Charging eneloop batteries

I use eneloop batteries and so far have been thrilled with their performance. However, afew weeks ago my flash died and when I threw my backup I set of eneloops in they were dead too. This created a big problem for me! Since eneloops are known for their stellar shelf-life and the fact that I shoot with flash so frequently it was probably my fault. I must have forgotten to charge my backup set. Here's my question:


Can charging eneloop batteries before they are fully discharged cause memory? Ever since that happened I would love to charge all of my backup sets of batteries but I have no idea how close to being discharged they are and I do not want them to develop memory. Your advice is extremely appreciated!


Point of reference, I use the OEM eneloop charger. Peety3, I know I should buy the La Crosse BC-700 charger. It's on my list :-)

I don't know anything about eneloop batteries. But enepoop batteries are notoriously crappy.

I have some batteries that loose power (at a rate of about 1.5% a day) and some that work like the eneloops. While it's not the best practice, I charge nearly every battery that isn't an eneloop-like battery before every shoot (no matter how long its been since my last rodeo). I charge the eneloop-like batteries occasionally, but mostly I keep them for backup. I've never run out of battery power during a shoot--NEVER.


I know my routine may lead to a shorter life of the battery in the long run; however, I consider the cost of missing shots (or having to reschedule a shoot) to be much greater than the cost of another set of batteries.


Just charge your batteries before you shoot. Once they start losing the ability to charge, buy another couple of sets. :-)

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Originally Posted by alex

I don't know anything about eneloop batteries. But enepoop batteries are notoriously crappy.
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Oops!!! Hilarious, I'll fix :-)

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Originally Posted by Sean Setters

I've never run out of battery power during a shoot--NEVER.

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Luckily my "shoot" was my Niece's 1st birthday party and not a paid gig!I was able to just crank up the ISO and continue shooting. I actually had more "backups" in my truck but I was too lazy to go grab them [:$]

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Originally Posted by Sean Setters

Just charge your batteries before you shoot. Once they start losing the ability to charge, buy another couple of sets. :-)

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Unless someone with more experience tells me that's the worst thing to do in the world I think I'll follow your advice. I just hope that Costco continues to stock eneloops!
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Originally Posted by Mark Elberson

I just hope that Costco continues to stock eneloops!

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If they suddenly stop selling them, you can usually find the Duracell pre-charged batteries (like eneloops) at Wal-mart. The last few times I've gotten batteries, I've gotten them. They're not half bad.

I forgot where I read it at, but as I understand the problem of the old Nicad batteries developing a memory has been overcome with modern batteries-----does anyone know if this is the case with rechargable NiMh batteries?

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Originally Posted by bob williams

I forgot where I read it at, but as I understand the problem of the old Nicad batteries developing a memory has been overcome with modern batteries-----does anyone know if this is the case with rechargable NiMh batteries?
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Yes, that is basically true. However, after prolonged use, the batteries' capacity naturally degrades over time. There are some things you can do to aid in a battery's longevity, but in the end you have to decide whether it's worth the extra time and effort.

Thanks Sean

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Originally Posted by bob williams

I forgot where I read it at, but as I understand the problem of the old Nicad batteries developing a memory has been overcome with modern batteries-----does anyone know if this is the case with rechargable NiMh batteries?

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I believe that's mostly correct - modern rechargeable batteries have overcome many of those issues It's still recommended that NiMh batteries be conditioned regularly in order to keep them at optimum performance. A charger with a conditioning cycle fully discharges the batteries before recharging them, but not all charges do conditioning.