putting batteries to bed

[John B Davies]

Now that autumn is upon us, my Camcorder will not be used as often as in the Spring & Summer seasons.
What is the best way of putting to bed my Li-ion 7.2v batteries?
I have three batteries for my Sony digital VX1000 of 2700mAh capacity.
When I purchased my camcorder 3 years ago, the batteries would last up to 40 minutes duration. I use my camera as follows:- I normally switch off after each shot of 15 seconds, if another shot is not ready available in the following two minites or so -
Now my batteries only last for 15 minutes.
After normal use, I usually re-charge the battery for future use.
BUT IS THIS THE BEST OPTION to look after my batteries?
If the camcorder will not be used for the next 2 to 3 weeks or so, SHOLD I LEAVE THE BATTERIES IN THE SEMI EXHAUSTED STATE, and only re-charge them when I next require the camcorder?
HOW DO OTHER USERS TREAT THEIR BASTTERIES?
As a side comment, may I highly recommend this camcorder as being a fantastic performer, excellent pictures, excellent sound and it has an excellent stable platform for hand held shots, even on telephoto settings. Alsoit has a good feel and balance.
The still photo mode is quite good for pictures of up to 4 inches in width.
REPLIES to :- 106355.1042@COMPUSERVE.COM John B Davies SWANSEA.

------------------

[Johnc]

Hi
Li-ion units are supposedly not affected by "memory" problems. However, whenever they are not going to be used for a while, for a few months or even a few weeks, I suggest it is still best to fully discharge the battery. Before use they are then fully charged (of course). With mine, which I treat as above, there have been no problems. If I were going to leave them a long time, say 6 months or more with no use, I would as said leave them discharged and each half-year charge them fully and discharge them again. Leaving a battery partially discharged for a day or two should have no effect. When on holiday or doing a project I use two batteries, at the end of each day the one that has been in use is fully re-charged, the following day the other battery is used etc etc. At the end of it all both batteries are fully discharged.