Cameras & Camera Equipment

By admin syosset camera

Camera Battery Charger Nikon

Rechargeable Batteries: Q&a

Q: How often should batteries be recharged? What is the best way to store them?

A: Here’s some pure-gold advice: Before using either a rechargeable battery or a charger, read and follow the manufacturer instructions. Still have questions? Contact the manufacturer.

Beyond that recommendation, here are the prevailing points of view (though opinions vary) on strategies for recharging and storing mainstream rechargeable batteries:

NiMH batteries (including precharged/hybrid varieties):

• Can be recharged at any time, no matter what level of energy capacity they retain.
• Periodically, it’s OK to fully discharge and recharge batteries. This is known as “conditioning.” See the next question for details.
• To begin a prolonged period of storage, all NiMH batteries first should be fully recharged.
• If left unused for long stretches, recharge accordingly: Standard NiMH batteries: every 1 to 2 months Precharged NiMHs batteries: every 6 to 9 months

NiCd batteries:

• Best maintained when completely drained before recharging is attempted.
• It is possible you to reduce the performance capabilities of NiCd batteries if they are recharged before being fully exhausted.
• Doing so could result in the dreaded “memory effect”—a loss of energy capacity after a NiCd receives a charge in a partially depleted state. A NiCd battery tends to “remember” to only store the amount of energy it delivered during its most recent discharge.
• NiMH batteries demonstrate no measurable evidence of a memory effect.
• For prolonged periods of storage, NiCd batteries should first be fully drained.

Lithium-ion batteries: Available for outdoor microelectronic devices, but are commonly found in computers, single-reflex digital cameras, mobile phones.

• Recharge often, even if only a modest amount of energy has been drained.
• Li-ion batteries are not vulnerable to a memory effect.
• Avoid fully exhausting a Li-ion before recharging. Doing so won’t ruin a Li-ion, but it is not viewed as a recommended practice.
• If a fully charged Li-ion battery is attached to device that also uses household electrical current (a notebook computer, for example), no recharging current is applied to the battery. A battery’s voltage must drop below a certain level before it will accept a recharge. In general, a Li-ion battery thus cannot be overcharged even if the device is plugged in and operated for a prolonged period. (Check your device’s manufacturer instructions for its battery instructions.)
• More charging cycles can be achieved if a Li-ion battery is recharged after shallow discharges (roughly 30% of capacity, which can be determined on devices that offer an energy capacity indicator or battery “fuel gauge”). If possible, avoid scheduling recharges after medium (50%) or full (90%-100%) discharges.
• For ideal long-term storage, opinions vary. All experts recommend choosing a cool location (roughly 60°F (15.5°C). Some people in the battery industry say it is acceptable to store a Li-ion battery fully charged; others advise draining it to approximately 40% to 50% of its peak capacity prior to storage. In many cases, it is hard for the average consumer to know precise capacity levels, even with devices that offer a “fuel gauge” display. The consumer should simply make his or her best estimate.

Q: Is “conditioning” needed for all rechargeable batteries?

A: Not necessarily, though opinions can vary widely on this topic when it comes to NiMH batteries. Your best bet is to consult and follow manufacturer instructions.

Conditioning is the process of “deep-cycle exercise” for rechargeable batteries, where most (but not quite all) of the capacity is drained from a battery, then it is fully recharged. Many newer chargers that offer sophisticated features include a conditioning cycle that can be accomplished with the touch of a button. Here’s some basic guidance:

• Standard NiMHs: Condition batteries after 10 normal recharging cycles. Some industry insiders say to condition NiMHs every 3 months, particularly if the batteries have been left unused or if battery performance seems sluggish compared to past performance. Conditioning prevents the formation of a crystal within the cell that can reduce its life.
• Precharged NiMHs Same as standard NiMHs; every 10 cycles or every 3 months.
• NiCds: Every recharging cycle should be a conditioning event.
• Lithium-ion: Not necessary. However if you have a Li-ion battery pack with a fuel gauge or capacity indicator, fully discharging and recharging the battery occasionally is considered a good idea. This allows the fuel gauge electronics will relearn its full-capacity levels and keeps the fuel gauge as accurate as possible over the life of the battery pack. At some point in normal use, many people commonly drain their Li-ion batteries to a near-nothing level, so the next charge serves as a “conditioning” cycle for the fuel gauge.

Tip: Conditioning is beneficial if a battery is frequently recharged after it gets regular use but only for brief intervals. Example: a security guard using short flashlight bursts during a nightly walk.

Q: How many charges can a rechargeable battery accept?

