How long does a Canon battery last? Ever wonder how long your Canon camera battery is going to last before it needs a recharge? Whether you have a DSLR camera like the EOS 5D Mark IV or a compact like the PowerShot G7 X Mark II, maximizing your Canon camera’s battery life is key to a successful shoot.
The last thing you want is your battery dying right when you’re about to capture that perfect moment. The good news is that with some easy tips and tricks, you can get the most juice out of your Canon batteries.
In this guide, we’ll look at the average battery life for different Canon cameras and share ways to improve it. We’ll explore how factors like temperature, live view use, and camera flash used can impact how long does a Canon battery last.
We’ll also recommend some best practices for charging and storing your batteries, so they continue to perform well for years to come. By the end of this, you’ll know how to keep your Canon powered up and ready to shoot, no matter the conditions.
Let’s dive in and get started.
Canon battery types and specifications
Canon makes several different types of rechargeable batteries for their digital cameras. The most common are the NB-1LH, NB-6LH, and NB-10L. Let’s break down the specs, so you know what you’re getting.
NB-1LH
The NB-1LH is a lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of approximately 5.4 watt-hours, which should be enough to power around 200 shots with an average Canon PowerShot digital camera.
This lightweight battery is a compact option suitable for casual use.
NB-6LH
For those needing more performance, the NB-6LH comes in at approximately 7.9 watt-hours. With this, you can anticipate about 300-400 shots per charge when using a mid-range Canon like the PowerShot G7 X Mark II.
NB-10L
For photographers who do a lot of shooting or require maximum battery life, the NB-10L is Canon’s most powerful option, with an energy capacity of approximately 12.2 watt-hours. This powerhouse can facilitate 500 shots or more when used with a high-end camera model.
To maximize the lifespan of your Canon batteries
- Avoid fully draining or overcharging them. Partial discharges and recharges are best.
- Store batteries in a cool place. High heat can degrade the cells faster.
- Don’t leave batteries unused for long periods. Give them at least one charge per month.
- Buy spares so you always have a backup. A rechargeable battery can lose capacity over time and with heavy use.
- Consider an external charger, which is often more efficient than charging in-camera.
By choosing the right battery for your needs and properly maintaining them, you’ll enjoy optimal performance and longer overall battery life.
Canon batteries: average battery life expectancy
How long does a Canon battery last? The average digital camera’s battery life of a fully charged Canon battery depends on the specific model, but most batteries will last 3-5 years with normal use before needing replacement.
Of course, there are a few things you can do to maximize battery life and get the most out of each charge. First, avoid draining your battery completely if possible. Doing full discharges too often can reduce the overall battery life over time. Try to recharge when your battery reaches around 20-30% remaining.
Second, don’t leave batteries sitting in a hot environment like your car on a summer day. The heat will speed up the aging process of the cells inside the battery and decrease its lifespan. Room temperature storage is best.
It also helps to avoid “trickle charging” which is leaving the battery plugged in and charging 24/7. Only recharge your batteries when they require it. Leaving them plugged in constantly can reduce their ability to hold a charge over time.
Finally, if you’re not using your camera equipment for an extended time, remove the batteries from the devices. Batteries left sitting inside digital cameras or other electronics for weeks or months at a time can slowly drain and lose capacity.
By following these tips, the average Canon camera battery last for 3-5 years before needing replacement. But when your battery life starts noticeably dropping off or isn’t holding a charge as long, it’s probably time to invest in a fresh new set of batteries. Your camera gear will thank you!
Factors that affect a Canon battery’s lifespan
How long does a Canon battery last, depends on several factors. How you use and preserve battery life has a big impact on how long a decent camera battery lasts before requiring replacement.
Battery type
The specific kind of battery you have matters. Canon LP-E6 batteries used in many DSLR cameras typically last 2-3 years, while NB-13L batteries for PowerShot cameras may only last 12-18 months. The battery’s capacity also affects lifespan—higher capacity means more charge cycles before the performance starts to degrade.
Charge cycles
Batteries can only be recharged a limited number of times before they lose the ability to hold a charge. Most batteries can handle 300 to 500 charge cycles before requiring replacement.
The more often you drain and recharge your battery, the faster it will reach the end of its useful life.
Storage conditions
How you store your battery when not in use directly impacts its lifespan. Batteries slowly discharge when stored, and heat accelerates self-discharge. Storing batteries in a cool environment can double their lifespan. Never leave batteries in extreme heat, like a hot car. Charge batteries to about 40% before storing them long-term.
Usage
Frequent use and deep cycling—draining your battery close to empty before recharging—can shorten its lifespan. If possible, avoid fully depleting your battery with each use. Also, avoid leaving a battery in your camera for long periods when not in use.
If you are using a mirrorless shooter from Canon, you have no way out but to rely on the Electronic viewfinder, which is a massive battery drainer. However, for DSLRs, you can always rely on the optical viewfinder to save battery life without sacrificing performance.
By following these best practices for using and storing your batteries, you can maximize their lifespan. Be prepared to replace them every 1-3 years for the best performance and to avoid getting caught without power. Using older, worn-out batteries could damage your camera or prevent it from operating properly.
Tips to maximize your Canon battery life
Now you know how long does a Canon battery last so that you can get the most out of your Canon camera batteries, follow these tips:
Avoid fully draining batteries
Only discharge batteries to about 50% before recharging them. Fully draining batteries can reduce their lifespan.
Keep batteries at room temperature
Extreme heat or cold reduces battery performance and longevity.
Take the batteries out of your camera if storing it in very hot or cold conditions.
