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....

[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.

[John_ · Accepted solution]

Judy, what I have read is that you have 4 batteries, 2 of them are new and all four show the same level of charge when placed in the camera and that charge level is less than full. That tells me you either have a bad charger or there is something wrong with the camera. Look at the battery contacts inside the camera, clean them with a q-tip and alcohol.

If that does not help then replace the charger with Canon if possible and purchase it from a store that will accept a return in case the charger does not solve your problem.

Forget about repairing the camera, it would cost twice as much as the camera is worth. If you want to stick to the same model then buy a used working one also from someone or someplace that accepts returns.

[Waddizzle]

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@JudyBear wrote:

Does Canon even make their own batteries anymore?  I can't seem to find them online anywhere?

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I buy my Canon accessories from the NYC superstore B&H.  There is a second NYC superstore named Adorama, which is not quite as big.  I always use B&H.  They have great service, and I have never had reason to shop across the street.

[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.

[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]

So am I. Do you have an advisement from Canon that recommends storing in a refrigerator?

[Peter]

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@ebiggs1 wrote:
So am I. Do you have an advisement from Canon that recommends storing in a refrigerator?

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I do. From Canon Europe:

Research has shown that the ageing effect is increased by temperature, so the hotter your battery becomes, the shorter its active life will be. Storing your battery in a refrigerator will extend its active life – just put it in a sealed plastic bag along with a sachet of silica gel to absorb any moisture. It will still discharge over time, but at a much slower rate than if stored at a higher temperature. 

Seems we can put this one behind us now. Also check out Battery University when you have the time. Not only information about Li-ion and how to calibrate a smart battery (and why it is needed) but also information about charging NiMH and NiCd for us who use NiMH in our Speedlites.

[ebiggs1]

Not so fast, it looks like a difference in opinion. One expert says it doesn't help and another says it does.  I doubt seriously many folks will put their battery is a plastic bag with a silica packet. So, even if it did help, how many would do that?

Duracell says, "We recommend storing batteries at room temperature in a dry environment. Extreme heat or cold reduces battery performance. ... refrigeration is not necessary or recommended."

Energizer say, "DO practice proper battery storage by keeping batteries in a cool, dry place at normal room temperature. It’s not necessary to store batteries in a refrigerator."

Snopes say, "1. Is it a good idea to store batteries in a refrigerator or freezer?

No, storage in a refrigerator or freezer is not required or recommended for batteries produced today. Cold temperature storage can in fact harm batteries if condensation results in corroded contacts or label or seal damage due to extreme temperature storage. To maximize performance and shelf life, store batteries at normal room temperatures (68°F to 78°F or 20°C to 25°C) with moderated humidity levels (35 to 65% RH)."

It is something I have never done. It is something I don't see as a problem. It is also something I will still not recommend people do. I suspect Canon Europe needs to update it's web page because current batteries are not the same as they used to be.

[Peter]

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@ebiggs1 wrote:

Not so fast, it looks like a difference in opinion. One expert says it doesn't help and another says it does.  I doubt seriously many folks will put their battery is a plastic bag with a silica packet. So, even if it did help, how many would do that?

Duracell says, "We recommend storing batteries at room temperature in a dry environment. Extreme heat or cold reduces battery performance. ... refrigeration is not necessary or recommended."

Energizer say, "DO practice proper battery storage by keeping batteries in a cool, dry place at normal room temperature. It’s not necessary to store batteries in a refrigerator."

Snopes say, "1. Is it a good idea to store batteries in a refrigerator or freezer?

No, storage in a refrigerator or freezer is not required or recommended for batteries produced today. Cold temperature storage can in fact harm batteries if condensation results in corroded contacts or label or seal damage due to extreme temperature storage. To maximize performance and shelf life, store batteries at normal room temperatures (68°F to 78°F or 20°C to 25°C) with moderated humidity levels (35 to 65% RH)."

It is something I have never done. It is something I don't see as a problem. It is also something I will still not recommend people do. I suspect Canon Europe needs to update it's web page because current batteries are not the same as they used to be.

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Is your source USA Today and the article about alkaline, NiMH and single-use lithium batteries? 2nd generation NiMH may decrease to 85% after one year but will after one charge cycle recover almost its full capacity. No point storing 2nd generation of NiMH in cold environment.

Seems again we are talking about two different things.