There's something wrong with my 7D's liveview

[scottsdaleriots]

I haven't used my camera since last uear, maybe late nov/early dec, so I'm trying to recharge my batteries. I'm messing around when my camera trying to consume as much engery as possible from my spare battery so I can charge it. Anyway I figured liveview would use up the most battery. Two things happen;

1. I can't use liveview for more than say 15-20ish seconds without it shutting it off automatically so the LCD is blank and you have to either use the viewfinder or press the liveview button again to bring it back up. This has never happened to me before (I realise it could just be nothing and I'm a bit bit ignorant in this area.) But I tried it again and again and again, etc. But the same thing would occur, the camera(?) would turn liveview off. Happens with any exposure mode.

2. I set it to manual with the video option set but the image on the LCD is extremely dark, however when I half press the shutter button when it focusses it's normal, the colour redition is as it should be then after like 2 seconds or however long it takes to AF the image on screen goes really dark once again. Doesn't matter what it is set to, manual, TV, AV, etc it's quite dark. AF kicks in it's fine but it then goes dark. The same problem as above ^ occurs with it shutting it off after 15-20secs. When I record it isnt dark just when focussing and whenever not pressing the shutter button.

Is it just error on my part since I haven't used my camera in a while? These issues haven't happened to me before. I just had my kit lens attached (18-200) I didn't try it with my 70-200 2.8 IS II but I'm sure it would've been the same results. If I could post a little video clip showing the 2nd issue with the dakrness I would.

 

[zim]

Didn't think these batteries had a memory so is ok to charge from any state?
Please correct me if I need to change my ways

 

[scottsdaleriots]

Sorry I forgot to write that I was trying to drain both batteries so I could recharge them. One was at 23% (which is totally recharged now) and the other was at 51% (which is still in my camera). I'm pretty sure batteries do have some sort of memory. I always recharged mine when they're completely drained.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Sorry I forgot to write that I was trying to drain both batteries so I could recharge them. One was at 23% (which is totally recharged now) and the other was at 51% (which is still in my camera). I'm pretty sure batteries do have some sort of memory. I always recharged mine when they're completely drained.

With lithium Ion batteries, you do not drain them before recharging them. Its harder on the battery if you totally drain it, in fact, a battery will die and not be recoverable if totally drained, so there is circuitry in it to prevent a total discharge.

Its likely your liveview is shutting down because of the low battery. After charging it, see if it happens again. I charge my batteries whenever they drop to 50% if possible.

 

[Loswr]

I'm pretty sure batteries do have some sort of memory. I always recharged mine when they're completely drained.

They don't. They are lithium ion batteries, and unlike nickel-based chemistries, they have no 'memory effect'. Li-ion batteries are actually best used frequently but lightly. Charge them often. Deep discharges are actually not good for the batteries, as they allow more buildup of oxidation products which reduce capacity and lifespan.

 

[lonelywhitelights]

I was going to suggest that it might be the "Auto Power Off" option but the minimum time is 1min so it can't be that.
Are you using genuine Canon batteries or 3rd party/after market batteries?
Depleting batteries to 0% is never a good idea. you should charge frequently, I tend to charge mine every other day, or every day depending on how much I'm shooting

 

[briansquibb]

I'm pretty sure batteries do have some sort of memory. I always recharged mine when they're completely drained.

They don't. They are lithium ion batteries, and unlike nickel-based chemistries, they have no 'memory effect'. Li-ion batteries are actually best used frequently but lightly. Charge them often. Deep discharges are actually not good for the batteries, as they allow more buildup of oxidation products which reduce capacity and lifespan.

I always put a fresh battery before I use the camera regardless of how many photos I have used. At weddings I change at every natural break point so I will get through 4 per wedding. When at the reception I get a place to plug in the batteries and start charging (I have 2 chargers). Keep then charged and they wont run out on you.