2. D850 Online Manual
  3. Technical Notes
  4. Battery Life

Battery Life

The movie footage or number of shots that can be recorded with fully-charged batteries varies with the condition of the battery, temperature, interval between shots, and the length of time menus are displayed. In the case of AA batteries, capacity also varies with make and storage conditions; some batteries cannot be used. Sample figures for the camera and optional MB-D18 multi-power battery pack are given below.

  • Photographs, single-frame release mode (CIPA standard 1)

    • One EN-EL15a battery 2 (camera): Approximately 1840 shots
    • One EN-EL15a battery 2 (MB-D18): Approximately 1840 shots
    • One EN-EL18c battery 3 (MB-D18): Approximately 3300 shots
    • Eight AA alkaline batteries (MB-D18): Approximately 1740 shots

  • Photographs, continuous release mode (Nikon standard 4)

    • One EN-EL15a battery 2 (camera): Approximately 4030 shots
    • One EN-EL15a battery 2 (MB-D18): Approximately 4030 shots
    • One EN-EL18c battery 3 (MB-D18): Approximately 7700 shots
    • Eight AA alkaline batteries (MB-D18): Approximately 2960 shots

  • Movies 5

    • One EN-EL15a battery 2 (camera): Approximately 70 minutes of HD footage
    • One EN-EL15a battery 2 (MB-D18): Approximately 70 minutes of HD footage
    • One EN-EL18c battery 3 (MB-D18): Approximately 145 minutes of HD footage
    • Eight AA alkaline batteries (MB-D18): Approximately 65 minutes of HD footage

Measured at 23 °C/73.4 °F (±2 °C/3.6 °F) with an AF-S NIKKOR 24–120mm f/4G ED VR lens under the following test conditions: lens cycled from infinity to minimum range and one photograph taken at default settings once every 30 s. Live view not used.

EN-EL15c, EN-EL15b, or EN-EL15 batteries can also be used in place of the EN-EL15a, but note that fewer pictures may sometimes be taken on a single charge with an EN-EL15 than with an EN-EL15c/EN-EL15b/EN-EL15a.

Requires MH-26a or MH-26 battery charger and BL-5 battery-chamber cover (both available separately). EN-EL18b, EN-EL18a, and EN-EL18 batteries can be used in place of the EN-EL18c, but note that fewer pictures can be taken on a single charge with an EN-EL18 than with an EN-EL18c/EN-EL18b/EN-EL18a.

Measured at 23 °C/73.4 °F (±2 °C/3.6 °F) with an AF-S NIKKOR 70–200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens under the following test conditions: vibration reduction off, image quality set to JPEG normal, image size set to Large, shutter speed 1/250 s, focus cycled from infinity to minimum range three times after shutter-release button has been pressed halfway for 3 s; six shots are then taken in succession and monitor turned on for 5 s and then turned off; cycle repeated once standby timer has expired.

Measured at 23 °C/73.4 °F (±2 °C/3.6 °F) with the camera at default settings and an AF-S NIKKOR 24–120mm f/4G ED VR lens under conditions specified by the Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA). Individual movies are composed of one or more files, each up to 4 GB in size, and can total up to 29 minutes 59 seconds in length; recording may end before these limits are reached if the camera temperature rises.

Actions such as the following can reduce battery life:

  • Using the monitor
  • Keeping the shutter-release button pressed halfway
  • Repeated autofocus operations
  • Taking NEF (RAW) or TIFF (RGB) photographs
  • Slow shutter speeds
  • Using camera Wi-Fi (wireless LAN) and Bluetooth features
  • Using the camera with optional accessories connected
  • Using VR (vibration reduction) mode with VR lenses
  • Repeatedly zooming in and out with an AF-P lens.

To ensure that you get the most from rechargeable Nikon EN-EL15a batteries:

  • Keep the battery contacts clean. Soiled contacts can reduce battery performance.
  • Use batteries immediately after charging. Batteries will lose their charge if left unused.