Best Spare Batteries for Canon EOS M7
Nothing kills a creative flow faster than the dreaded flashing red battery icon just as the golden hour light hits. If you’re pushing your Canon EOS M7 to its limits, you already know that its high-resolution sensor and 4K video capabilities are notoriously thirsty. Finding a reliable spare is essential for all-day shoots. While the official Canon LP-E17 remains our gold standard for full communication and safety, several third-party alternatives now offer incredible value. Letβs power up your kit.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Spare Batteries for Canon EOS M7: Detailed Reviews
Canon LP-E17 Genuine Lithium-Ion Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
When I’m shooting a paid gig, I never mess around with third-party cells in my primary slot. The genuine Canon LP-E17 is the only option that guarantees a 100% accurate battery percentage display on your EOS M7βs screen. Third-party batteries often lack the proprietary chip, meaning the camera might warn you about “non-genuine” hardware or simply refuse to show how much juice is left. With 1040mAh of capacity, it doesn’t have the highest specs on paper, but the discharge curve is incredibly stable. You won’t experience sudden shutdowns at 15%. While it is significantly more expensive than the clones, the peace of mind knowing it won’t swell or overheat in your expensive magnesium-alloy body is worth every penny. If you can afford it, this is the gold standard for your M-series kit.
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Wasabi Power LP-E17 (2-Pack) and Charger View on Amazon View on B&H
Wasabi Power has a stellar reputation in the community for a reason. This kit gives you two batteries and a compact charger for a fraction of the price of a single Canon cell. Iβve used Wasabi batteries in everything from the Alps to tropical humid jungles, and they hold up remarkably well. They use high-quality Japanese cells that tend to have a slightly longer life cycle than generic “no-name” brands. One quirk to note: these are “partially decoded,” so while they power the M7 perfectly, you won’t see the battery life percentage on the LCD, and you must use the included Wasabi charger rather than the original Canon one. For hobbyists who want to carry four batteries for a full weekend of shooting without breaking the bank, this is the smartest purchase you can make.
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BM Premium LP-E17 High Capacity Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
If you just spent your entire budget on a new f/2.8 lens and need some emergency juice, BM Premium is the way to go. These batteries are incredibly inexpensive. They claim a higher mAh than the original Canon, though in my real-world testing, they usually perform about 90% as long as the genuine version. Like most budget picks, they aren’t fully decoded, so the M7 will ask you if you want to continue using a non-Canon battery when you power it onβjust click “Yes” and you’re good to go. They include multiple circuit protections to prevent short-circuiting, which is impressive at this price point. I recommend these for casual shooters or as “emergency” batteries tucked in your glove box. They might not be your primary workhorse, but they’ll get you through those last thirty minutes of a sunset.
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Hahnel Extreme HLX-E17 Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’re an adventure photographer who takes the EOS M7 into sub-zero temperatures or rugged terrains, the Hahnel Extreme series is a beast. These batteries are injected with silicone, giving them a tough, shock-absorbing construction that also offers better thermal insulation. In my experience, standard Li-ion batteries die incredibly fast in the cold, but the Hahnel Extreme maintains its voltage much longer when the mercury drops. They are also highly rated for their cycle life, meaning they can be recharged more times than a standard third-party battery before they start to lose capacity. While they sit at a premium price point, they are the most durable option on the market. They are a “pro” alternative to the official Canon battery, specifically engineered for environments where standard gear fails.
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Powerextra LCD Dual USB Charger Kit View on Amazon View on B&H
Powerextra has dominated the Amazon market by offering a very specific convenience: USB charging. Most Canon chargers require a wall outlet, but the Powerextra charger can be powered by a power bank, a laptop, or a car’s USB port. This makes it a life-saver for travel vloggers or anyone shooting on location. The charger itself features a bright LCD screen that shows the exact charging progress of each battery independently, which is far more useful than a single blinking LED. The batteries themselves perform adequately, though like the Wasabi and BM options, they won’t show the battery percentage on your M7 screen. I find the charger to be the real star of the show here; it’s so small it fits in a side pocket of any camera bag, ensuring youβre never truly out of power.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose Batteries for Canon EOS M7
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon LP-E17 | Pros/Reliability | β β β β β | Check |
| Wasabi Power Kit | Travelers | β β β β β | Check |
| BM Premium | Value Seekers | β β β β β | Check |
| Hahnel Extreme | Cold Weather | β β β β β | Check |
| Powerextra USB | USB Convenience | β β β β β | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my EOS M7 say “battery communication error”?
This message appears when you use a non-Canon battery that isn’t fully decoded. Canon uses a proprietary chip to verify the battery. If the camera can’t talk to the chip, it warns you and disables the battery life icon. You can still use the battery safely by selecting “Yes” to continue, but you’ll have to guess when the power is getting low based on the camera’s performance or sudden shutdown.
Can I charge third-party batteries in the Canon charger?
Usually, no. Most third-party LP-E17 batteries use a slightly different internal circuit that the original Canon LC-E17 charger won’t recognize. If you place a Wasabi or BM Premium battery in a Canon charger, the light will often just blink rapidly or stay red. This is why most third-party batteries are sold in kits with their own dedicated USB or wall chargers included.
Are high-capacity 1500mAh batteries better?
Be wary of brands claiming significantly higher mAh than the original Canon (1040mAh). Because the physical size of the LP-E17 is fixed, there is a limit to how much lithium-ion energy can fit. Often, generic brands inflate these numbers for marketing. In practice, a “1500mAh” budget battery often lasts less time than the genuine 1040mAh Canon battery. Stick to reputable brands like Wasabi or Hahnel for honest ratings.
Is it safe to use cheap batteries in my M7?
Generally, yes, if you buy from established brands. Modern lithium-ion batteries include internal protection boards to prevent overcharging. However, extremely cheap, unbranded batteries can pose a risk of swelling, which could make them get stuck inside your cameraβs battery compartment. I always recommend spending a few extra dollars on a brand like Wasabi or Powerextra rather than the cheapest possible option on eBay to avoid these physical issues.
How long does the Canon EOS M7 battery last?
Battery life depends heavily on your settings. If you use the electronic viewfinder (EVF) frequently and shoot 4K video, you might only get 250-300 shots per charge. Using the LCD screen and shooting in 1080p or stills-only can push that closer to 400. Because mirrorless cameras are “always on” (the sensor and screen are constantly drawing power), carrying at least two spares is highly recommended for a full day of shooting.
Final Verdict
If you are a professional or someone who hates guesswork, the original Canon LP-E17 is the only choice that provides a working battery meter. However, for 90% of EOS M7 users, the Wasabi Power dual kit offers the best balance of reliability and price. If you find yourself shooting in extreme cold or rugged conditions, definitely invest in the Hahnel Extreme series. Whatever you choose, having at least three batteries in your bag will change your shooting experience forever.