To leave battery in DSLR? Is it ok? Tricky to answer! It’s important to understand pros and cons.
In this article, I’ll share my experience with leaving batteries in DSLR. Plus, I’ll discuss risks and benefits.
Table of Contents
DSLR Camera Battery Types
Batteries for your DSLR camera? Three types! Lithium-Ion, Nickel Metal Hydride, and Alkaline. Each has its own pros and cons.
Let me explain them. Then, we’ll decide which one is best for your camera.
Primary Batteries
Primary batteries, like alkaline and lithium, are single-use. They give power through chemistry.
When discharged, the chemicals become used up and the battery can’t keep a charge. Examples of sizes are AA, AAA, 9V and more.
As primary batteries can’t be recharged, you should take them out when the charge is low.
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are a good pick for powering DSLR cameras. Li-ion and NiMH types are typical. Li-ion cost more, but last longer and recharge faster.
Pick a battery that is compatible with your camera model. Don’t mix different varieties or types of rechargeables. Keep away from overcharging, as it can cause them to break down early.
When not in use, store Li-ion between 40% and 50% at room temperature. NiMH should be stored cool, ideally below 20ºC (68ºF). Also, keep away from cars and sources of heat.
Battery Safety
As a photographer, I know the necessity of keeping my camera batteries safe. So, should I leave the batteries in or out of my DSLR? In this article, I’ll explain the pros and cons. Plus, I’ll give other points to consider when deciding whether to leave a battery in the camera.
Safety Considerations for Leaving Batteries in DSLRs
When deciding whether to leave a battery in your DSLR, there are safety considerations. Cameras usually go into “sleep mode” but it can still strain the battery if left for long. Leaving a battery in the camera can increase fire risk due to overheating.
To protect against damage, don’t leave your DSLR in direct sunlight or near heat sources like outlets or windows. Ensure proper ventilation for air circulation to prevent heat buildup. If idle for over three days, remove the battery and store it in an insulated container or bag. Batteries can still discharge when in the camera body and cause premature wearing or damage.
For shooting without fire and safety hazards, buy spare batteries to swap out newly charged ones without powering them down. This way you’ll have backup power ready without worrying about overcharging or heat buildup waiting for a full charge.
Potential Risks of Leaving Batteries in DSLRs
Leaving batteries in a DSLR camera may seem harmless, but it can actually pose potential risks to both the camera and the batteries themselves. The longer the batteries stay in the camera, the more likely they are to corrode and leak, causing damage to the camera’s battery compartment. This can lead to costly repairs or even render the camera unusable.
Furthermore, leaving batteries in a DSLR camera for an extended period of time can cause them to lose their charge and shorten their overall lifespan. This means that when you do eventually go to use the camera, the batteries may not hold enough charge to power the camera for an entire shoot.
To avoid these potential risks, it’s important to remove the batteries from your DSLR camera when it’s not in use for an extended period of time. Store the batteries separately in a cool, dry place, and make sure to check their charge levels before using them again.
In short, leaving batteries in a DSLR camera can lead to damage to both the camera and the batteries themselves, as well as a shortened lifespan for the batteries. To avoid these potential risks, it’s best to remove the batteries from the camera when it’s not in use for an extended period of time.
Conclusion
In the end, it is useful to keep your DSLR battery in the camera if you don’t use it much. Depending on the battery type and brand, it will likely stay charged for a few months with light use. Keeping the battery in the camera also means you are always ready to take pictures.
But, it’s vital to remember that leaving a battery in your camera over a long time shouldn’t be a habit. Batteries can weaken with too much charging and its lifespan may drop significantly if it isn’t used for long periods. If you don’t use your DSLR more than twice a month, take out the battery and store it in a cool, dry place until you need it.
