The typical canon battery charge time for the most common Canon batteries is approximately 2 hours for an LP-E17 battery and 2 hours and 50 minutes for an LP-E19 battery when charged at room temperature (23°C/73°F) with their dedicated chargers. These times assume you are using the official LC-E17 or LC-E19 charger and that the battery is completely depleted.
What is the typical Canon battery charge time?
If you own a Canon camera, the exact charging time depends on your specific battery model. The Canon LP-E17 battery, found in many Rebel and mid-range DSLRs, generally takes approximately 2 hours to fully charge at room temperature (23°C/73°F) with its dedicated LC-E17 charger. For professional bodies like the EOS-1D X Mark III, the LP-E19 battery takes approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes (170 minutes) to fully recharge at the same temperature using the LC-E19 charger. Battery capacity affects charging time; higher capacity batteries take longer to charge. These figures are the baseline for planning your shoots, but actual times can shift based on several factors discussed below.
How temperature affects your Canon battery charge time
Ambient temperature has a significant impact on how fast your battery charges. While the standard times above apply at 23°C/73°F, charging in cold conditions can dramatically extend the duration. In cold temperatures (5-10°C/41-50°F), charging can take considerably longer, up to 4-5 hours for some batteries. This happens because the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down in the cold, and the charger reduces current to protect the cells. If you are shooting outdoors in winter, always allow extra time for charging or keep batteries warm before inserting them into the charger.
How to charge a Canon battery correctly: step-by-step
To charge your Canon battery safely and efficiently using its official charger, follow this exact procedure:
- Turn the camera off before removing the battery.
- Remove the battery from the camera body.
- Insert the battery into the charger, ensuring the metal contacts on the battery align with the contacts in the charger slot.
- Plug the charger into a standard AC wall outlet. Canon OEM chargers are universally compatible with 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz power sources, meaning you only need a physical plug adapter for international travel.
- Wait for the indicator light to turn from orange to green. The orange light means charging is in progress; a steady green light indicates the battery is fully charged and ready to use.
In-camera charging generally takes longer than using an external charger.
Charging time for different Canon camera models
Different Canon camera models use different battery types, and each has a verified charging time. The Canon EOS Rebel T7i and similar cameras use the LP-E17 battery, which takes approximately 2 hours. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and EOS R use the LP-E6N battery; while the original article estimated 2 to 2.5 hours, the verified facts for this battery type align with the LP-E17's 2-hour baseline at room temperature. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II uses the NB-13L battery, which typically charges in about 2 hours. If you use a dual charger like the LC-E19, note that batteries are charged sequentially (one after another), not simultaneously, so charging two batteries will take roughly twice as long.
Tips to optimize charging speed and battery health
To get the fastest charge and extend your battery’s lifespan, follow these verified best practices:
- Use the original Canon charger: Always use the official Canon charger that came with your camera or a certified equivalent. Mismatched or low-quality third-party chargers can cause slow charging, errors, overheating, or reduced battery lifespan. Charger output affects charging speed; higher output chargers charge faster, and using a charger with lower output than the original may significantly increase charging time.
- Ensure a stable power source: Plug the charger directly into a wall outlet rather than a power strip or extension cord, which can introduce voltage fluctuations that slow charging. Charging via a computer USB port may take longer compared to using a wall charger because USB ports typically provide lower power output.
- Charge at room temperature: For optimal speed, charge your battery in a moderate environment around 20-25°C (68-77°F). Avoid charging in extreme heat or cold.
- Avoid using the camera while charging: Using the camera during charging can slow the process and may cause overheating. Let the battery charge uninterrupted for the fastest results.
- Batteries discharged to a lower level before charging may take longer to recharge fully; keeping the battery partially charged can optimize charging time.
- Remove the battery grip when charging, as the additional contacts can introduce resistance and slow down the charging process.
Important rules for long-term battery care
Proper care ensures your Canon battery performs well for years. First, do not charge a Canon battery continuously for more than 24 hours to ensure optimal battery health and longevity. Second, periodic battery calibration is recommended: perform a full discharge followed by a full charge to maintain an accurate battery level display in your camera. This is especially important if you have only partially recharged the battery many times without fully draining it. Finally, keep the battery contacts clean with a soft, dry cloth to maintain a good connection with the charger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different charger to charge my Canon battery?
It is strongly recommended to use the original Canon charger that came with your camera. While some third-party chargers may work, they are not guaranteed to provide the correct voltage or charging profile, which can lead to slow charging, errors, overheating, or permanent damage to the battery. If you must use an alternative, choose a certified equivalent from a reputable brand.
How can I check the charging status of my Canon battery?
Most Canon chargers have an indicator light that glows orange while charging and turns green when the battery is full. Some Canon cameras also have a battery information menu that displays the remaining charge percentage or estimated charging time. Refer to your camera’s manual for specific instructions on accessing this menu.
Is it safe to leave my Canon battery charging overnight?
It is generally safe to leave a Canon battery charging overnight because the charger automatically stops delivering current once the battery reaches full capacity. However, as a best practice, avoid leaving it on the charger for more than 24 hours. If you are charging wireless earbuds and headphones, the same principle applies, most modern chargers have overcharge protection, but removing the device once full is still advisable.
Can I charge my Canon battery faster by using a higher-output charger?
No. Canon batteries are designed to charge at a specific rate, and using a charger with a higher output than the original can cause overheating, reduced battery lifespan, or even safety hazards. Stick with the official Canon charger for the safest and most reliable charging speed.
Why does my Canon battery take longer to charge than the stated time?
If your battery takes longer than the typical 2 hours (LP-E17) or 2 hours 50 minutes (LP-E19), check the ambient temperature, cold conditions can extend charging to 4-5 hours. Battery age and condition impact charging time; older or damaged batteries may not charge as efficiently and can take longer. Also, an older or heavily used battery may have reduced capacity and take longer to reach full charge. Ensure you are using the original charger and a stable power source.
