Best Spare Battery for Canon EOS M8
Mirrorless cameras like the Canon EOS M8 offer incredible portability, but that compact frame comes with a significant trade-off: limited battery life. If you’re shooting 4K video or using high-speed burst modes, a single charge won’t last through a full afternoon. After years of testing M-series accessories in the field, I’ve found that while the official Canon LP-E17 remains the gold standard for reliability, several third-party alternatives offer incredible value for photographers on a budget.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Spare Battery for Canon EOS M8: Detailed Reviews
Canon LP-E17 View on Amazon View on B&H
When it comes to the Canon EOS M8, nothing beats the original Canon LP-E17. The primary reason I recommend the OEM version over all others is the communication chip. Because this battery is “fully decoded,” your M8 will display an accurate, minute-by-minute battery percentage and remaining shot count. Third-party batteries often lack this, leaving you with a “blink and it’s dead” experience. In my testing, the 1040mAh capacity is exceptionally efficient, providing consistent voltage even in colder temperatures where cheaper cells tend to sag. While it is undeniably the most expensive option on this list, the peace of mind during a critical shoot—like a wedding or a once-in-a-lifetime travel moment—is worth the premium. You also never have to worry about compatibility issues with future firmware updates, which can occasionally “lock out” generic batteries. It’s the safest, most predictable choice for your gear.
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Wasabi Power LP-E17 Kit View on Amazon View on B&H
Wasabi Power has been my go-to “safety net” for years. This kit is a fantastic value proposition because it includes two high-capacity batteries and a dual-slot USB charger for less than half the price of a single Canon battery. For an M8 user, the dual charger is a game-changer; you can plug it into a power bank or a car’s USB port while traveling between locations. I’ve found that these cells hold about 90-95% of the charge of the OEM version, which is impressive for the price. However, be aware that these are “partially decoded.” Your EOS M8 will likely show a warning message when you first insert them (just click “OK”), and you may not see a precise battery percentage on the screen. Despite that minor UI quirk, they are physically robust and don’t suffer from the “swelling” issues that plague even cheaper generic brands.
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BM Premium LP-E17 View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’ve just stretched your budget to buy the Canon EOS M8 and need the cheapest way to keep shooting, BM Premium is the answer. These batteries are remarkably affordable and surprisingly capable. While they won’t win any awards for sophisticated electronics—again, you’ll have to deal with the lack of an accurate battery meter on the camera screen—they provide enough raw power to get the job done. I often keep a couple of these in the bottom of my bag as “emergency” spares. They are rated at 1040mAh, similar to the original, though in real-world use, they tend to tap out a bit sooner than the Wasabi or Canon versions. The build quality is decent, though the plastic casing feels slightly thinner. For casual weekend shooters or students who just need a backup for a photography class, this is the most cost-effective way to triple your shooting time without breaking the bank.
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SmallRig LP-E17 USB-C Rechargeable View on Amazon View on B&H
SmallRig has innovated in a space that stayed stagnant for years by adding a USB-C port directly onto the battery casing. This is a massive win for EOS M8 users who want to travel light. You no longer need to carry a bulky external wall charger; simply plug your phone charger or a power bank directly into the battery itself. A small indicator light on the battery turns from red to green when it’s fully charged. In my field tests, the charging speed via USB-C is surprisingly snappy. While it shares the same “non-decoded” limitations as other third-party options (the camera won’t show the exact percentage), the sheer convenience of being able to charge your spare battery in your pocket while shooting with another is unparalleled. It’s a modern solution for a modern camera, and the build quality feels every bit as premium as the original Canon gear.
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Neewer LP-E17 Dual Charger Set View on Amazon View on B&H
Neewer is a staple in the photography world for a reason: they provide consistent quality at a fair price. This set is very similar to the Wasabi kit but features a charger with a built-in LCD screen that shows the exact charging progress of each battery. I find this incredibly helpful when I’m in a rush and need to know which battery is “full enough” to grab and go. The batteries themselves have a slightly more conservative capacity rating, but they have proven to be very stable over hundreds of charge cycles. I’ve noticed that Neewer’s quality control is a step above the generic white-label brands you find on auction sites. If you prefer a charger that gives you more visual feedback than a simple red/green LED, this is the kit to get for your M8 setup. It’s reliable, predictable, and remarkably affordable.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Battery for Canon EOS M8
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon LP-E17 | Pros & Reliability | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Wasabi Power Kit | Travel Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| BM Premium | Absolute Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| SmallRig USB-C | Minimalist Travel | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Neewer Set | In-Studio Visuals | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will third-party batteries damage my Canon EOS M8?
Generally, no. High-quality third-party batteries from reputable brands like Wasabi, SmallRig, or Neewer include safety circuits that prevent overcharging and overheating. However, I advise staying away from “no-name” batteries sold at suspiciously low prices, as these may lack proper safety protections or have poor physical tolerances that could cause them to swell inside your camera’s battery compartment over time.
Why does my M8 say ‘Battery Communication Error’ with some batteries?
This happens because third-party batteries are often “partially decoded.” Canon uses a proprietary chip to communicate with the camera. If the battery lacks a perfect clone of this chip, the camera warns you it can’t verify the battery’s authenticity. Usually, you can click “OK” or “Yes” to continue shooting, but you will lose the ability to see a precise battery percentage indicator.
Can I charge third-party batteries in the original Canon charger?
Most partially decoded third-party batteries cannot be charged in the original Canon LC-E17 charger. This is why most third-party options are sold as a kit with their own USB or wall charger. Conversely, you should avoid charging your official Canon LP-E17 in cheap third-party chargers to ensure you don’t degrade the proprietary chip inside the official battery.
How many spare batteries do I need for a full day of shooting?
For a typical day of photography with the EOS M8, I recommend having at least three batteries total (one in-camera and two spares). If you are shooting 4K video or using the electronic viewfinder (EVF) extensively, you might want even more. Video recording is particularly taxing and can drain a battery in 30 to 45 minutes of active recording time.
What is the benefit of a USB-C rechargeable battery?
USB-C rechargeable batteries, like the SmallRig model, feature a port directly on the battery. The primary benefit is convenience; you can charge it anywhere using a phone charger, laptop port, or portable power bank without needing a dedicated charging cradle. This is an absolute lifesaver for travel photographers who want to minimize the amount of cables and gear in their bags.
Final Verdict
For professional work where every second counts, the official Canon LP-E17 is non-negotiable for its accurate power display. However, for most hobbyists and travelers, the Wasabi Power kit or the innovative SmallRig USB-C battery offers significantly more value. If you’re a heavy video user, I recommend buying the Wasabi kit to get the dual charger, then adding one SmallRig USB-C battery for on-the-go flexibility.