rechargeable AA batteries - how long?

[denanbob]

I don't mean how long do they last when you're using the camera. I want to know how long they stay charged if you're NOT using your camera. I don't use my camera all of the time. Actually, I haven't used it in about 3 weeks and I want to take it to my sons baseball practice tomorrow. Should I recharge the batteries or will they still be charged from 3 weeks ago (didn't use them that much after I charged them). I guess to sum it up.....do rechargeables drain while not in use? I have an S2 IS by the way. Thanks!

 

[bicker]

Leading brand AA rechargeable batteries are typically sold in three different packages: 1700 mAh, 2200 mAh, and 2500 mAh. Of course, the batteries that carry the greater charge cost a good bit more. Now, how long each will last in any specific device is another question, and that depends greatly on the power utilization of the device. Even different cameras in the same general class have radically different power utilization curves. I wish I could provide a more definitive answer.

Regardless of the mAh rating, rechargeables don't hold a charge very well when unused. I would surely recharge them just before each use, if you haven't recharged them within the last week or so.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have read the loss on nickel hydrides (I presume you have those) is about 30% month. I would recharge.

 

[Anewman]

There will be a drain in 3 weeks shelf time, how much depends on the quality of the batteries in question.

Depending on how many shots you get from a full charge and how many shots you intend to take...

Just throw them in the charger.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

They hardly have any memory effect at all, just top them up.