The following Canon EOS 5D Mark III battery life numbers (how many photos can be taken before the battery power runs out) is extracted from the Canon 5D Mark III Manual and the Canon 5D Mark III Specifications page.
All figures are calculated based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) testing standards (see the section titled “Standard Procedure for Measuring Digital Still Camera Battery Consumption” for more information), and assuming one of the following power supply conditions:
- One fully-charged Canon LP-E6 7.2V, 1800mAh Lithium Ion battery pack.
- With the Battery Grip BG-E11 attached, you get the option of using one or two fully-charged Canon LP-E6 battery packs, or six AA-sized batteries (alkaline AA / LR6 batteries were used in the tests — alternatively, you could purchase AA-sized lithium batteries or AA-sized rechargeable Ni-MH batteries.
Viewfinder Shooting — Approximate Number of Shots
One LP-E6 battery, with or without the battery grip attached:
- Temperature 23°C / 73°F: 950
- Temperature 0°C / 32°F: 850
Two LP-E6 batteries, with an attached battery grip:
- Temperature 23°C / 73°F: 1900
- Temperature 0°C / 32°F: 1700
Six AA-sized batteries, with an attached battery grip (no figures provided for temperature at 0°C / 32°F):
- Temperature 23°C / 73°F: 270
Live View Shooting — Approximate Number of Shots
One LP-E6 battery, with or without the battery grip attached:
- Temperature 23°C / 73°F: 200
- Temperature 0°C / 32°F: 180
Movie Shooting Time
One LP-E6 battery, with or without the battery grip attached:
- Temperature 23°C / 73°F: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Temperature 0°C / 32°F: 1 hour 20 minutes
Other Battery Life Factors
In the 5DM3 Manual, Canon advised that the battery life and number of shots decreases when:
- The shutter button is pressed halfway for a prolonged period.
- Autofocus is frequently activated without taking a picture.
- The LCD Monitor is used a lot.
- IS (Image Stabilization) on the lens is activated.
Some lenses draw more power from the camera’s battery during operation due to their physical (heavy lens elements that need more power to move) and electronic (type and technology of the IS employed) properties.
Related
Canon 5D Mark III — Main page