Charging 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 own. A small battery like the LP-E17 (used in entry-level Canon cameras) charges in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours with Canon's standard charger. Larger batteries like the LP-E6NH (found in professional Canon bodies) can take 2.5 to 3 hours or longer. If you use a third-party charger or an older Canon charger, the time may stretch beyond these estimates.

The charger itself makes a real difference. Canon sells both standard chargers and fast chargers for the same battery model. A fast charger like the LC-E10C can cut charging time nearly in half compared to a basic charger, though it generates more heat and may slightly reduce battery lifespan over many years. If you plug a battery into a camera's USB port instead of using a dedicated charger, expect the process to take 4 to 6 hours or more.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Canon chargers take 1.5 to 3 hours depending on battery size and model.
  • Fast chargers can reduce charging time by 30 to 50 percent but generate more heat.
  • Charging through a camera's USB port is slower than using a dedicated charger and may stress the camera's battery circuit.
  • Battery age and temperature affect charging speed — older batteries and cold environments both slow the process.
  • Leaving a battery on the charger after it reaches full capacity does not damage modern Canon batteries, which have automatic shutoff circuits.

How battery size affects charging time

Canon makes batteries in three main capacity ranges, and larger capacity means longer charging time. Entry-level batteries like the LP-E17 hold around 1040 mAh (milliamp-hours) and charge in 1.5 to 2 hours. Mid-range batteries like the LP-E6N hold roughly 1865 mAh and need 2 to 2.5 hours. Professional batteries like the LP-E6NH can hold over 2000 mAh and may take 2.5 to 3 hours or longer.

The charger's output power (measured in watts or amps) determines how fast it can push energy into the battery. A charger rated for 8.4V at 0.5A will charge more slowly than one rated for 8.4V at 1.5A, even if both are designed for the same battery. Canon's LC-E10C fast charger, for example, outputs more current than the basic LC-E10 charger, which is why it finishes the job faster.

Why temperature and battery age matter

Cold batteries charge more slowly than warm ones. If you bring a camera battery inside from freezing weather, it may take 20 to 40 percent longer to charge fully. Most chargers have a temperature sensor that slows the charging rate if the battery gets too cold, as a safety measure to prevent damage. Letting the battery warm to room temperature before charging will speed up the process.

An older battery that has been through hundreds of charge cycles will also charge more slowly than a new one. The internal resistance of the battery increases over time, which means the charger has to work harder to push the same amount of current through. A battery that charged in 2 hours when new might take 2.5 hours after two years of regular use. This is normal wear and does not mean the battery is failing.

Charging through USB versus a dedicated charger

Many newer Canon cameras can charge batteries through a USB-C or micro-USB port built into the camera body. This is convenient when you are traveling and do not want to carry a separate charger, but it is significantly slower. USB charging typically delivers 5V at 1 to 2 amps, while a dedicated Canon charger delivers 8.4V at higher current. The result is that USB charging takes 4 to 6 hours or more for the same battery that would charge in 2 hours with a dedicated charger.

USB charging also puts more strain on the camera's internal charging circuit, which is designed to trickle power into the battery rather than deliver the fast charge a dedicated charger provides. If you regularly charge through the camera body, the charging circuit may wear out faster than if you use an external charger. For frequent photographers, a dedicated charger is the better choice.

Fast chargers and what they trade off

Canon's fast chargers cut charging time significantly but come with a tradeoff. A fast charger delivers more current to the battery, which generates heat. Over many charge cycles, this extra heat can slightly reduce the total lifespan of the battery — perhaps by 10 to 15 percent over several years of heavy use. For most photographers who own multiple batteries and rotate them, this is not a practical concern.

Fast chargers are worth considering if you shoot professionally or travel frequently and need batteries ready quickly. The LC-E10C, for example, charges an LP-E10 battery in about 1 hour instead of 2 hours. If you shoot only occasionally and have time to charge overnight, a standard charger will serve you just as well and may extend battery lifespan slightly.

What happens if you leave a battery on the charger

Modern Canon chargers have automatic shutoff circuits that stop charging once the battery reaches full capacity. You can safely leave a Canon battery on the charger overnight or for days without damage. The charger will detect when the battery is full and switch to a trickle charge or stop delivering current entirely. This is different from older charger designs that could overcharge a battery if left plugged in too long.

That said, repeatedly leaving a battery on the charger for extended periods does generate some heat, which over years of use may slightly reduce lifespan. If you charge a battery and then forget about it for a week, it will be fine. If you make a habit of leaving batteries on the charger for days at a time, rotating them off the charger once they are full will extend their useful life by a small margin.

Choosing the right charger for your needs

If you own a single Canon camera and shoot occasionally, the charger that came with your camera is sufficient. It is designed for your specific battery and will charge it reliably. If you own multiple cameras or batteries, or if you shoot professionally, consider buying a second charger so you can charge one battery while using another. A fast charger becomes worthwhile if you frequently need batteries ready in a short window.

Third-party chargers are cheaper than Canon chargers but vary widely in quality. Some are reliable and charge at reasonable speeds. Others charge slowly, generate excessive heat, or lack proper safety circuits. If you buy a third-party charger, look for one with good reviews from photographers who own your specific camera model, and avoid chargers with no brand recognition or safety certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge a Canon battery in a different brand's charger?

Not reliably. Canon batteries have different voltage and connector specifications than batteries from Nikon, Sony, or other brands. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery or charger, or both. Stick to Canon chargers or third-party chargers specifically designed for your battery model.

Why does my battery charge slower than it used to?

Battery age is the most common reason. As a battery goes through hundreds of charge cycles, its internal resistance increases, which slows charging. Cold temperatures also slow charging. If your battery is several years old and has been charged hundreds of times, slower charging is normal wear.

Is it bad to charge a battery right after using the camera?

No. A battery that is warm from use will charge slightly faster than a cold one, though the difference is small. You can charge when ready after shooting without concern. The charger's temperature sensor will monitor the battery and adjust the charging rate if needed.

What does the LED light on the charger mean?

Canon chargers typically use a red or orange light to show charging in progress and a green light to show the battery is full. Some chargers have a blinking light to indicate a problem — usually that the battery is too cold or the charger detects a fault. Check your charger's manual for the specific meaning of each light pattern.

Should I buy extra batteries or a fast charger?

If you shoot frequently, extra batteries are more useful than a fast charger. Having two or three batteries means you can use one while another charges, and you will rarely run out of power. A fast charger helps only if you need a fully charged battery in a hurry, which is less common than straightforward needing a second battery on hand.