Comparing the Nikon EN-EL15 vs EN-EL15a vs EN-EL15b vs EN-EL15c

We get a lot of questions about the Nikon EN-EL15c, the update to Nikon's standard DSLR battery. So, what’s the difference between this updated battery and the older EN-EL15b and EN-EL15a versions?

Along with the recent launch of the Nikon Z 5 came a new version of the full-frame battery—the EN-EL15c. The EN-EL15c is a Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery for use with select Nikon cameras. This battery allows 470 shots and 120 minutes of video with the Z 5. It can be charged using either the MH-25a battery charger or the EH-7P charging AC adapter when used with Nikon cameras that have the capability to charge batteries in-camera.

The power of the battery is the same but the method of releasing the power is more efficient than in previous versions. The Z 5 consumes power more efficiently than the Z 6 and Z 7. The Z 6 and Z 7 can be charged via USB-C using the 15c battery. The Z 5 is currently the only camera to use USB-C as a power adapter, so it does not consume power from the battery when using the correct USB-C to USB-C cable. The EN-EL15c is backward and forward-compatible.

The slightly modified EN-EL15b battery was released to coincide with the launch of Nikon’s new mirrorless Z 6 and Z 7 cameras in the latter half of 2018. Nikon explains that all three Rechargeable Li-ion batteries are cross-compatible; however, electrical performance is improved with later versions. Using an earlier battery in a camera designed for use with a later battery will result in fewer pictures taken with a single charge.

One major difference between the Nikon EN-EL15b and its older counterparts is that the EN-EL15b can be charged in the Z series cameras via a USB connection while the older EN-EL15a and EN-EL15 cannot. All three batteries can be charged with the MH-25 or MH-25a battery charger.

Although the EN-EL15b was made for the Nikon mirrorless Z6 and Z7 cameras, it is still compatible with selected DSLR cameras listed below:

• Z7 
  
• Z6 
  
• D850 
  
• D810 
  
• D810A 
  
• D800E 
  
• D800 
  
• D750 
  
• D610 
  
• D500 
  
• D7500 
  
• D7200 
  
• D7100 
• D7000 

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