We get a lot of questions about the Canon LP-E6NH, the newest update to Canon's standard DSLR battery. So what’s the difference between this updated battery and the older LP-E6 and LP-E6N?
LP-E6NH
The newest version of the previous LP-E6 and LP-E6N batteries is now called the LP-E6NH and it was recently launched with the latest EOS R5 and R6 mirrorless cameras. Due to the high-resolution and processing power in these new mirrorless systems, they require a higher-capacity battery. This new battery has 14% more power than the LP-E6N and is backward compatible with older cameras up to the EOS 60D. You can also still use the previous LP-E6N and LP-E6 batteries on the EOS R5 and EOS R6, but keep in mind they will emit less power.
LP-E6N
The slightly modified LP-E6N battery was released to coincide with the launch of Canon's 7D Mark II DSLR camera in the back half of 2014. It is marginally more powerful than its counterpart. With a 3.5% higher mAh rating of 1865 mAh versus 1800 mAh for the LP-E6, it provides higher capacity for each battery charge.
Battery life ratings, according to Canon Inc., show that the EOS 7D, using 50% built-in flash, can achieve 800 shots on a single charge. In the same conditions, the new EOS 7D Mark II can only achieve 650 shots with the same battery. This does not prove a less-powerful battery, but that the 7D Mark II, with its high-resolution and double processors, requires more battery life for fewer potential shots, specifically why Canon created a newer battery for the needs of the 7DMII.
Canon released its first full-frame mirrorless camera, the EOS R, which is compatible with the LP-E6N. We don't have specifics on the number of shots per charge on the EOS R, but Bryan over at The Digital Picture posted some initial findings around the release of the EOS R about its battery life. A couple of things to consider about the new mirrorless system is that it's using newer technology than the 7D Mark II did, including an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) that is standard in mirrorless cameras. These factors are going to play into battery life, and likely drain it much quicker than older DSLR cameras.
The LP-E6N battery has also been manufactured for more safety standards and improved counterfeiting prevention.
The LP-E6N battery was released in conjunction with the EOS 7D Mark II, but is compatible with any Canon DSLR designed for the LP-E6 battery, which includes:
- 5D Mark II
- 5D Mark III
- 5D Mark IV
- 5DSR
- 5DS
- 60D
- 60Da
- 6D
- 6D Mark II
- 70D
- 7D
- 7D Mark II
- 80D
- EOS R
- EOS R5
- EOS R6
Also compatible with the new LP-E6NH Canon battery is the LC-E6 charger, which was originally designed for the LP-E6 battery, and can safely charge all three versions.
Looking for a new LP-E6NH?
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11 comments
RadioFan
Thank you. This exactly what I was looking for. I appreciate the compact write-up.
AE
Can you safely charge the LP-E6NH with the older chargers from 5D and 7D?
Pictureline
The LP-E6NH is the only battery with a green holographic sticker on the front of the battery. You can see it here: https://www.shoppictureline.com/products/canon-lp-e6nh-battery-pack
Victor
Giorgos
Thank you so much!!!
John
Janelle Rose
Thank you for sharing this info! The LP-E6NH has been on backorder and I’ve worried about being SOL at a wedding. It’s nice to know that, in a pinch, I could use my old batteries. Much appreciated!!
Stu Marks
Michael Maynard
Exactly what I needed to know, thank you for this
Vasilis
Linda Chalk