Canon LP-E6P Battery Review: Strong but Conditional Buy
The surprising takeaway from weeks of digging into user feedback is that the Canon Battery Pack LP-E6P delivers the promised high-capacity performance—but only under certain conditions, and not always in the way the marketing suggests. Across platforms, the battery earns an overall verdict of 8/10, with praise for longevity and compatibility, but consistent caution around cost and performance in power-hungry bodies like the EOS R5 Mark II.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extended shooting time in supported cameras | High price compared to third-party options |
| Genuine Canon build quality and reliability | Reduced performance in some older models without firmware update |
| Compatible with wide range of EOS cameras and grips | R5 Mark II drains battery faster despite higher capacity |
| Recognized correctly in cameras without uncertified warnings | Occasional reports of defective units or poor charge retention |
| Works with in-camera USB-C charging in newer models | No benefit over LP-E6NH in older bodies |
| High discharge current supports advanced features | Inconsistent battery life depending on shooting style |
Claims vs Reality
Canon markets the LP-E6P as having a maximum continuous discharge current of 6.0A and a capacity of 2,130mAh, “specifically designed to meet the high-power requirements of the EOS R5 Mark II.” This should theoretically enable photographers to “capture stunning landscapes or long sports games without worrying about power supply.”
Digging deeper into user reports, this claim holds true for certain scenarios. Trustpilot reviewer Fabienne L. confirmed: “The number of photos I can take with this battery is far greater than the models provided with the camera.” Similarly, Best Buy customers praised its ability to “power cameras for extended periods, even when shooting high-resolution video.” These experiences align with Canon’s promise of high-capacity performance, but only when paired with newer bodies and efficient shooting habits.
However, Reddit discussions reveal limitations in older models. One user testing the LP-E6P in an original EOS R5 noted that “with the original R5 battery grip BG-R10… you lose the H+ high-speed continuous shooting green symbol… so can only shoot at about 4 fps.” Another confirmed that firmware updates restore full functionality, but without them, the battery behaves “equivalent to LP-E6.” This highlights a gap between marketing and real-world compatibility out of the box.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across platforms, the LP-E6P earns consistent praise for longevity and Canon’s build quality. Best Buy reviewers repeatedly stressed reliability: “You can always rely on Canon quality. Accept no substitutes.” For travel shooters, this means confidence in both performance and compatibility, even when swapping batteries between different EOS bodies.
Trustpilot user Bruno F. reported hitting 1,174 shots on an EOS R7 with 54% remaining—an impressive feat for wildlife or sports photographers who rely on long bursts. Reddit user feedback also confirms smooth detection in newer cameras like the R6 Mark II, with one noting, “Camera detected the battery as an LP-E6P. Everything worked as expected.”
Common Complaints
Price remains the most frequent pain point. Trustpilot user Patrick Z. stated: “A bit expensive compared to compatible Patona batteries… hence one star less.” For budget-conscious shooters, especially those running multiple bodies, the premium cost can be prohibitive.
Performance in the EOS R5 Mark II is another recurrent frustration. Ludovic G. described “half a day’s autonomy in intensive use,” while Marielle V. reported not lasting “the day in shooting (mode burst for birds in flight).” Hervé G.’s detailed account revealed stark variability: 200–250 shots in low-activity tracking scenarios versus 1,000+ shots in continuous bursts. This suggests that Canon’s high-discharge design meets demands during intense shooting but suffers in idle-heavy sessions where background drain is higher.
Defective units are rare but notable. Gérald R. shared: “It discharged without being in the camera… now it doesn’t charge at all,” underscoring the importance of purchase from reputable sources with return policies.
Divisive Features
In-camera USB-C charging compatibility splits opinion. While newer EOS R bodies benefit from it, Reddit users note that older cameras like the EOS R and RA do not support USB-C charging with the LP-E6P. For some, this negates a key selling point, especially when upgrading from LP-E6NH.
Another divisive aspect is the actual benefit over LP-E6NH. Trustpilot user Olivier D. found “no difference compared to batteries from my Canon R6 Mark II… if it discharges faster, it’s due to the R5 II’s use case.” This challenges Canon’s positioning of LP-E6P as a clear upgrade for all users.
Trust & Reliability
Canon’s track record for genuine accessories helps mitigate concerns about counterfeit batteries, a common issue in the photography gear space. Best Buy feedback includes strong warnings from users: “Accept no substitutes… you need a genuine LP-E6P battery from Canon if you want to enable pre capture.”
Long-term durability reports vary. On the positive side, several Trustpilot users highlight sustained performance months after purchase. Bruno F.’s account of “surprisingly high capacity” on older bodies suggests backward compatibility is robust when firmware is updated.
However, isolated cases like Gérald R.’s defective battery after a few months show that even OEM units can fail. The community’s advice leans towards buying from Canon directly or authorized dealers to ensure warranty coverage.
Alternatives
The most frequently mentioned alternative is the Patona third-party battery. Users like Patrick Z. acknowledge its lower cost but also note that it lacks certain Canon-specific feature support, such as pre-capture mode on the R5 Mark II. For shooters prioritizing savings over advanced integration, Patona may be viable, but for professionals relying on every feature, LP-E6P remains the safer choice.
Price & Value
Current official pricing ranges from £109.99 in the UK to NOK 1,549 in Norway, with occasional promotions like Bruno F.’s Father’s Day discount at €93.90. Community consensus suggests watching for seasonal sales to offset the premium.
Resale value for genuine Canon batteries tends to hold well, though the LP-E6P’s niche appeal to newer high-power EOS bodies may limit its second-hand market compared to the LP-E6NH.
Buying tips from Reddit and Trustpilot include:
- Update camera firmware immediately to unlock full LP-E6P functionality
- Pair with Canon grips designed for LP-E6 series to avoid compatibility quirks
- Keep an older LP-E6NH as backup for less demanding shoots
FAQ
Q: Does the LP-E6P work with older EOS cameras like the 5D Mark II?
A: Yes, it is physically compatible and will charge with the same LC-E6E charger, but behaves like a standard LP-E6 in these models without advanced feature benefits.
Q: Is a firmware update required for full functionality in EOS R5?
A: Yes, for original R5 and some R6/R7 bodies, updating firmware enables full LP-E6NH-equivalent performance, including high-speed shooting modes.
Q: How long does it last in the EOS R5 Mark II?
A: Reports vary from half a day in intensive use to over 1,000 shots in continuous burst scenarios. Idle-heavy sessions may see reduced lifespan.
Q: Can it be charged via USB-C in-camera?
A: Supported in newer EOS R bodies with updated firmware. Not available on older models like EOS R and RA.
Q: Is it worth the price over third-party batteries?
A: For users leveraging advanced Canon features like pre-capture or high-speed burst, yes. For casual shooters, third-party options may suffice.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a Canon EOS R5 Mark II or R5 C shooter needing maximum feature compatibility and reliable performance. Avoid if you’re on older bodies without firmware updates or if budget is the top priority. Pro tip from the community: “Wait for seasonal Canon promos—makes the premium much easier to swallow.”
