On Thu, 28 Dec 2006 20:16:33 -0500
wrote:

I just bought my first set of Eneloops. I have been using two sets
of two Energizer 2500mah in my Sony DSC- H1 The Energizer is a
standard NiMH battery that self discharges like all other standard
NiMH batteries. ( about 1% per day self discharge )

I charged the two sets of Energizers a week before Christmas. All
four measured 1.4 volts directly off of the 130ma slow charger.
Upon taking 100 photos on Christmas through today I only have a
1/3 battery indication on the camera with the first set of Energizers.
This used set measures about 1.22 volts. The second set of Energizers
have sat on the shelf unused and measures only 1.26 volts. They have
dropped from 1.4 volts to 1.26 volts in just 10 days.

The Eneloops rated at 2000mah measures 1.3 volts right out of the
box. They have sat on the shelf for much longer than 10 days.The
stated self discharge rate is about 15 times less than a standard
NiMH. This should mean that my Eneloops will drop to 1.26 volts
in about 5 months instead of 10 days. The gain of minimal self
discharge should offset the initial lower capacity in that it should
only take about three weeks for the Energizer 2500's to drop down
to the 2000mah capacity of the Eneloops.

If you put fully-charged sets of your Energizers and your Eneloops on
the shelf and measure their voltage once a week for a couple months,
you'll notice that the voltage curve over time is not linear enough
to make extrapolations as you did above. You'll also end up with
really interesting data about the actual self-discharge rate of
Eneloops. A grateful planet would thank you if you post the results
here. (Make sure the new batteries have been through a couple charge/
discharge cycles before you start the experiment.)

Paul Allen