I charge it when it gets below 10%, or when I'm sure it doesn't have enough juice for the next shoot. I don't worry too much about optimization, since the new batteries are so efficient.
for Li batteries in general it's never a good idea to drain them completely on a regular basis... keeping them topped up is usually best strategy and they don't need any sort of deep cycling. They also do not like extreme heat and have a finite shelf life whatever you do to them (as do all rechargeable batteries to some extent). I read that for storage, 45% charge is optimum.
Not sure if the 1D3 batteries have any specific recommendations.
I have been rotating 2 LPE4s for 5 months now on my 1D3. The camera hasn't yet instructed me to do a reconditioning charge. Generally I charge the batteries when the level indicates 40% or less.
Alistair Watson wrote:
I have been rotating 2 LPE4s for 5 months now on my 1D3. The camera hasn't yet instructed me to do a reconditioning charge. Generally I charge the batteries when the level indicates 40% or less.
it it is wise to do so due to the chemistry in a Li pack starts to deteriorate the day is manufactured. its average lifespan (depending on the user and environment) is about 2-3 years with or without use. so beat them up while you have them. on the point of charge item. the battery itself has designed into it circuitry that prevents both overcharge and overdischarge.
How does the counter work on the 1D3? IIRC you couldn’t see how many shots you’ve taken without sending the camera to Canon. Or am I misunderstanding something?
When I got mine back from 'the fix', it called for the conditioning charge.
I've also found that, since then, I don't get near the shutter count I used to. As a matter of fact, right now, my batt shows 34% charge and shutter count of 372!!!
Ive heard 40% is good to keep li-ion stored. So I usually let my batteries shoot til they get to that point,and I don't charge a battery until the night before an event.
Right I understand the question now, I've seen no significant decrease, but maybe a decrease all right, I was regularly getting over 3,000 SPC before the fix, now I think it is dropped a bit ~ but then I've the recondition message so that's a plausible explanation for that ~ I'd say.
Certainly nothing as low as you mention.
bshamilton wrote:
Concur. But does anybody else experience only 3-400 shots per charge since the 'fix'??
number of flashes? 
