New arrival
Indipro Tools
IndiPRO Tools Micro-Series 98Wh V-Mount BMPCC 4K/6K/6K Pro/6k G2 Kit
Regular price $349.99Unit price
New arrival
$99.99 offCanon
Canon PD-E2 (US) USB Power Adapter for EOS R5 Mark II
Sale price $150.00 Regular price $249.99Unit price
$6.00 offNEEWER
NEEWER NP-FW50 Camera Battery Charger Set for Sony
Sale price $49.99 Regular price $55.99Unit price
Up to $5.20 offKondor Blue
1.35/3.5 DC to 2.1/5.5 DC Male Coiled Power Cable
Sale priceFrom $7.79 Regular price $12.99Unit price
Olympus
Olympus LI-92B Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (3.6V, 1350mAh)
Regular price $44.99Unit price
How to choose batteries and chargers
A dead battery on a paid shoot is the most preventable disaster in photography. Pick wisely, carry enough spares.
OEM vs third-party
Original-manufacturer (OEM) batteries — Sony, Canon LP-E6, Nikon EN-EL — cost more but are reliable, predictable in cold weather, and won't trigger camera warnings. Third-party options (Wasabi, RAVPower, Newell) are 40–70% cheaper and most are perfectly fine for casual use. Pros usually keep at least one OEM in rotation for critical shoots; cheap spares are fine for everyday work.
Capacity (mAh) and real-world runtime
Battery capacity is measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). Higher numbers mean more shots per charge — roughly. Real runtime depends on how you shoot: live view burns batteries fast, EVF use is less efficient than optical viewfinder, video drains batteries 3–4x faster than stills, and IBIS (in-body stabilization) is a significant power drain. Manufacturer claims of "800 shots per charge" are best-case; budget 50–60% of that for real shoots.
Cold weather impact
Lithium-ion batteries lose 30–50% capacity in freezing temperatures. For winter shoots: keep spares in an inside pocket close to body heat, swap them as they fade, and remember the dead one will partially recover when warmed back up. OEM batteries handle cold better than budget third-party options.
Charging options
Single charger: cheap, slow, takes one battery at a time. Dual charger: charges two simultaneously, a real time-saver. USB-C in-camera charging: convenient on the road but ties up your camera while charging. Modern mirrorless bodies usually support USB-C PD (Power Delivery) for fast charging from laptops and power banks.
Frequently asked questions
OEM or third-party batteries?
For critical shoots — OEM. For casual use — third-party is fine. The price difference is real, but so is the reliability difference. A mix is the sensible answer: 1–2 OEM batteries plus 2–3 quality third-party spares.
How many spare batteries do I need?
Wedding or all-day event: 4–6 batteries minimum. Day hike or shoot: 2–3 spares. Studio with AC nearby: 1–2 spares. Video work: budget 2–3x more battery than equivalent photo work. Always charge the night before, not the morning of.
Why do my batteries die so fast in cold weather?
Lithium-ion chemistry slows down in cold temperatures, reducing both capacity and voltage. A battery that lasts 4 hours at 70°F might only last 90 minutes at 20°F. Keep spares warm in inside pockets and rotate them as they fade.
Can I use in-camera USB charging instead of a charger?
Yes, but it's slower and ties up your camera. Most modern cameras support USB-C charging via PD (Power Delivery) — useful for travel or as a backup. For working shooters, a dedicated dual-charger is still faster and lets you shoot with one battery while two charge.
Are power banks worth it?
For modern USB-C cameras and accessories (monitors, gimbals, lights), absolutely. A 20,000 mAh USB-C PD bank can charge multiple devices on a shoot day. Make sure the bank supports PD output and matches your device's input wattage.
Why is my battery swelling?
That's a failing battery — stop using it immediately. Lithium-ion batteries swell when internal damage causes gas buildup. Swollen batteries can leak, vent, or in rare cases catch fire. Dispose at a battery recycling drop-off; never throw in regular trash.
Local to Milwaukee? Visit our camera store in Oak Creek, WI for OEM batteries, chargers, and advice on power for long shoots.
