How do you treat your batteries?

… some say "modern batteries don't need to be emptied before reloading"

Others say "emptying batteries shortens its lifespan" …

#3 says "right, but only emptied batts deliver max voltage!"

Some say "use max loading voltage", some recommend "low and slow"...

How do YOU handle it?

Depends upon the battery chemistry and associated electronic controls (if any). Got a particular battery type and use in mind?

marchyman wrote: … Got a particular battery type and use in mind?

well, I'm using two sorts:
• my Pana707 has Li-ions
• for my 'trash cams' I'm using Sanyo Eneloops, Ni-MH
(btw: incredible 'powerful' batteries!)

Li-ion. About once a month or three I'll let the battery fully discharge. Not that this necessarily helps the battery, but it teaches the battery management electronics in the device exactly what an empty battery looks like. Otherwise the device may tell me I've only 20% of life left when there is actually lots more. Most of the time I let the device charge over night so it is usually fully charged when I remove it from the charger.

I charge Eneloop and other NiMH batteries as needed. That means when empty or just before I know I'm going to be using the device a lot. When I notice that the useful life seems less than usual I'll put the batteries in my La Crosse charger and select refresh mode. That will discharge then charge the batteries in a repeated cycle until there is no more increase in estimated capacity. It can take several days. When done it tells me the approximate mAh of each battery. I don't do that very often. I don't think I've ever pulled an NiMH battery out of the charger before it is fully charged.

Also, never store your batteries inside the camera. When not using the camera, take them out.

BenB wrote: Also, never store your batteries inside the camera. …

… I've learned that lesson, many years ago, when escaping 'liquids' killed my photocam .... :sick: