Battery Advice

[Andy M]

My girlfriends sister last month bought a Canon Digital Ixus 50, but didn't follow the instructions on completely powering-up the battery on it's first charge.

As a result the battery performance is dire. She's currently getting maybe 1 hours sporadic use.

I've tried completely draining it, then charging it overnight, but to no avail - it's still exceptionally poor!

Anybody have any ideas on how to 'reset' it, or is it a trip to the camera shop to buy a new battery?

[simpo two]

I'd suggest that, as it's only a month old, you try to get a replacement.

Li-Ion batteries aren't supposed to have 'memories' but IMHO they still need careful looking after. That's one reason why I have two batteries for each camera - it means I can run them from full to empty without partial charges.

[agent006]

Flatten it completely, then bung it in the freezer overnight. leave it to thaw out for a day or so then give it a damn good charge.
I accept no responsibility for damage to your freezer/battery/camera/neigbours houses as a result of following this advice

[monkeyhanger]

To be quite honest i rarely follow the battery advice to the letter and have never had a problem...


Go for a replacement under warranty

[poah]

Li-Batteries have a better life if charge frequently rather than left to discharge completely. if it's dying in an hour then there is aproblem with the battery. (unless your taking 500 shots in that hour)

[rico]

Should have bought a Nikon



sorry... been one of those days...

[Andy M]

agent006 said:

Flatten it completely, then bung it in the freezer overnight. leave it to thaw out for a day or so then give it a damn good charge. I accept no responsibility for damage to your freezer/battery/camera/neigbours houses as a result of following this advice

As the camera was purchased in Hong Kong, and she doesn't live there, I've chosen to try this method.

Sodding freezer is iced up (my laziness!) so the fridge will have to do for now.

Will let you know how I get on - thanks for the advice

[poah]

rico said:

Should have bought a Nikon sorry... been one of those days...

but at least for the hour that the battery last he can get better pics than he would with a coolpix over 6 hours

[Andy M]

poah said:

rico said: Should have bought a Nikon sorry... been one of those days... but at least for the hour that the battery last he can get better pics than he would with a coolpix over 6 hours

I did better than both, I bought the Casio EX-Z750

www.kenrockwell.com/casio/exz750.htm & www.dpreview.com/reviews/casioz750/

[Andy M]

agent006 said:

Flatten it completely, then bung it in the freezer overnight. leave it to thaw out for a day or so then give it a damn good charge. I accept no responsibility for damage to your freezer/battery/camera/neigbours houses as a result of following this advice

Quick update:

Thankfully the above method worked

Battery life is now considerably improved, and appears to be as normal.

Thanks to agent006 for the tip, one which I'll keep in mind for the future...