Leaving Batteries In Cameras: Good Or Bad?

Leaving a battery in your camera for a short period of time, such as a few days or weeks, is generally considered safe and will not cause any damage to the device. However, if you plan to store your camera for an extended period, such as several months or longer, it is advisable to remove the battery to prolong the life of both the battery and the camera. This is because batteries can leak or swell over time, causing permanent damage to the camera's body and circuitry. Additionally, some cameras may continue to drain the battery even when switched off, leading to a shortened battery life. Therefore, it is recommended to check the battery regularly and ensure it is charged before extended storage.

Leaving batteries in cameras for a few days is fine

It is generally considered safe to leave batteries in cameras for a few days. However, it is important to note that this advice is dependent on a few factors. Firstly, the camera must be completely switched off, as some cameras can slowly drain the battery even when idle. Secondly, the type of battery matters; lithium batteries, for example, are known to hold their charge well and are less likely to leak.

Leaving batteries in cameras for a few days is convenient for photographers who use their cameras frequently and want to ensure their device is ready to go at a moment's notice. This practice can also help preserve the life of the camera's internal battery, which is used to retain settings and basic information like the date and time.

However, it is generally recommended to remove batteries if the camera will be idle for extended periods, such as several weeks or months. This is because batteries can lose their charge over time, and dead or heavily discharged batteries can be challenging to recharge. Additionally, there is a small risk of battery leakage or swelling, which could damage the camera. Therefore, it is advisable to check the camera and battery periodically to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

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

It is advisable to remove the battery from your camera if you plan to store it away for longer than a month. This will help prolong the life of your camera and prevent the battery from leaking inside the camera, which can cause permanent damage.

If you leave the battery in your camera for an extended period, the built-in, back-up battery within the camera will continue to be drained, even when the camera is off. This can cause the battery to lose its charge and be unable to retain settings and basic information.

Additionally, if you are storing your camera in a humid environment, it is best to remove the batteries to avoid the risk of water damage.

However, some people prefer to leave their batteries in their cameras, even when not in use, to ensure their camera is always ready to use. If you choose to do this, it is important to check the battery's status regularly and keep it charged.

Overall, if you plan to store your camera for 6 months to a year, it is best to remove the batteries to maintain the longevity of your camera and its internal components.

Lithium batteries should be stored at around 40% charge

Lithium-ion batteries are best stored at around 40% charge. This is because lithium batteries gradually self-discharge, even when not in use. If a lithium-ion battery is kept at full charge, the recoverable capacity is reduced over time.

The ideal storage temperature for lithium batteries is 50°F (10°C), but they can be stored at temperatures as low as 0°C. Storing lithium batteries at cooler temperatures helps to maintain their lifespan, but they should not be allowed to drop below 2V/cell, as this can cause irreversible capacity loss.

It is also important to keep lithium batteries in a dry place, with no corrosive gases, and to avoid extreme heat.

Batteries should be removed from cameras in very humid environments

Condensation occurs when a camera is moved from a cold area to a warm, moist environment, causing the cold camera body to cool the warm, moist air and leading to moisture precipitation. This can result in fogging of the lens and, if severe, the formation of mould inside the camera.

To prevent condensation, it is recommended to store the camera in a sealed plastic bag before moving from a cold area to a warm, humid one. This traps dry air around the camera, allowing the camera body to gradually warm up and preventing moisture build-up.

However, it is important to note that storing a camera in a plastic bag when moving from a warm to a cold environment is not advisable, as the warm, moist air inside the bag will condense as the camera cools down.

Additionally, drastic temperature changes can cause expansion and contraction of materials, potentially damaging the camera's components. Therefore, it is generally recommended to keep the camera in a bag when moving between different temperature environments to slow down heat transfer.

In very humid environments, removing the batteries from the camera can help reduce the risk of condensation and protect the camera's electronics from potential damage. Storing the camera in a well-insulated camera bag with a tight seal can also help maintain a consistent temperature and reduce the risk of condensation.

It is also worth noting that some camera models have weather protection features, such as the Olympus E-M1 MKII and E-M1X, which can protect against elements like wind, rain, snow, and dust/sand. Checking the camera's dew point temperature can also help anticipate potential condensation issues.

By following these precautions, photographers can better protect their equipment and ensure their cameras remain in good condition even in very humid environments.

Batteries should be removed if the camera is unused for over a month

It is advisable to remove the battery from your camera if you plan to store it away for a month or more. This will help prolong the life of your camera and prevent the battery from leaking inside the camera, which can cause permanent damage.

Leaving the battery in your camera for a week or two between uses will be no problem. However, if you plan to leave your camera unused for a month or more, you should consider taking the batteries out. This is because the camera's internal circuitry will continue to consume energy, even when the camera is turned off. If the camera remains idle, the battery will eventually be drained, and you will need to reset settings like the clock and date.

Additionally, there is a small risk that a battery could leak or swell, causing damage to the camera that can be hard to repair. While modern batteries are less likely to leak, it is still a possibility, especially in very humid environments. Therefore, it is a good idea to check the status of your batteries regularly if you choose to leave them in your camera.

In summary, if you plan to store your camera for a month or more, it is best to remove the batteries. However, if you use your camera regularly and only plan to go a week or two between uses, it is safe to leave the batteries in, as long as the camera is completely turned off.

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