Battery Overcharge

[SeaCastle]

I just realized now that I had left my Canon Rebel battery pack in its charger for potentially 36 hours. I haven't tested the battery since I took it out, but will it cause enough damage to the battery that I should go out and buy a new one?

Thanks in advance for the help. I leave for my trip in a week, so now would be a very bad time for last minute camera troubles!

 

[Monorail Lime]

It should be fine. Modern battery systems are designed to stop charging when the battery is full or if it gets too hot. I would only be worried if you are using an inexpensive third-party charger or battery that might lack some of the safeguard circuitry.

 

[DisneyBergh]

I've done that and had no ill effects. Though ordering another battery to have as a backup isn't a bad idea.

I have a Rebel XSi and the battery is amazing (even after the overcharge). We went on a week long vacation last month and took a ton of picutures using the LiveView feature (big battery drain) and we didn't have to change the battery until day 4!

 

[NowInc]

Should be fine, but to be sure..make sure to drain it as much as possible on this use.

 

[SeaCastle]

Thanks for the advice, everyone!

I was worried sick that I really messed things up. I might pick up another battery later just in case.

 

[CP_alum08]

Like everyone else has said...it's fine. Camera batteries are just like any other rechargeable battery. Eventually these batteries will die out, but one (or several) overcharges won't make much of a difference. It is a good idea to try and drain your battery as much as possible between charges though. This goes for all rechargeable batteries. You will get longer life from the battery if you drain it and fully charge it, versus using only a little and then charging.

It is almost a necessity to have back-up batteries with DSLRs. Especially if you're shooting all day or doing lots of long exposures. I usually take three to WDW; one in the camera, one in my bag, and one charging in the room from the previous day. And don't be scared of third-party batteries. 2 of my 3 are third-party and I've never had issues with them.