, or a cheap third-party charger was used.
That link is for MSRP pricing. In the store the batteries are much cheaper, or you can find quality third-party brands (Delkin) that are inexpensive but don't hold a charge as long as the authentic Canon battery.
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epowell
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| Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 4:45 pm Post subject: Re: Question about digital camera batteries |
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So the NB4L is a Li-on....
I see... so you figure that those tow batteries might still be OK even if slightly swollen? ...or once slightly swollen are they damaged?
The guy had charged them up 2 weeks before showing me, and they seemed to work fine.
The cheapest I found them in Vancouver (where I am) is $20 each incl tax.
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photogdave
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| Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 5:01 pm Post subject: Re: Question about digital camera batteries |
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I would stay away from the swollen batteries. Make a deal without them and get the $20 if they are from a reputable brand.
Drop by or call Leo's Cameras 604 685-5331 for more info. I used to work there and know they will tell you the truth and not just try and sell you something. They may even have a better deal on a used camera.
Ask for Jeff — he's the battery expert.
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epowell
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| Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 5:11 pm Post subject: Re: Question about digital camera batteries |
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Yeah, when I felt them - the swelling is very slight, but I think I know enough to recognize a swollen battery - my guess is that those batteries won't last more than 6 - 12 months.
Thanks for the tip about Leo's Camera... I will call Jeff.
Thanks!
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OB Bus
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| Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 7:26 pm Post subject: Re: Question about digital camera batteries |
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Or go on Amazon and get some pretty good batteries for very little money. Buy several, have them all charged up before you leave and never have to worry about a dead battery.
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epowell
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| Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 7:53 pm Post subject: Re: Question about digital camera batteries |
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| OB Bus wrote: |
| Or go on Amazon |
Amazon and ebay are cheap if you live in the US.... from Canada, not so much because shipping is so expensive.
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photogdave
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| Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 11:13 pm Post subject: Re: Question about digital camera batteries |
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| epowell wrote: |
| OB Bus wrote: |
| Or go on Amazon |
Amazon and ebay are cheap if you live in the US.... from Canada, not so much because shipping is so expensive. |
Not to mention the exchange rate...and the shame of not supporting a helpful local business. 
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