Best Spare Battery for Canon EOS M7
The Canon EOS M7 is a compact mirrorless marvel, but its high-performance processor and thirsty EVF can drain a standard battery faster than you can say “golden hour.” If you’re tired of that dreaded red blinking icon during a shoot, finding a reliable spare is non-negotiable. While the official Canon LP-E17 is our top pick for total reliability, several third-party alternatives now offer incredible value. Drawing from years of field testing, I’ve identified the best power solutions to keep your M7 clicking all day long.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Spare Battery for Canon EOS M7: Detailed Reviews
Canon LP-E17 Battery Pack View on Amazon View on B&H
When you are shooting a paid gig or a once-in-a-lifetime trip with your EOS M7, there is no substitute for the genuine Canon LP-E17. The primary reason I recommend this above all others is the “handshake” between the battery and the camera. Because it is a fully decoded OEM battery, your M7 will accurately display the remaining percentage and “recharge performance” in the menu. Many third-party batteries leave you guessing with a blank battery icon until the camera simply shuts off.
Technically, it offers a 1040mAh capacity which is highly optimized for Canon’s power management systems. It stays cool during 4K video recording and maintains a charge even when sitting in your bag for weeks. The only downside is the price—it is significantly more expensive than generic brands—but for the peace of mind that it won’t swell or damage your camera’s electronics, it’s a necessary investment.
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Wasabi Power LP-E17 (2-Pack) with Charger View on Amazon View on B&H
Wasabi Power has been my go-to recommendation for third-party batteries for over a decade. This kit provides two batteries and a compact dual-slot USB charger for less than half the price of a single Canon battery. For an EOS M7 user, this is a game-changer. The included charger is powered via USB, meaning you can top up your batteries using a power bank or car charger while traveling—something the standard Canon wall charger can’t do.
The batteries use high-quality Grade A cells and generally match the runtime of the original. However, you should be aware that these are “partially decoded.” While they work perfectly in the camera, they will not show the battery percentage on the M7 screen. You’ll have to rely on the camera’s basic “low battery” warning. Despite this, the sheer value and the convenience of the dual charger make this the most practical choice for enthusiasts who need multiple spares for a long weekend of shooting.
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BM Premium LP-E17 Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’ve already spent your budget on a new EF-M lens, the BM Premium is the most affordable way to ensure you never miss a shot. These batteries are remarkably cheap, yet they include the standard safety protections against overcharging and short circuits. I find these are perfect as “emergency” batteries—the ones you keep at the bottom of your bag just in case your main ones die unexpectedly.
Like most budget options, these are not fully decoded. You will see a message on your EOS M7 asking if the battery is genuine; you simply click “No” and “No” again to continue shooting. The capacity is slightly lower in real-world testing compared to the Canon original, usually providing about 80% of the shots. They also cannot be charged in the original Canon LC-E17 charger, so you must use the BM Premium charger (usually bundled). For the price of a couple of lattes, though, the peace of mind is well worth it.
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SmallRig LP-E17 USB-C Rechargeable View on Amazon View on B&H
This is the most innovative battery I’ve used recently. SmallRig has integrated a USB-C port directly into the battery casing itself. This means you don’t even need a charging cradle; you can plug a standard phone charger or laptop cable directly into the battery. For vloggers who are always on the move with their M7, this eliminates one extra piece of gear from your bag. It’s incredibly convenient to charge one battery inside the camera via the M7’s USB port while charging this SmallRig spare via a power bank simultaneously.
The build quality is excellent, with a fire-resistant shell and a distinct color that makes it easy to find in a dark camera bag. While it shares the same limitation as other third-party units (no percentage readout on some M7 firmware versions), the sheer convenience of USB-C charging makes it my personal favorite for travel. It charges quickly and holds a steady voltage even during high-bitrate video recording sessions.
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Neewer LP-E17 Battery Set View on Amazon View on B&H
Neewer is a staple in the photography world, and their LP-E17 replacement is a very solid middle-ground option. In my testing, Neewer batteries tend to have better longevity over multiple years compared to the ultra-budget brands. They don’t seem to lose their “holding capacity” as quickly after 50+ charge cycles. This set usually comes with a smart charger that features an LCD screen, showing you exactly how much progress each battery has made during the charging process.
While the batteries are still not fully decoded (the same “non-genuine” message will pop up on your M7), they are incredibly reliable. They fit the battery compartment perfectly without being too tight—a common issue with some cheap knock-offs that can get stuck. If you’re looking for a reliable backup that is slightly more robust than the cheapest options but still costs a fraction of the Canon original, Neewer is a very safe bet for your mirrorless kit.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Spare Battery for Canon M7
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon LP-E17 | Total Reliability | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Wasabi Power | Travel Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| BM Premium | Emergencies | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| SmallRig USB-C | Vlogging | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Neewer Set | Longevity | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will third-party batteries damage my Canon EOS M7?
Generally, no. Modern third-party batteries from reputable brands like Wasabi, Neewer, or SmallRig include multi-protection circuits. However, avoid “no-name” generic batteries found on auction sites, as they lack proper thermal management. The most common issue with third-party batteries is not damage, but rather the lack of an accurate battery life display on the camera’s LCD screen.
Why does my M7 say “Is this battery genuine?” when I insert a spare?
Canon uses a proprietary chip in the LP-E17. When the camera detects a battery without this specific chip, it triggers a warning. You can usually click “No” and then “Yes” to acknowledge the risk. The camera will function perfectly fine, but you will lose the ability to see the exact battery percentage in the top corner of your screen.
Can I charge third-party batteries in the original Canon charger?
Usually, the answer is no. Most third-party LP-E17 batteries require their own specific charger because they lack the proprietary Canon “handshake” pins. This is why most third-party batteries are sold as kits with a dual charger included. Conversely, the Canon original battery can usually be charged in third-party chargers, though it’s always safer to use the original LC-E17 wall unit.
How many shots can I expect from one LP-E17 on the M7?
Under CIPA standards, you can expect roughly 250-310 shots. However, in real-world use, if you are using the EVF and 120fps refresh rate, you might only get 200 shots. If you are shooting 4K video, expect about 45-60 minutes of record time. This is why carrying at least two spares is essential for any full day of photography or videography.
Are “High Capacity” (e.g., 2000mAh) LP-E17 batteries real?
Be very skeptical of batteries claiming double the capacity of the original Canon (1040mAh) in the same physical size. Physics dictates that there is only so much lithium-ion material that can fit in that small casing. Most “2000mAh” labels are marketing exaggerations. Stick to brands that list realistic capacities between 1000mAh and 1200mAh for the most reliable and honest performance.
Final Verdict
For professional assignments where you can’t afford to lose track of your power levels, the genuine Canon LP-E17 is the only choice. However, for travel and hobbyist photography, the SmallRig USB-C battery is a brilliant innovation that simplifies your kit. If you simply need the most “bang for your buck,” grab the Wasabi Power 2-pack—it’s the enthusiast’s choice for a reason and will keep your M7 powered through any adventure.