Quick Answer

Canon battery drain usually comes from power-hungry settings, battery age, or a faulty cell. Start by adjusting display and connectivity settings, then test the battery; if it still drains fast, replace it with a compatible rechargeable battery.

Power-Hungry Settings to Check First

The LCD screen and image stabilization are two of the biggest battery consumers on Canon cameras. If you leave the screen on constantly or keep image stabilization active when using a tripod, you will see noticeably shorter battery life.

Wi-Fi and GPS are also common culprits. Many Canon cameras let you disable these features when not in use, and doing so can significantly extend your shooting session.

  • Reduce LCD brightness or set auto-off to a shorter time.
  • Turn off image stabilization when using a tripod.
  • Disable Wi-Fi and GPS when you do not need them.

Battery Age and Health

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over time. After a few hundred charge cycles, they simply cannot hold as much power as they did when new. If your Canon battery is more than two or three years old, its capacity may be noticeably reduced.

Extreme temperatures also degrade battery health. Avoid leaving batteries in a hot car or shooting in freezing conditions for long periods without keeping spares warm.

Diagnose and Fix Your Canon Battery Drain

  • Symptom: Battery percentage drops quickly during normal use, or the camera shuts down after a short session.
  • Likely Cause: Power-hungry settings (LCD, Wi-Fi, stabilization), battery age, or a defective cell.
  • Corrective Action: Adjust display and connectivity settings, disable stabilization when on a tripod, and test the battery in a different camera if possible. If the battery still drains fast after adjusting settings, it is likely worn out.
  • Stop or Choose Another Option: If the battery is old or fails the test, replace it with a compatible rechargeable battery like the Xit LP-E8 or the NB-6L replacement. If the issue persists with a new battery, the camera itself may have a problem. Consider a battery bundle like the NB-10L pack to always have a spare on hand.

Replacement Battery Options