Battery not showing as fully charged

[JudyBear]

When I charge the batteries for my RebelT3i, then install them in the camera, the charge level shows at the reduced level.  Turns on fine, takes great pictures, but shows low in a few minutes.  Help....

[Peter]

Estimated recoverable capacity when storing Li-ion for one year at 25 degrees Celsius is 80% when charged to 100%.

If you haven't stored the batteries charged to 40-60% in a refrigerator and you bought the batteries when your camera was new I would say it is time to buy new ones.

By performing a full discharge/charge you calibrate the battery indicator. Not recommend to do often.

[JudyBear]

How do I perform a full discharge to reset the indicator.  I was given the camera, so I don't know if that has been done previously.  Thank you for the reply, I am eager to learn all I can about this camera.

[ebiggs1]

"How do I perform a full discharge to reset the indicator."

You can't on a T3i.

[Peter]

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@JudyBear wrote:

How do I perform a full discharge to reset the indicator.  I was given the camera, so I don't know if that has been done previously.  Thank you for the reply, I am eager to learn all I can about this camera.

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You let it down to 0% and then charge it. Wait 20 minutes to let it cool down first before you charge it and calibrate the battery.

[Waddizzle]

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@Peter wrote:

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@JudyBear wrote:

How do I perform a full discharge to reset the indicator.  I was given the camera, so I don't know if that has been done previously.  Thank you for the reply, I am eager to learn all I can about this camera.

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You let it down to 0% and then charge it. Wait 20 minutes to let it cool down first before you charge it and calibrate the battery.

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Letting a local camera shop take a look at it sounds easier.  They might be able to check out the charger, if they sell used gear.  And, looking to retire the hand-me-down camera body sounds like a lot easier, too.

[ebiggs1]

"If you haven't stored the batteries ... in a refrigerator ... I would say it is time to buy new ones."

You are correct it might be time for new batteries but the fridge is a myth. The answer from battery makers is uniform and unequivocal. What battery makers recommend is storing at "room temperature," they generally mean between 68-78°F.

 "That's a long-held myth, and the answer is no," says Tom Van Voy of Panasonic Energy Corp. of America. 

All the major brands recommend a clean, dry, room-temperature environment. When stored properly, the discharge rate ... is negligible – only about 3% per year. ... lithium batteries lose even less."  

Rechargeable batteries are likely the main reason people store batteries in the refrigerator. Up until a decade ago, rechargeable battery life was pretty terrible and refrigerators was a recourse.   Storing of rechargeable batteries in the refrigerator, or even the freezer, was a way of slowing rapid loss.  Fortunately, there have been significant improvements in rechargeable batteries.

[Peter]

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@ebiggs1 wrote:

"If you haven't stored the batteries ... in a refrigerator ... I would say it is time to buy new ones."

You are correct it might be time for new batteries but the fridge is a myth. The answer from battery makers is uniform and unequivocal. What battery makers recommend is storing at "room temperature," they generally mean between 68-78°F.

 "That's a long-held myth, and the answer is no," says Tom Van Voy of Panasonic Energy Corp. of America. 

All the major brands recommend a clean, dry, room-temperature environment. When stored properly, the discharge rate ... is negligible – only about 3% per year. ... lithium batteries lose even less."  

Rechargeable batteries are likely the main reason people store batteries in the refrigerator. Up until a decade ago, rechargeable battery life was pretty terrible and refrigerators was a recourse.   Storing of rechargeable batteries in the refrigerator, or even the freezer, was a way of slowing rapid loss.  Fortunately, there have been significant improvements in rechargeable batteries.

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Seems we are talking about two different things. I am talking about estimated recoverable capacity.

[Waddizzle]

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@JudyBear wrote:

When I charge the batteries for my RebelT3i, then install them in the camera, the charge level shows at the reduced level.  Turns on fine, takes great pictures, but shows low in a few minutes.  Help....

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The average life expectancy of most batteries is 5 years.  How old is yours?

[JudyBear]

I just bought 2 new ones, and have 2 that came with the camera.  All batteries show the same level of charge when I put them in the camera.  I am baffled...