Best Spare Battery for Canon EOS M100 Mark II
There is nothing quite as frustrating as seeing that red battery icon flashing right as the golden hour light hits its peak. While the Canon EOS M100 Mark II (effectively the M200) is a marvel of compact engineering, its small form factor necessitates the slim LP-E12 battery, which offers somewhat modest endurance. After years of testing mirrorless setups in the field, I’ve found that the right spare can be a lifesaver. While the official Canon LP-E12 remains the gold standard for reliability, third-party innovators like Wasabi and SmallRig have closed the gap significantly.
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Best Spare Battery for Canon EOS M100 Mark II: Detailed Reviews
Canon LP-E12 Lithium-Ion View on Amazon View on B&H
If you want zero compromises, the original Canon LP-E12 is the only way to go. I’ve noticed that while third-party batteries have improved, the official Canon cells provide the most accurate “minutes remaining” readouts on your M100 Mark II screen. With an 875mAh capacity, it’s designed specifically for the camera’s power draw curves. You won’t experience the sudden “voltage drop” where the camera shuts off despite showing one bar of power left. It also handles extreme temperatures—both heat and cold—much better than cheaper alternatives. The only real drawback is the price; you’re paying a premium for the brand and the peace of mind. However, for a wedding or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, that peace of mind is worth every penny. It’s a “buy once, cry once” investment that ensures your camera’s warranty remains unjeopardized.
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Wasabi Power LP-E12 2-Pack View on Amazon View on B&H
Wasabi Power has been my go-to recommendation for years because they strike a perfect balance between cost and performance. This kit provides two 1100mAh batteries and a dual-slot USB charger for less than half the price of a single Canon battery. While that 1100mAh rating is a bit optimistic (in real-world use, they last about 90% as long as the OEM), having three batteries total (including your original) means you can shoot 4K video all day without anxiety. The included USB charger is a game-changer for travel; you can juice up your spares from a power bank or car charger while you’re on the move. I find the build quality of Wasabi batteries to be superior to generic “no-name” brands, with high-quality Grade A cells that hold their charge well over several months of storage.
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BM Premium LP-E12 Battery View on Amazon View on B&H
If you only occasionally find yourself running out of juice and just need a “safety net” in your bag, the BM Premium is the most wallet-friendly choice. Despite the low price, these batteries include a smart chip that communicates with the M100 Mark II, so you won’t get “unrecognized battery” errors. In my testing, these cells tend to have a slightly higher self-discharge rate, meaning if you leave it in your bag for three months without use, it might be at 80% when you need it. However, for active shooting, they perform admirably. They are particularly useful for vloggers who need to swap batteries frequently. The plastic casing is slightly thinner than the Canon original, but they fit the battery compartment perfectly without sticking. It’s an honest, no-frills battery that does exactly what it says on the tin.
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SmallRig LP-E12 USB-C Rechargeable View on Amazon View on B&H
SmallRig has genuinely innovated in a space that was stagnant for years. This LP-E12 battery features a built-in USB-C port directly on the battery itself. This means you can leave the bulky wall charger at home! You simply plug a phone cable directly into the battery to charge it. For the M100 Mark II user who wants to travel light, this is a revelation. The capacity is a solid 1050mAh, and the battery uses fire-resistant ABS materials. I find the charging indicator light on the battery (red for charging, green for full) incredibly helpful. It eliminates the guesswork. While it costs more than Wasabi, the convenience of not carrying a dedicated charging cradle is worth the extra ten dollars. It’s the smartest power solution for the modern content creator.
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Powerextra LP-E12 (2-Pack) View on Amazon View on B&H
Powerextra is a stalwart in the battery world, and their LP-E12 variant is highly respected for its longevity. They claim a 1200mAh capacity, which is one of the highest on the market for this form factor. In practical use, you’ll get roughly 250-300 shots per charge depending on your screen brightness and AF usage. I’ve noticed that these batteries tend to stay cool even during extended video recording sessions, which is vital for the M100 Mark II’s sensor health. The kit comes with a compact LCD charger that actually shows you the percentage of charge, which is much more informative than a simple blinking light. If Wasabi is out of stock, or if you prefer a more detailed charging dock, Powerextra is an excellent alternative that won’t let you down.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Spare Battery
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon LP-E12 | Critical Work | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Wasabi 2-Pack | Travel/Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| BM Premium | Backups | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| SmallRig USB-C | Minimalists | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Powerextra | Longevity | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will third-party batteries damage my Canon camera?
Generally, no. Reputable brands like Wasabi or SmallRig include internal safety chips to prevent overcharging and overheating. However, I always recommend avoiding “no-name” batteries from unverified sellers, as they may lack these protections. As long as you stick to established third-party brands, your Canon M100 Mark II is perfectly safe. Just be aware that if a third-party battery leaks, it might not be covered under your official Canon manufacturer warranty, though this is extremely rare with quality cells.
How many shots can I expect from one LP-E12 battery?
On the M100 Mark II, you can typically expect around 250 to 315 shots per charge according to CIPA standards. In real-world usage, if you are conservative with the LCD screen and don’t use the flash, you might push that to 400. However, if you are shooting 4K video, the battery will drain significantly faster—often in under 45 minutes of total recording time. This is why having at least one or two spares is considered essential for any day trip.
Can I charge these batteries via the camera’s USB port?
The Canon EOS M100 Mark II (M200) does support in-camera charging via its USB port, but it is often finicky about the power source. It usually requires a Power Delivery (PD) compatible charger and the camera must be turned off. This is why many photographers prefer the SmallRig USB-C battery or an external dual-charger. It allows you to charge one battery while you are actively using the camera with another, which is a much more efficient workflow for travel.
What is a “fully decoded” battery?
A “decoded” battery contains a microchip that mimics the official Canon chip. This allows the battery to communicate data to the camera, such as the exact percentage of charge remaining and the battery health. Non-decoded batteries will often work, but your camera might display a warning message upon startup, and the battery meter might stay at “Full” until the camera suddenly dies. All the recommendations on this list are fully decoded for the best user experience.
How should I store my spare batteries when not in use?
To maximize the lifespan of your LP-E12 batteries, store them in a cool, dry place at about 40-50% charge. Never store them completely drained, as the voltage can drop below a critical threshold, preventing the battery from ever charging again. Similarly, storing them at 100% in a hot car can degrade the lithium cells over time. I find that a small battery case or even a dedicated pocket in your camera bag keeps the contacts clean and safe.
Final Verdict
For professional work or critical events, the **Canon LP-E12** is the only logical choice to ensure your camera performs as intended. However, for 90% of users, the **Wasabi Power 2-Pack** offers incredible value and the convenience of dual-charging. If you hate carrying extra cables, the **SmallRig USB-C** battery is a brilliant modern solution. Regardless of your choice, never head out for a day of shooting with just one battery—the M100 Mark II is too fun a camera to let a dead battery cut your day short.