When you’re out on a shoot with your digital camera, the last thing you want to worry about is having your camera die as you’re about to capture that perfect shot. Picking out a long-lasting digital camera battery can help lengthen the time your camera holds its charge, letting you get out and enjoy photographing the world around you.
The best digital camera battery for you will depend on what is most important to you and what sort of camera you have. For instance, if you have a Canon camera and want ultimate rechargeable battery power, the BM Premium Dual Bay USB Digital Charger would be an ideal purchase for you.
What to know before you buy a digital camera battery
Camera compatibility
As with any battery, digital camera batteries are often only compatible with a limited number of brands. Some pair exclusively with one line of cameras, such as with Canon or Nikon. Be sure to keep in mind the make and model of your rig to make sure that the camera batteries you’re considering will properly pair with it. For more information about cameras and photography must-haves, check out the full digital camera buying guide from BestReviews.
Rechargeable vs. disposable
The two options for digital camera batteries are ones that can be recharged and reused or expendable ones that have a limited amount of juice. These disposable batteries are like standard AA batteries and have to be tossed when they’re spent. The latter are generally cheaper and lightweight, making for a great option for on-the-go use, while rechargeable batteries are ideal for photographers who carry a camera bag and extra equipment with them. Keeping a power bank in your camera bag makes it virtually impossible for your rechargeable battery to unexpectedly die in the middle of a shoot.
Battery longevity
The amount of time that a battery can last before needing to be replaced or recharged is actively the most important factor in determining which digital camera battery to choose. If you don’t plan on being away from a charging port for very long in any given shoot, it may not matter as much to you. However, if you’ll be going frequently for shoots or will be traveling with your camera, it pays to invest in a battery that can go the distance with you.
Digital camera battery features
Adapters
Digital camera batteries that come in rechargeable models will often need adapters in order to plug in their power banks to a power source. These are most commonly USB adapters and it’s an added feature if the batteries come with adapters, though sometimes they’re sold separately.
Indicator light
Some power banks for rechargeable batteries will indicate the amount of charge with lights or numbers, indicating with a flash that the battery has been fully charged. Some even will show the estimated percentage of charge that a battery has achieved. This helps you more accurately know how much life you’ll have for your batteries.
Heat and cold safe
Batteries should be properly tested and coated so as to not melt or crack in extreme temperatures. That said, it’s not recommended that you use the camera or its batteries in extreme weather conditions if you can help it.
Digital camera battery cost
Digital camera batteries generally cost between $10-$40. Disposable batteries cost less than reusable batteries per use, but will have to be replaced when they run out of charge, so they will cost more over time if you use them often. Lithium-ion batteries tend to cost more than other types of batteries.
Digital camera battery FAQ
What type of battery lasts the longest?
A. Different types of metals used in camera batteries will offer different capacities for charge duration. Lithium-ion batteries trump the cheaper nickel-metal hydride variety, offering up to 40% more charge in some cases. The cost will often vary based on material.
Does a camera battery lose its charge even when it’s not being used?
A. Yes, even when it’s not in use, a battery will lose its charge over time — albeit more slowly. It’s wisest to charge your battery either the day before or the day of a photoshoot so as to reach a maximum battery life before use.
Which digital camera battery should I get?
Best of the best digital camera battery
BM Premium Dual Bay USB Digital Charger: available at Amazon
Our take: This high-powered set of double batteries is a Canon owner’s best friend.
What we like: The power bank can be plugged into a wall or car outlet and quickly charges while displaying approximate charge percentage. It contains two batteries so that you can have double the charge. The long-lasting batteries have a large lithium ion-based voltage capacity.
What we dislike: Users have reported that these batteries are only compatible with Canon digital cameras. Adapters are sold separately.
Best bang for your buck digital camera battery
EBL AA Lithium Battery: available at Amazon
Our take: This set of lithium batteries offers an inexpensive, safe disposable option.
What we like: Since they’re AA standard batteries, these will pair with many different camera models. They’re tested through a 14-step safety process that ensures that they won’t leak or cause any other safety issues. They keep their charge for quite a long time without degrading.
What we dislike: These batteries are single-use, as they cannot be recharged, which some customers may find wasteful or impractical for professional photography.
Honorable mention digital camera battery
Artman Dual USB Charger Set: available at Amazon
Our take: For the Nikon camera owners out there, this dual charger/battery set is an all-in-one choice.
What we like: This set comes with a charger, micro-USB cord and two batteries. An indicator light blinks for either not charged, partially charged or fully charged notifications. The charging cord has been tested against overheating, melting or short-circuiting.
What we dislike: Some users reported that the product’s lifetime is limited.
Micayla Mead is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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