Camera Batteries

It’s a good idea for any photographer or videographer to ensure they always have spare camera batteries to hand. There’s nothing worse than having to call a photo or video shoot to a premature end because the batteries on a camera have died. While many modern cameras offer hot charging via a power bank, this isn’t always practical to do mid-shoot. So, the best thing to do is have a fully charged battery to hand, and simply swap it in when you need it.

Camera Batteries

Another great way to extend your battery life is to invest in a battery grip. It will allow you to connect additional batteries to your camera, which will not only increase shooting times but enable a better grip on your camera.

The vast majority of digital cameras use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, though some rely on conventional alkaline batteries like AAs or AAAs. When buying a spare or replacement battery for your camera, it’s critically important to ensure you get the right one. Battery models are highly specific, both to manufacturers and to individual cameras. If you get the wrong one, it not only won’t power the camera, it won’t physically fit in the slot.

The best thing to do is to check the specific model number of your camera battery, which should be printed somewhere on it. If not, a quick Google of your camera model should be enough to ascertain which battery it takes.

This isn’t to say that you only have one option though, as multiple manufacturers make third-party alternative batteries for popular cameras. In many cases, these alternatives can offer advantages like greater capacity, built-in USB-C connectors for direct charging, or shock-absorbing silicone to protect them from impact damage.

Battery charge capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh) – the higher the mAh value, the more charge a battery can hold. This isn’t a particularly intuitive measure of capacity though, and power consumption varies from camera to camera. So, to get a sense of how long your battery is likely to last, it’s best to look at a camera’s CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) rating, which denotes how many images it can capture on a single charge. These estimates are quite conservative – so you will likely get more shots than CIPA specifies – but it’s a useful baseline.

Some cameras allow for in-camera charging via a micro USB or USB-C port, while others require the battery to be removed to charge it. If you’re not using your camera for a while, it’s a good idea to remove the battery and store it separately. Keep it in a cool and dry place, as excessive heat can damage it.

It’s best not to let lithium-ion batteries discharge completely – maintaining a minimum charge of between 20% and 40% is a good idea for preserving capacity as long as possible. However, it’s best not to overcharge it as this can also harm how much charge the battery can store.

Even with the best care, it is normal for lithium-ion batteries to lose capacity over time, and after several charge/discharge cycles (the exact number varies significantly, though will likely be several hundred), it’s a good idea to retire a battery and replace it with a fresh one. Check local recycling and dispose of lithium-ion batteries responsibly.