Canon 430 EX II Batteries go flat when not in use?

[instigator]

Hi, I got a Canon 430 EX II Flash unit, i have 2 sets of four batteries.
I often charge my batteries so they are ready for use,
only to find a week or so later when i come to use them that
they have gone flat. They work fine if i use them straight after charging.
They seem to lose charge if i leave them in the flash or in my camera bag.
Its quite annoying because i like to have everything prepared incase
i get a spur of a moment urge to do some photography.

Anyway, is this normal for rechargable batteries?
Do they lose their charge if not used?

The batteries i use are Energizer 2500 mAh and Duracell 2650 mAh.

Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated!

 

[beermonster65]

i find my engergizers go flat, switched to Eneloops and problem is solved, they hold charge very well and last much longer than the energizers, i got them from 7day shop.

 

[Chaz Photos]

I have 7dayshop own one 2800 mAh and they hold there charge well

 

[Slimbert]

Another thumbs up for Sanyo eneloops!

 

[Mano_X]

Use the new type of Batteries:

General Features :
# Rechargeable Ni-MH CycleEnergy Blue "AA" Battery 4-Pack
# Model No: NH-AA-B4K
# Pre-charged, ready to use right out of the package
# Low self-discharge ever after one year of storage they hold 85% of their charge (After fully charged and stored at room temperature 68F or 20C)
# Economical and environmentally friendly recharge up to 1,000 times

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_3&products_id=107341

 

[instigator]

thanks for the help guys, just ordered myself some sanyo eneloop ones and a pack of the 7day own brand ones to test out.

Thanks again.