Don’t leave batteries in the charger for days
Only charge batteries until the light turns green, then remove them. Leaving them in the charger continually can reduce their lifespan.
Use the camera’s battery power-saving features
Turn off the image preview, reduce brightness, and shorten the auto-off timer. The less power your camera uses, the less it drains the battery.
Have backup batteries
Always carry fully charged spare batteries, especially if you plan to be away from power sources for a long time.
Backup batteries allow you to keep shooting even when your main batteries die.
Recharge batteries before storing long-term
Partially drain and recharge the batteries before putting your camera into long-term storage. Storing batteries in a discharged state can reduce their ability to hold a charge over time.
Consider using third-party batteries
Third-party batteries are often much more affordable than name-brand batteries. Look for batteries from reputable brands that are specifically designed to replace your batteries. They can work just as well as the name-brand versions.
Recycle old batteries properly
When batteries no longer hold much of a charge, dispose of or recycle them according to the local regulations in your area. Never throw batteries in the trash.
Following these tips will help you maximize the performance and lifespan of your Canon camera batteries, so you can keep shooting for years to come.
With some TLC, your professional camera batteries can serve you well for a long time.
FAQ
How long does a Canon DSLR Battery last?
The duration of a Canon battery’s power can fluctuate based on the specific battery model and usage frequency. Generally, a standard Canon battery like the LP-E6 or LP-E17 may provide you with 2-5 years of service. Regular use gradually diminishes the battery’s ability to retain maximum charge, a key indicator of battery life.
If you notice that your battery’s power doesn’t last as long as it used to, or it fails to charge fully, it would likely be an appropriate time to consider a replacement to save battery life and maintain optimal battery power.
Should I drain my Canon battery completely before recharging?
It is not necessary to fully drain your Canon battery before recharging. Unlike older battery technologies like Ni-Cd, Canon lithium-ion batteries have no “memory effect” and can be recharged at any level without reducing performance or lifespan.
However, it is a good idea to deplete and recharge your battery fully at least once a month or so to help calibrate the battery meter. But for regular use, feel free to top off the charge whenever needed.
How long does a Canon battery take to charge?
Charging a Canon battery typically takes around 2 hours when it’s completely drained. However, the exact duration can vary based on the specific model of the battery and the type of charger being used. Some advanced chargers may have the capability to charge the battery faster, while older models might take a bit longer.
Also, keep in mind that the charging speed can be affected by the condition of the battery itself. As batteries age, their efficiency can decrease, which might result in longer charging times. Therefore, it’s always recommended to maintain your batteries properly to ensure their optimal performance.
Should I store my spare Canon batteries in the refrigerator?
No, storing batteries in the refrigerator or freezer is not recommended and can reduce performance and lifespan. Canon recommends storing batteries at normal room temperature. Extreme heat or cold can cause permanent damage.
As long as you keep spare batteries in a cool, dry area away from metal objects, they should stay fresh for at least 6-12 months. For the best performance, use batteries within a year of first charging.
How many hours does the Canon camera battery last?
How long does a Canon battery last, can vary greatly depending on the specific model and how the camera is being used. Typically, a Canon battery is rated in terms of watt-hours (Wh), which is a measure of the energy stored in the battery.
Under normal shooting conditions, a Canon battery lasts for approximately 2-4 hours of continuous shooting or around 400-800 shots. However, this can be greatly impacted by various factors such as the use of flash, video recording, live view mode, and the age and condition of the battery.
How long should a camera battery last?
The longevity of a camera’s battery life varies significantly based on several factors, including the specific Canon camera model, the battery’s capacity in watt-hours, and how the camera is used. On average, a fully charged battery for a typical DSLR or mirrorless Canon camera battery lasts for around 400 to 800 shots.
However, the use of certain features like on-camera monitors can significantly drain the battery faster. For instance, using the LCD screen to review photos or videos, shooting in cold environments, or using high-performance modes can reduce Canon camera battery life.
How long does a Cannon battery charge?
The charging time for a Canon camera’s battery can differ based on the model and the level of battery power remaining. However, on average, it takes approximately 2 hours to fully charge a Canon battery from a state of low battery power.
Keep in mind that usage patterns such as frequently using the camera’s LCD playback, or connecting to devices like a Teradek wireless video transmitter, can significantly impact the camera battery life. The more these features are used, the quicker the battery will drain.
It’s also important to remember that the life of the LCD screen and other components depends on a well-maintained camera battery. So, ensuring your Canon camera’s battery is fully charged before use can help maintain the overall performance and longevity of your Canon camera.
How long does the Canon Rebel T7 battery last?
The battery life of a Canon Rebel T7, like most professional camera batteries, can vary depending on usage. The Canon Rebel T7’s camera battery, however, may endure roughly 500 photos per charge under normal circumstances.
This estimate may vary depending on numerous variables, such as the usage of flash, the outside temperature, and how frequently you look at pictures on the LCD screen of the camera. However, Canon cameras, including the Rebel T7, have generally pretty impressive battery lives that let photographers take the photos they want without always worrying about charging their batteries.
Conclusion
You’ve learned how to properly care for your batteries and maximize their lifespan. Now you know how long does a Canon battery last and the best practices to make them last as long as possible. The key is not to be too hard on yourself if they don’t seem to last quite as long as estimated after a few years of use. Batteries naturally lose capacity over time.
But by following the tips in this guide, you’ll still get the most life out of each Canon battery you own. Keep shooting, keep swapping those batteries, and keep making memories. Your camera and its batteries are just tools to help capture life’s fleeting moments – so get out there and start capturing!