Lithium ion batteries for cameras are definitely expensive ranging from $70 to over $100 for the actual replacements from Canon and Nikon. We all know the importance of having a spare battery or two in the field work is essential . There are generic alternatives, but I prefer not to take any chances and choose to use the original equipment. The fact that there are generic batteries out there does raise the question, shouldn’t lithium batteries, regardless of who makes them be the same? Well the fact that generic batteries and the OEM batteries both use lithium ion is about the only thing they share in common.
- Never fully discharge a lithium ion battery. If the smart battery falls below 3%, it will not have the capacity to recharge
- For long term storage, the recommended procedure is to fully charge the Lithium-Ion battery, then discharge the battery until the 50%-60% charge level, and then store it at room temperature. When starting to use the Lithium-Ion battery again, use it until the charge is low, around 10 to 15%, then fully charge it again and you are ready to go back to normal
- Lithium ion batteries last somewhere between 1200 and 1500 charge cycles. You can prolong the life if you allow it to reach a 50% charge once in a while then re-charge as this will cause the ions to maintain a better charge
- Remember that lithium ion batteries are strongly affected by temperature. Cold especially will drain a battery quicker, so be prepared
- As a general rule of thumb, I charge my battery after every shoot
Some people have reported good success with generics batteries and others not so much success. As mentioned earlier, I am using the camera brand battery just to be safe. Like any of your gear, if you take care of it, it will take care of you.