A: Based on customer feedback and manufacturer claims, my best guess for NiMH batteries is between 150 and 500. Maybe more, perhaps up to 1,000, according to some manufacturer claims. But maybe just a little over 100 if the batteries are poorly maintained. After 500 charges, even the most optimistic estimate puts a NiMH at 80% of its original energy capacity. If used constantly, a rechargeable battery will not last forever. A battery will lose some of its capacity with every charge. Various additional factors will influence its longevity:

• the severity of its power drain (the irregularity of a strobe-flashing camera vs. the steady, gentle pull of an energy-efficient headlamp)
• the frequency of discharges
• the temperatures in which it operates (extreme cold or heat are no friends of batteries)
• the pattern of recharging it experiences.

Q: Are all chargers created equally?

A: Not quite. Some guidelines:

• Do not attempt to recharge a NiMH battery in an older, timer-based NiCd charger, which could cause overcharging.
• Likewise, do not attempt to recharge an older NiCd battery in a charger designed for NiMH batteries.
• So-called “smart” chargers are preferred. Smart chargers are equipped with microprocessors that automatically shut off the flow of energy when batteries reach a full charge. Some can also supply a “trickle charge” to keep energy levels topped off until the batteries are needed for use. In some cases, chargers sold with rechargeable batteries are very basic, or “dumb” chargers that lack auto shutoff and other features. This requires the user to be a vigilant observer during a charging cycle to ensure batteries do not overheat.
• For NiMH batteries, “quick” chargers are preferred over slow “overnight” chargers. Quick chargers often get the job done in less than 4 hours. (On average, 3 to 6 hours are needed.) It is generally believed rechargeable batteries last longer if charged with higher currents.
• Older overnight chargers take as long as 12+ hours and may not automatically shut off the flow of energy when a battery’s charge is fully restored. This puts batteries at risk of overcharging and damage. Signs of overcharging include excessive heat in the batteries and leakage.
• Some newer “rapid” chargers (using technology called In-Cell Charge Control, or I-C3) refuel NiMH batteries in as little as 15 minutes.
• If a set of rechargeable batteries has been idle only days or a few weeks, it is wise to top off its charge just before putting it into use.
• One clever type of NiMH battery can be recharged using the USB slot of a computer.
• Never attempt to recharge a single-use battery (alkaline, lithium, heavy duty). Note: Some specialized alkaline batteries have been designed to be rechargeable, but they accept only a limited number of recharges and are not recommended.
• If a NiMH has been stored unused for years, it may require more 2 or 3 recharge-discharge cycles (conditioning) to fully activate the electrolyte. If possible, use a quick charger rather than a rapid charger in this situation. Most smart chargers offer a conditioning cycle.
• Conditioning may also help revive a rechargeable battery that is exhibiting sluggish performance or abbreviated charges. If your charger lacks a conditioning feature, a local electronics shop may be able to assist you.
• The terms used here to describe chargers—slow or overnight (12+ hours), quick (3 to 6 hours), rapid (15 minutes), smart (microprocessor-equipped)—are not universally found in manufacturer product descriptions. Look for time claims of charging cycles to determine a charger’s capabilities.

Q: Can batteries be left in a charger for long stretches of time?

A: Refer to the instructions that accompany your specific charger. With newer chargers, particularly those with an automatic shutoff feature, the answer may be yes. Most battery experts, however, caution against leaving any battery in any charger for longer than a day.

Q: Should batteries feel warm during recharging?

A: All NiMH and NiCd batteries will grow warm during recharging. (Interestingly, lithium-ion batteries do not.) Note: Batteries may feel very warm in rapid (15-minute) chargers. In slower chargers, though, excessive heat is a sign of potential trouble. If you notice leakage, terminate the charging process.

Q: What are ideal battery-charging conditions?

A: Room temperature; somewhere close to 68°F (20°C). Temperature extremes, particularly cold conditions, are tough on batteries. (It makes the electrolyte sludge-like.) And operating rechargeable batteries in very warm conditions will reduce the duration of their performance.

Cheap camera batteries: Digital Camera Battery For OLYMPUS LI-50B OLYMPUS LI-10B  Camera Battery NIKON EN-EL4 battery

About the Author

Battery-company.com.au is a wholesaler who sells replacement laptop batteries, laptop ac adapters, digital camera batteries, camcorder batteries, power tool batteries and battery chrgers. All products offered in battery-company.com.au are under the warranty: 1 year warranty, 30 days money back. http://www.battery-company.com.au

Skque Car and Wall Charger for Nikon ENEL1 Series This high quality Camera Car and Wall charger is made specifically for the Nikon EN-EL1 battery. Keep your Nikon camera battery charged with this easy to swap car and wall charger combo set. The charging dock is made specifically to fit your Nikon EN-EL1 battery and is equipped with circuitry to prevent overcharging your battery….

