Camera Battery Life Calculator
Estimate camera battery life by type, shooting mode, and battery capacity.
Get shot count or recording time.
The Camera Battery Life Calculator estimates how many photos you can take or how long you can record video on a single battery charge. Battery performance depends on your camera type, battery capacity, and shooting mode.
Camera Type is the biggest factor in power consumption. A DSLR camera uses an optical viewfinder that requires very little power, so DSLRs typically achieve around 350 shots per charge on a standard 1500 mAh battery. Mirrorless cameras rely on an electronic viewfinder and rear LCD, consuming more power and averaging around 250 shots per charge. Action cameras like GoPro models are designed for continuous video recording and typically last about 1.5 hours on a 1220 mAh battery. If your camera has a different power profile, you can select Custom and enter the power draw in milliamps (mA) directly.
Battery Capacity is measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). Common camera batteries range from around 1000 mAh for compact cameras to 2000 mAh or more for professional bodies. A higher mAh rating means more stored energy and longer shooting time. You can find your battery’s mAh rating printed on the battery itself or in your camera manual.
Shooting Mode significantly impacts battery drain. Using the optical viewfinder on a DSLR is the most efficient. Live View mode, where the rear LCD displays a real-time preview, increases power consumption by roughly 40 to 60 percent because the sensor and screen are continuously active. Video recording is the most demanding mode, drawing continuous power for the sensor, image processor, LCD, and often image stabilization, reducing battery life by approximately 50 to 70 percent compared to standard still photography.
For practical planning, consider carrying spare batteries for important shoots. Cold weather can reduce battery capacity by 10 to 20 percent, so factor that in for outdoor winter photography. Turning off image stabilization, reducing LCD brightness, and disabling Wi-Fi or Bluetooth can extend your battery life by 15 to 25 percent.
This calculator provides a useful estimate for planning shoots, packing spare batteries, or comparing how different cameras and modes affect your shooting capacity.