Topping Off Camera Batteries: Is It Safe?

Whether or not it is harmful to top off a camera battery depends on the type of battery and the camera in question. For example, lithium batteries last longest when stored at around 40% charge. Therefore, it is probably fine to take it out and use it right away for a while, but you won't get as long of a first trial period as if you charge it fully first. However, if you were leaving it for, say, 6 months, it is best to store it without the batteries in the camera and at a little less than half full.

Leaving batteries in cameras for a week or two is fine

Leaving batteries in cameras for a week or two is generally fine, as long as the camera is fully off and the battery is not flat. However, it is important to note that different types of batteries and cameras may behave differently. Lithium-ion batteries, for example, should not be left discharged for long periods, as this can affect their longevity.

If you plan to leave your camera unused for an extended period, such as six months to a year, it is recommended to remove the batteries and store them separately. Storing lithium-ion batteries at around 40% charge is ideal for their long-term health. Additionally, some cameras have electronics that constantly draw power, so it is a good idea to check your camera's manual for specific recommendations.

It is also worth mentioning that some batteries, like alkaline AAs, are prone to leaking and can damage your camera's electronics if left inside for too long. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check your batteries periodically and remove them if they show any signs of corrosion or leakage.

Batteries should be removed if the camera is unused for 6 months to a year

It is generally recommended to remove the batteries from a camera when it is not in use for an extended period of time, typically six months to a year. This is because batteries can leak or corrode over time, which can damage the camera and render it unusable. Additionally, batteries naturally discharge over time, so removing them when the camera is not in use can help prolong their lifespan.

Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in digital cameras, have a limited number of charge cycles before they start to degrade. By removing the batteries when the camera is not in use, you can prevent them from slowly discharging and contribute to their long-term health. Furthermore, modern digital cameras often have a sleep mode or power-saving feature that minimises battery drain when inactive, so the impact of leaving the batteries in for a week or two is minimal.

However, if you plan to store your camera for a longer period, such as several months, it is advisable to remove the batteries. This is because the slow discharge of batteries over time can impact their lifespan, and a fully discharged lithium-ion battery can be harmful to the camera. It is recommended to store lithium-ion batteries at a little under half-full for the best results.

Additionally, removing the batteries can prevent any potential damage that could occur if the camera is accidentally turned on while in storage. Although rare, batteries can sometimes leak or corrode, especially if left unused for an extended period. By removing them, you reduce the risk of such damage and avoid potential harm to the camera or other internal components.

Batteries should be stored at a little less than half full

If you're storing a camera for a long period, it's recommended to remove the batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, should be stored at a little less than half full. This is because fully charged batteries degrade faster and lose their charge faster when connected to a device.

Storing batteries at around 40% to 50% charge is ideal for long-term storage. This ensures that they remain in good condition and don't lose their charge too quickly. It's also important to note that batteries should never be stored in a freezer, despite popular belief. Extreme temperatures can damage batteries, and cold temperatures can cause condensation, which can erode batteries over time.

Instead, it's best to store batteries at room temperature or slightly cooler, in a dry environment. Heat over 85°F can shorten battery life, so it's best to avoid storing them in an attic or warm room. Additionally, keeping batteries in their original packaging or a designated container can prevent them from touching each other and causing a short circuit.

By following these guidelines, you can extend the life of your camera batteries and ensure they're ready to use when needed.

Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location

It is generally not recommended to store batteries in a camera for an extended period of time, as the device may continue to draw power and cause leakage and corrosion. However, leaving the batteries in the camera for a week or two between uses is usually fine. If you plan to store your camera for a longer period, it is advisable to remove the batteries and store them in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated location. Here are some detailed guidelines for battery storage:

• Room Temperature: Store batteries at room temperature or slightly cooler. Avoid extreme temperatures, as heat above 85°F can shorten battery life, and freezing temperatures may damage flooded batteries. Keep the storage area well-ventilated to prevent heat buildup.
• Dry Environment: Moisture and humidity can damage batteries, so keep them in a dry location. Avoid placing them in the refrigerator or freezer, as the moisture can be detrimental.
• Optimal Storage Conditions: Maintain a temperature range of 40°F to 60°F for most batteries, with a maximum of 80°F. Lithium-ion batteries should be stored between 40°F and 80°F.
• Stable and Flat Surfaces: Place batteries on sturdy, flat shelves to prevent them from falling or being knocked over, especially those with liquid electrolytes.
• Avoid Direct Contact: Do not let battery terminals touch each other or other metal objects. Keep batteries of the same type and age together, and avoid mixing different types with varying power levels.
• Original Packaging: If possible, store batteries in their original packaging. Otherwise, use a container that prevents the batteries from touching and rolling around.
• Protection from Punctures and Crushing: Keep batteries in a container that safeguards them from being punctured or crushed, especially during travel.
• Regular Maintenance: For long-term storage, check and maintain batteries every three months. This includes recharging, refilling electrolytes for flooded batteries, and cleaning to prevent corrosion.

Batteries should be charged before a firmware upgrade

It is important to ensure that batteries are charged before a firmware upgrade. This is because firmware updates can sometimes cause a full reset of the device, and if the battery is not charged, the device may become unusable. For example, when updating the firmware of a Corsair Voyager Air, the device will be fully reset to default. Therefore, it is recommended to fully charge the device before installing new firmware.

Additionally, for some devices, a certain battery percentage is required to initiate the firmware update. For instance, to update the firmware of a Corsair Voyager Air, the device's battery must be charged to at least 20%.

In the context of digital cameras, it is generally recommended to remove the batteries if the camera will not be used for an extended period. This is because some camera components can drain the battery even when the camera is switched off. However, if you plan to use your camera soon after charging, it is not necessary to remove the batteries, as modern lithium batteries do not suffer from the "memory effect". Instead, it is beneficial to keep them topped up rather than running them down.

Therefore, to ensure a successful firmware upgrade and maintain the functionality of your device, it is advisable to charge your batteries beforehand.

Frequently asked questions