Nikon MH-61 Battery Charger for Coolpix 3700, 4200, 5200, and P Series Digital Cameras $8.44 The MH-61 Battery Charger is for Nikon EN-EL5 Batteries. Keep a charger with you on all of your trips, so that you won’t be without battery power again….

Nikon EN-EL3a Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack for D50, D70, D70s, and D100 $35.00 The new EN-EL3A rechargeable lithium-ion battery increases energy capacity to deliver enough power to shoot as many as 2,500 images per charge, all while maintaining the same form factor as the EN-EL3 battery….

Nikon EN-EL2 Rechargeable Battery (for Nikon Coolpix 2500, 3500, SQ, Digital Cameras), #9904 (Retail Packaging) $2.91 2/8/200615-19-33……

Sanyo NEW 1500 eneloop 8 Pack AA Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries $26.99 RECHARGEABLE UP TO 1500XLOW SELF DISCHARGE BATTERIES MAINTAIN 75% CHARGE AFTER 3 YEARS OF NON-USEPRE CHARGED & READY TO USE2000 MAHNO MEMORY EFFECTAA8 PKUPC : 043712129041Shipping Dimensions : 0.85in X 3.75in X 4.50inEstimated Shipping Weight : 0.5763…

Sanyo NEW 1500 eneloop 4 Pack AAA Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries $14.99 RECHARGEABLE UP TO 1500XLOW SELF DISCHARGE BATTERIES MAINTAIN 75% CHARGE AFTER 3 YEARS OF NON-USEPRE CHARGED & READY TO USE2000 MAHNO MEMORY EFFECTAAA4 PKUPC : 043712129065Shipping Dimensions : 0.58in X 3.75in X 4.50inEstimated Shipping Weight : 0.1409…

Sanyo NEW 1500 eneloop 4 Pack AA Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries with Charger $21.99 4-POSITION CHARGERCAN BE RECHARGED 1500XHOLDS 75% OF CHARGE AFTER 3 YEARSNO MEMORY EFFECTSRECHARGE EMPTY OR PARTIALLY DRAINEDENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLYCOMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT CHARGING SYSTEMCHARGER HOLDS 2 4 NIMH BATTERIESINCLUDES 4 PRE-CHARGED RECHARGEABLE AA ENELOOP BATTERIESUPC : 043712130054Shipping Dimensions : 1.99in X 3.75in X 7.13inEstimated Shipping Weight : 0.5726…

Red – Black Trim Slim Protective Soft Neoprene Cover Carrying Case Sleeve with Extra Pocket for Nikon Coolpix S2500 S3100 S4100 S5100 S6100 S6200 S8100 S8200 Point and Shoot Digital Camera + Includes a anti glare screen protector, will protect from any small scratches and dirt. $14.95 Protect your device with our Durable Neoprene Glove Carrying Sleeve, Its very slim, fits almost anywhere. Will protect your device from bump, dents and scratches. Looks very professional. This case will keep your device looking like new every time. This case its suitable for your Favorite Device. (Fits well with skin cases for does that have a skin case install on your device) + includes a Pink 6 …

Purple – Black Trim Slim Protective Soft Neoprene Cover Carrying Case Sleeve with Extra Pocket for Nikon Coolpix S2500 S3100 S4100 S5100 S6100 S6200 S8100 S8200 Point and Shoot Digital Camera + Includes a anti glare screen protector, will protect from any small scratches and dirt. $14.95 Protect your device with our Durable Neoprene Glove Carrying Sleeve, Its very slim, fits almost anywhere. Will protect your device from bump, dents and scratches. Looks very professional. This case will keep your device looking like new every time. This case its suitable for your Favorite Device. (Fits well with skin cases for does that have a skin case install on your device) + includes a Pink 6 …

Dark Green – Black Trim Slim Protective Soft Neoprene Cover Carrying Case Sleeve with Extra Pocket for Nikon Coolpix S2500 S3100 S4100 S5100 S6100 S6200 S8100 S8200 Point and Shoot Digital Camera + Includes eBigValue Determination Hand Strap Key Chain + Includes Anti Glare Universal Screen Protector $14.95 Protect your device with our Durable Neoprene Glove Carrying Sleeve, Its very slim, fits almost anywhere. Will protect your device from bump, dents and scratches. Looks very professional. This case will keep your device looking like new every time. This case its suitable for your Favorite Device. (Fits well with skin cases for does that have a skin case install on your device) + includes a Pink 6 …

Nikon EN-EL3e Digital Camera Battery Charger from Dinodirect.com