Battery life

[chameleon]

How long would you expect a BP511 battery to last in a 40D if you are not using it very regularly?
I know a battery will drain over time, even if the camera is switch off but how long would it take assuming the camera was lying idle?

 

[Lufbrarunner]

I got my 40D on May 9th, the battery was charged and put in, I have taken approx 850 shots and the battery is still showing half capacity.

 

[Chappers]

How long is a piece of string. The battery life depends a lot on what's being used and when. The Li-ion BP511 doesn't have any memory so you can leave it in the camera and then top it up before you use it. I wouldn't go out on a shoot without checking the battery. besides it only takes about an hour or so to charge it up even if it's well down. If you are in doubt by a spare,you can get them very cheaply nowadays.

 

[chameleon]

Oh I have a couple of spares, I just noticed that one of the wee bars is missing on the battery level. I havent used it much so was just wondering how long it would last in an idle camera.