Less than 3 minutes read time.
If you’re like me and own multiple cameras or shoot infrequently, you may wonder: should you leave the battery in your camera or remove it? There are plenty of opinions and myths out there about batteries draining power, third-party batteries leaking, and other concerns. But there’s another critical question: what happens to your camera settings when you take the battery out and leave it out for a long period ? Let’s dive into this.
What is NVM (Non-Volatile Memory)?
Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) is a type of memory that retains information even when there’s no power. Unlike RAM in your computer, which loses data when powered off, NVM is designed to hold onto information indefinitely. Examples of NVM include hard drives, SSDs, SD cards, and USB sticks.
In the context of cameras, NVM ensures that settings like custom configurations, copyright data, and other preferences remain intact even when the battery is removed. However, some settings, like date and time, might depend on a separate battery or capacitor and could reset after extended periods without power.
What Happens When You Remove the Battery?
Modern cameras, especially recent models, often use NVM to preserve all your settings, even if the battery is removed for an extended period. For example, my OM System OM-1 Mark II retains its settings indefinitely without a battery. However, I haven’t tested whether its clock settings reset after a long time since manufacturers rarely specify this in their manuals or online.
Older cameras might behave differently. Some may reset their settings entirely if the battery is removed for too long. This is especially important to consider if you own legacy gear that you still enjoy using.
Summary :
- Modern Cameras: Most retain settings via NVM, even without a battery. Clock settings might reset but usually require minimal effort to restore.
- Older Cameras: If unsure, keep the battery inside if you’re using the camera frequently. For long-term storage, remove the battery to avoid potential leakage. It’s wise to check if your specific model loses settings when the battery is removed.
The duration a camera retains personal settings without a battery depends on the specific camera model and its internal memory or backup system. Here’s a more technical overview:
Key Factors
- Internal Battery or Capacitor:
- Many cameras have a small internal battery or capacitor that powers the clock and retains settings when the main battery is removed. The longevity of this backup power varies.
- Some cameras can retain settings for days, weeks, or even months without a main battery.
- If the internal battery is rechargeable, it may lose its charge over time, especially if the camera hasn’t been used for a while.
- Brand and Model Differences:
- Leica: Leica cameras typically store settings in NVM, so removing the battery doesn’t reset customizations.
- Olympus/Panasonic (Micro Four Thirds): Most MFT cameras store personal settings in NVM, though the date/time might be lost after a few days without a battery.
- Nikon/Canon/Sony: High-end models often retain settings longer due to better backup systems, while entry-level models might lose date/time quickly but keep user settings.
- Older DSLRs or Cameras: May lose all settings, including custom configurations, if the internal battery is depleted.
I hope this information has been helpful to those with questions or useful to others who might need it.
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I’ve never taken the battery out of any of my cameras for an extended time. Does it really help?
When my battery runs out, I put the spare one in when outdoors. After I arrive home I put the spent battery on the recharger and then back in its little case with the camera for future. I just rotate 2 batteries for each of my 3 cameras continuously.
Is it really necessary to take the battery out when you don’t use the camera so much?
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Hi Vicki,
You’ve got a solid method with swapping batteries, and I mostly do the same—it means I never need to adjust settings, so it works perfectly for the camera. However, it’s a different story for the batteries. Slowly discharging them in the camera isn’t ideal, but if you photograph regularly—at least every 2 weeks—and swap batteries as you do, it won’t matter much.
Just be cautious with older batteries. I keep original batteries for a maximum of 7–8 years and third-party ones for about 5 years. By then, they usually start to drain noticeably faster.
Have a great weekend!
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What exactly is real decaf? I have decaf coffee at home and drink it, but my stomach doesn’t handle the acidity well. I’ve tried many brands, but that acidic taste always seems to be there!
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Hey Ilze,
Perhaps my choice of words was a bit odd, and the sentence itself may have been a little confusing. What I actually meant is this: no decaf instant coffee—because, honestly, instant coffee has a strange taste in general—but instead, decaffeinated ground coffee made from beans.
I drink coffee daily, probably six to eight cups in the morning—a bad habit I picked up during my IT days and never quite let go of. Over the years, I’ve tried countless types of coffee, including decaf. Recently, I’ve been buying Nestlé Ricoré, which is a mix of coffee and chicory. It’s an acquired taste, but it’s supposed to be healthier. The downside is that it contains quite a few calories, so you have to be mindful of that.
On the bright side, it’s much gentler on the stomach. Once you get used to the flavor, it’s actually quite enjoyable. Personally, I like it!
Have a great weekend! 😊
Marc.
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