511 batteries getting older, weaker. What Replacement?

[j_robinson2]

Have a couple of sets of BP511 rechargables for the EOS and they run

down fairly quickly. The older of the two sets runs down faster. Can

I totally drain and then re-charge through 3-5 cycles & bring them

up further & so they work in the camera longer... or is it time to

dump & buy new?

 

If I buy new, what will work the best? Anyone actually know of any

objective testing on these batteries? Or is it a crap shoot? Any

site with testing is appreciated.

[rwhillman]

I have had less luck with expensive Canon brand 511s than $12 substitutes I have purchased through ebay. But I would also like to know if there is any real testing. Bob

[Former P.N Member]

Been using these for a couple of years now -

<p><a href="

http://store.yahoo.com/sterlingtek/caeodicaba.html">http://store.yahoo.com/sterlingtek/caeodicaba.html</a>

<p>

They work just fine.

[steve_dunn2]

<p>Li-ion doesn't have the memory effect that NiCd does, and AFAIK when they get old and weak, there's no way to bring them back from the nearly-dead. Time to buy new batteries.</p>

 

<p>Buy Canon batteries and you have a reasonable assurance of quality. Buy off-brand batteries and you may in fact get better batteries (some have higher mAh ratings) as well as saving some money. But you might also get worse batteries; some cheap off-brand Li-ion cell phone batteries have caught fire, for instance. It's kind of a crap shoot.</p>

 

<p>I haven't had to replace my 20D's battery. When the time comes, I suspect I'll be looking for a brand name I've heard of before, something which is likely to be a decent product at a lower price than a Genuine Canon battery.</p>

[acedigital]

The SterlingTeks are great ($11.99) - I have 4 for my 20D and they seem to work fine and re-charge with the Canon charger.

[mike_hodson]

I've also have a few batteries from SterlingTek. They work great, they were dirt cheap and the customer service was top notch.

[sean de merchant httpw]

Ditto on the SterlingTek batteries. I have a couple of their generic BP-511s and have been happy with them. You can easily get 3 batteries and a car charger for the price of a single Canon battery.