iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A CIPA battery rating is an estimate of how many still photos a digital camera can take on a new or fully charged battery under a standardized test procedure. It is useful for comparing camera specifications, but it is not a promise that your camera will take exactly that many photos in everyday use.
What does a CIPA battery rating measure?
For still photography, the rating is the number of images a camera takes without changing or recharging its battery. The procedure starts with a new primary battery or a fully charged rechargeable battery. CIPA—the Camera & Imaging Products Association—established a common method so buyers can make more meaningful comparisons between manufacturers’ specifications.
The figure is a test benchmark, not a battery-capacity measurement in isolation. It reflects a defined sequence of camera operations and conditions, rather than every photographer’s individual routine.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteHow is the CIPA shot count determined?
CIPA’s DC-002 procedure specifies a range of test-condition categories that can affect battery consumption. These include the battery, shooting mode, recorded image size, flash use, focal distance, subject brightness, recording medium, optical zoom, autofocus and auto-exposure operation, operating environment, video and audio use, white balance, monitor mode, playback, shooting intervals, and how often and for how long the camera is switched off. The procedure also defines when a test ends.
#1 Best Overall
- Energizer CR2 Lithium Photo Batteries, delivering long-lasting performance for your camera, shot after shot
- Compatible with today's high-tech devices: Energizer Photo Batteries provide dependable performance in digital SLR cameras, calculators, tablet PCs, and more
- Reliably ready when you need them: Our CR2 Photo Batteries hold power for up to 10 years in storage, so you can always have battery power at hand
- Type: Lithium; Volt: 3
- Replacement for: DLCR2, CR15H270, KCR2
These categories form a test recipe; they do not mean every factor is varied identically for every camera. Your own settings and shooting habits may differ from the standardized sequence, and CIPA’s figure does not provide a conversion factor for predicting your personal shot count. There is no reliable fixed multiplier to apply to the rating.
Which CIPA standard is used?
CIPA lists DC-002-Translation-2020 as its digital still-camera battery-consumption procedure. The listing gives a publication date of January 21, 2020, and identifies it as a revision of the December 2003 edition. CIPA recommends the procedure to members and camera makers worldwide, but says the standard is not enforceable.
Rank #2
- Energizer Double A Lithium batteries are the world's longest lasting AA batteries.
- These AA Energizer batteries power your most critical devices, great for smart home devices, outdoor surveillance systems, digital cameras, Blink outdoor cameras, and handheld games
- An Ultimate Lithium battery can hold power up to 25 years in storage for trustworthy backup energy, so you are always prepared
- Energizer lithium AA batteries are made with leak-proof construction to help protect devices (based on standard use)
- AA lithium batteries can perform in extreme temperatures from -40F to 140°F for year-round, indoor and outdoor use
CIPA describes the purpose of the procedure as reducing consumer confusion by standardizing how camera battery consumption is presented in catalogs and manuals. Its published procedure sets out the test’s purpose and condition categories.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Does the CIPA rating apply to video recording?
No. A still-photo rating is a count of images; movie battery life is measured as a duration under separate definitions. CIPA’s digital-camera guideline distinguishes actual-use-case movie recording from continuous recording under fixed conditions. When movie battery life is listed, the guideline calls for actual shooting battery life and continuous-recording time to be indicated. These figures are not interchangeable with a still-photo shot count.
Rank #3
- LP-E10 Li-ion Battery for Canon EOS Rebel T3, T5, T6, T7, T100, Kiss X50, Kiss X70, EOS 1100D, EOS 1200D, EOS 1300D, EOS 1500D, EOS 2000D, EOS 3000D, EOS 4000D Digital Cameras
- Battery Specifications - Energy Storage Capacity: 1100mAh /Voltage: 7.4 volts/ WH: 8.1Wh - New fully decoded chip works just like the original.(gives time left and does not need a special charger)
- Battery has a one-year warranty - 100% Safety Guarantee: Built with multiple circuit protection (over-charging, short-circuit, high-temperature, and surge protection), and high-quality, fire-resistant construction
- Memory free for maximum performance - Absolutely no memory effect so that you can charge battery at anytime - Super Long Time Recording
- NOTE: THIS BATTERY WILL ONLY WORK WITH T3, T5, T6, T7. IT WILL NOT WORK WITH T3I, T5I, T6I, T7I
For the distinction, see CIPA’s digital-camera specification guideline.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How should you compare CIPA ratings?
- Compare CIPA still-photo counts with other CIPA still-photo counts, rather than with an unspecified battery-life figure.
- For video, check whether the figure refers to actual-use-case battery duration or continuous recording under fixed conditions.
- Treat the number as a standardized benchmark, not a guarantee of the photos or recording time you will get.
If a camera’s actual shot count differs from its listed rating, that alone does not show the rating is inaccurate: the standardized test and your use may involve different conditions. A camera-community discussion illustrates this kind of question, but is anecdotal and does not establish the official method: “How is battery life measured/calculated”.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 2 pack of Energizer 123 Lithium Batteries
- Energizer 123 lithium battery provides serious power for your high tech devices
- Ideal batteries for cameras, flashlights and smart home devices
- Powerful photo batteries last up to 10 years in storage
- Energizer 123 lithium photo battery replaces 5018LC, CR123, CR123A, CR17345 and EL123
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
