Charge time depends on the battery type and charger you use
A Canon battery typically takes between 1.5 and 3 hours to charge fully, but the actual time depends on which battery and charger combination you have. Canon makes different batteries for different cameras — a small battery for a compact camera charges faster than a large battery for a professional DSLR. The charger matters just as much: a standard charger takes longer than a fast charger, and using the wrong charger can damage the battery or charge it very slowly.
If you just bought a Canon camera, the charger that came in the box is designed for the battery included with that camera. Using a different charger — even one from another Canon camera — may work, but it might charge at a different speed or not work at all. Knowing which battery and charger you have lets you predict roughly how long you'll wait before you can shoot again.
Key Takeaways
- Canon's standard chargers take 1.5 to 3 hours depending on battery capacity, while fast chargers can cut that time in half.
- The battery model number (printed on the battery itself) tells you the capacity in mAh, which determines how long charging takes.
- Using a charger designed for a different battery type may charge slowly, not charge at all, or damage the battery.
- Charging time increases if the battery is very cold or if you use a USB charger instead of a wall outlet.
Common Canon battery types and their charge times
Canon's most common batteries for consumer cameras are the LP-E6, LP-E8, LP-E10, and LP-E17 series. The LP-E6 (used in many DSLRs like the 5D and 6D) holds 1865 mAh and takes about 2 hours with a standard LC-E6 charger. The smaller LP-E10 (used in entry-level cameras like the T3 and T5) holds 1020 mAh and charges in roughly 1.5 hours with its LC-E10 charger. The LP-E17 (found in newer mirrorless cameras like the M50) holds 1040 mAh and also charges in about 1.5 hours.
Compact cameras and older models use smaller batteries like the NB-13L or NB-6L, which charge in 1 to 1.5 hours because they hold less power. If you're not sure which battery you have, look at the label on the battery itself — it will show the model number and capacity in mAh (milliamp-hours). Higher mAh numbers mean the battery holds more power and takes longer to charge.
Standard chargers versus fast chargers
Canon's standard chargers (like the LC-E6, LC-E10, and LC-E17) charge at a moderate rate and are designed to protect battery life over many charge cycles. These are the chargers that come in the box with most Canon cameras. A fast charger like the LC-E6E charges the same LP-E6 battery in about 1 hour instead of 2 hours by delivering more power to the battery during charging.
Fast chargers cost more upfront but are worth it if you shoot frequently and need batteries ready quickly. However, charging a battery faster does wear it out slightly more over time — the battery may not last quite as many years as it would with a standard charger. If you only charge once a week, the difference is negligible. If you charge multiple times a day, a fast charger saves real time over the course of a year.
Why your battery might charge slowly
If your battery is taking much longer than expected, the charger may not be the right one for that battery model. Canon chargers are usually model-specific: an LC-E10 charger will not charge an LP-E6 battery, and attempting to force it can damage both. Check the label on your charger and the label on your battery to make sure they match.
Temperature also affects charging speed. A cold battery (below 50°F or 10°C) charges much more slowly than a warm one, and some chargers will not charge a battery that is too cold at all. If you've been shooting outside in winter, let the battery warm up indoors for 30 minutes before charging. Using a USB charger (if your camera supports it) instead of a wall outlet also slows charging because USB ports deliver less power than a dedicated charger.
Charging via USB versus a wall outlet
Some newer Canon cameras like the M50 Mark II and R5 can charge directly via USB-C cable connected to a computer or USB power adapter. USB charging is convenient when you're traveling and don't want to carry a separate charger, but it is slower than using a dedicated wall charger. A battery that takes 1.5 hours on a wall charger might take 2.5 to 3 hours over USB, depending on the power adapter you use.
If you use a USB charger, a higher-wattage adapter (like a 30W or 65W laptop charger) charges faster than a low-power phone charger (5W or 10W). Check your camera's manual to see what wattage it recommends. USB charging is also gentler on the battery in some cases because it charges at a lower rate, which can extend the battery's lifespan if you charge frequently.
How to extend battery life between charges
Charging time is only part of the picture — how long the battery lasts once it is charged matters too. Turn off the camera when you are not using it, because the LCD screen and autofocus drain power even when you are not taking pictures. Using the viewfinder instead of the LCD screen on a DSLR uses less battery. Turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (if your camera has them) also extends battery life.
Cold weather drains batteries faster, so keep your camera warm by storing it inside your jacket when you are outside in winter. Fully discharging a battery before charging it is not necessary with modern lithium batteries — in fact, charging when the battery is partially full is better for long-term health. If you will not use the camera for more than a month, store the battery at about 50% charge in a cool, dry place.
What to do if you need power right away
If you need to shoot before a battery finishes charging, buy a second battery. Most Canon cameras work with multiple battery types, and having two batteries means you can charge one while using the other. A second battery costs $40 to $80 depending on the model, which is less than the cost of a fast charger and gives you more shooting time overall.
Portable power banks designed for cameras are another option, though they are less common now that USB charging is built into newer models. If your camera supports USB charging, a standard USB power bank (the kind you use for phones) can charge the battery in a pinch, though it will be slower than a dedicated charger. Always use a power bank with at least 10,000 mAh capacity to charge a camera battery meaningfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge a Canon battery overnight without damaging it?
Yes. Modern Canon chargers have a safety circuit that stops charging once the battery is full, so leaving it plugged in overnight will not overcharge or damage the battery. The charger will straightforward stop delivering power and wait. Leaving a battery on the charger for days or weeks is also safe, though it is not necessary.
Why does my charger get hot while charging?
Chargers generate heat as they convert wall power to the right voltage and current for the battery. Some heat is normal. If the charger is too hot to touch or smells like plastic burning, unplug it when ready — this indicates a fault. A charger that is warm to the touch is fine.
Can I use a third-party charger instead of the Canon charger?
Third-party chargers designed for Canon batteries work and are often cheaper, but quality varies widely. A cheap charger may charge slowly, overheat, or damage the battery over time. If you buy a third-party charger, choose one from a reputable brand with good reviews, and make sure it is designed for your specific battery model.
What does mAh mean on the battery label?
mAh stands for milliamp-hours and measures how much energy the battery stores. A higher mAh number means the battery holds more power and takes longer to charge. For example, an LP-E6 (1865 mAh) holds more power than an LP-E10 (1020 mAh), so it charges slower and lasts longer per charge.
Does fast charging wear out the battery faster?
Fast charging does cause slightly more wear than standard charging over many years, but the difference is small with modern lithium batteries. If you charge once or twice a week, you will not notice a difference in battery lifespan. If you charge multiple times daily, a standard charger may extend the battery's life by a few months or a year.