Best Power Bank for the Cameras: Top 2025 Picks for Photographers

Modern digital cameras pack powerful sensors, high-resolution video, and wireless features, but all that performance drains battery life fast. If you shoot outdoors or travel often, you already know how limiting that can be.

Investing in a reliable power bank for the cameras gives you the freedom to capture more without worrying about power outlets. Below, we'll cover the essential features to consider, highlight the top models for 2025, and share best practices for charging your camera efficiently.

What Features to Look for in a Camera Power Bank?

Before looking at the size or wattage of power banks, confirm whether your camera can accept power over USB. Many newer bodies will either charge their battery in camera over USB-C while off or run directly on USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) while recording.

Wondering if your camera supports USB PD? Check the manual. Some USB-C ports might be data-only. Sony, for instance, maintains a list of compatible cameras here, covering a wide range of Alpha ILCE bodies and newer vlogging ZV models.

If you're holding an older body that doesn't do USB-PD, there's still a workaround: DC couplers. You slide one of these dummy batteries into the battery bay and plug it into your power bank. And then, you can keep the camera alive for streaming, vlogging, or long interview takes.

With these sorted out, let's look at the essentials for a reliable portable charger:

Wattage matters

Manufacturers don't all agree on the same floor. Sony says a minimum of 18W (9V⎓2A) is required for fast charging over USB-C PD, while Nikon advises a 27W (9V⎓3A) adapter. Canon's newer mirrorless cameras also sit comfortably in that range.

In practice, 27W is the safer baseline if you're shooting video or leaning on stabilization. Some setups go further: Sony's DC-C1 coupler won't behave unless you feed it with a 65W USB PD supply and a 5A e-marked cable.

Think beyond the camera

Of course, you won't be using the power bank just for the camera. If you're also charging a phone, wireless mic kit, or laptop, pay attention to total output and port layout.

A power bank with dual USB-C PD ports rated for 45-65W combined will cover a camera and a phone at the same time. If a laptop is in your bag, choose something that can push 100W on a single port.

Banks built on the new PD 3.1 standard stretch up to 240W while staying backward-compatible, which means one pack can cover a mirrorless body, a MacBook, and a phone without complaint.

How much capacity is enough

Power banks are sold in mAh, but that figure doesn't map neatly to your camera batteries. Entry- to mid-level mirrorless and DSLRs often use cells around 1,000-2,000 mAh. Higher-end or video-focused models step up to 3,000-5,000 mAh packs, and dedicated cine batteries can be even larger.

So how far does a power bank go? Think of it in broad tiers:

• 10,000 mAh: about two to three charges for smaller camera batteries, or one charge for a larger pack with a little left over.
• 20,000 mAh: three to six charges depending on the body; enough for a full day of shooting plus a phone top-up.
• 26,800 mAh (~99 Wh): four to eight charges, and still under the airline carry-on limit. This size hits the sweet spot for travel vloggers and event shooters.
• 30,000+ mAh: useful for local work with big video packs, but usually over the 100 Wh air-travel cutoff.

And remember: airlines care about watt-hours, not mAh. Anything under 100 Wh sails through security in your carry-on; banks in the 101-160 Wh range typically need airline approval, and none are allowed in checked luggage.

Safety features that protect your gear

A good battery pack is safe. Look for:

• Over-current and over-voltage protection so the camera never sees a surge.
• Thermal monitoring that throttles output if the bank gets too hot during long charges.
• Short-circuit and auto shut-off in case of cable or connector faults.
• Certification like USB-IF compliance or UL testing, which tells you the electronics meet baseline safety standards.

5 Best Power Banks for Cameras in 2025

Below are five top-rated power banks from Anker. Each one solves a different problem, whether that's keeping a laptop alive alongside your camera or traveling light for a weekend shoot.

Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W)

This Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W) is the flagship brick for people who need everything powered at once. With 26,250 mAh (≈99.75 Wh) of capacity, two 140W USB-C ports, and a 22.5W USB-A, it delivers up to 300W total. It's enough to run two laptops and a phone simultaneously.

What makes it stand out is the stable 140W single-port output that doesn't throttle as the battery drains, so gaming laptops, editing rigs, or DC-coupler setups stay steady.

It also supports 250W dual-port recharging, hitting 80% in around half an hour. Despite the muscle, the pack is compact enough for carry-on and comes with a screen and app for real-time control.

What's good:

• 300W total with dual 140W USB-C PD ports, plenty of overhead for camera + laptop workflows.
• Rapid 250W self-recharge, topping to 80% in about 30 minutes.
• Stable single-port 140W output avoids mid-session voltage dips.
• Travel compliant at just under 100 Wh.
• Smart display and app for per-port monitoring and manual output control.

Anker Prime Power Bank (20K, 220W)

Think of this Anker Prime Power Bank (20K, 220W) as the smaller, denser sibling to the 26K Prime. It carries 20,000 mAh but still pushes 140W from a single USB-C port with 220W combined output across two USB-C and one USB-A.

That makes it ideal for a shoot where you want to run a laptop and camera together without juggling priorities. Recharging is fast, about 50% in 25 minutes, 80% in 35, so it's easy to top up between locations.

The magnesium-aluminum alloy housing sheds heat more effectively than standard shells, so it runs cooler when sustaining high wattage. A built-in display and app integration keep status visible at a glance.

What's good:

• 140W single-port output without derating, strong enough for high-draw laptops or couplers.
• 220W total power, covering camera, phone, and accessories at once.
• Quick recharge cycle, back to working capacity in under 40 minutes.
• Lightweight alloy build that runs cooler under load.
• Smart app + screen for live status and power adjustments.

Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 165W)

Built for field convenience, this Anker Laptop Power Bank (25K, 165W) has one USB-C port + one USB-A port and two built-in USB-C cables, with 165W combined output. Each USB-C delivers up to 100W.

One built-in cable is fully retractable, and the other doubles as a carrying strap. That design trims cable clutter, especially handy if you're mounting the bank on a cage or gimbal.

It recharges at 100W in about two hours, supports pass-through charging, and keeps everything visible on a small smart display. With capacity under 100 Wh, it's travel-safe while still covering a day's worth of mirrorless shooting and accessories.

What's good:

• 165W output across 3× USB-C + USB-A, flexible for multi-device setups.
• 2 Built-in cables, including one retractable, cut down on extra gear.
• 100W fast recharge in ~2 hours, efficient between sessions.
• Pass-through charging keeps a camera alive while topping up the bank.
• On-device display for quick status checks.

Anker Prime Power Bank (27K, 250W)

Want something that sits right under the 100 Wh flight limit but stretches power farther? The Anker Prime Power Bank (27K, 250W) delivers with two 140W USB-C ports and 250W total output. It supports 170W USB-C recharging and also works with Anker's pogo-pin base for 100W dock charging.

For shooters balancing a camera, laptop, and phone, this model is about flexibility. You can feed multiple devices at once without worrying which one gets throttled. The built-in display and app make it easy to see per-port wattage during a long shoot, so you always know where your energy is going.

What's good:

• 250W total output with up to 140W per USB-C port.
• 170W recharge speed, limiting downtime.
• Smart screen + app integration for per-port monitoring.
• Airline-legal 27,650mAh capacity, just under the 100 Wh threshold.

Anker Nano Power Bank (10K, 45W)

For travel-light setups or quick top-ups, the Anker Nano Power Bank (10K, 45W) hits the mark. It packs 10,000 mAh with a 45W USB-C PD port, USB-A, and a built-in retractable USB-C cable.

There's pass-through charging, so you can power a camera while the bank itself is plugged in, plus a smart display and ActiveShield thermal protection. The design is slim enough to slip into a pocket or side pouch, making it a realistic backup for short shoots, city vlogging, or a travel kit where every gram matters.

What's good:

• 45W USB-C PD, enough for many mirrorless cameras, Samsung Galaxy.
• Compact 10K capacity, carry-on safe and pocketable.
• Built-in retractable cable, great for gimbal rigs.
• Pass-through charging + smart display for monitoring while in use.
• ActiveShield safety features to prevent overheating.

Best Practices to Charge Your Camera with a Power Bank

Once you've chosen the right power bank, it comes down to how you actually use it in the field.

Set up correctly

Use the USB-C PD port on the bank, not legacy USB-A. Connect with a USB-IF certified cable. If your camera has a setting like "USB power delivery" or "USB power supply," switch it on.

Decide: charge or power

When the camera is off: the power bank works like a wall charger, replenishing the battery inside. This is the most efficient way to use it.

When the camera is on: the bank powers the camera directly, keeping it alive during long recordings, but it usually doesn't recharge the internal battery at the same time.

Watch indicators

Check that the charging light or on-screen battery icon confirms power delivery. Some power banks show wattage output; if the number seems low, you may be in a fallback mode instead of PD.

Manage heat

Long 4K or 8K sessions generate heat from both camera and power bank. If either feels hot, pause charging or move the bank to open air.

Keep cables and gear tidy

On gimbals or rigs, long cables snag easily. Use short, right-angled USB-C leads where possible, or packs with built-in cables to cut clutter. Velcro straps or cages with a battery plate can keep the setup stable during motion shots.

Travel smart

Always keep power banks in carry-on, with contacts covered. Under 100 Wh, you'll breeze through security; over that, you may need airline approval and will be capped on spares.

Conclusion

To find the right power bank for the cameras, you need to consider not only capacity, but also the right wattage tier, safe voltage negotiation, and enough ports to handle your whole kit. Whether you're shooting a travel vlog or covering a wedding, matching the power bank to your camera's needs means fewer interruptions and more usable footage. For many, a reliable option with smart features makes all the difference, and Anker's current lineup shows how far power banks have come. At Anker, you'll find models built to match everything from lightweight setups to multi-device workflows.

FAQs

Can I power my camera with a power bank?

Yes. If your camera supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD), you can run it directly from a power bank while shooting or top up the battery when the camera is turned off. Many newer models include this feature. If your camera doesn't accept USB power, you can still use a DC coupler (dummy battery) that connects to the bank. Just make sure the power bank delivers the wattage your camera requires and use a certified cable for reliable operation.

What capacity power bank is best for cameras?

For casual use or a short outing, a 10,000 mAh pack usually covers two to three charges of smaller batteries. A 20,000 mAh bank is a better all-day option, often equaling three to six charges depending on your camera. If you travel frequently, 26,800 mAh (≈99 Wh) is popular because it's the largest capacity allowed on flights while still offering four to eight charges for most mirrorless batteries.

How to charge a camera battery with a power bank?

If your camera charges its battery internally via USB-C PD, connect the bank directly to the camera with a compatible cable and let it top up while the camera is off. Some models also allow charging while powered on, though it may be slower. For cameras without USB charging, you can use a USB-powered external charger made for your battery type, which plugs into the bank just like a phone charger.

Is there a way to charge a camera battery without the charger?

Yes. If your camera has USB-C PD charging built in, you don't need a separate charger. Just connect a compatible power bank or wall adapter. For cameras without USB charging, you can use a third-party USB battery charger that fits your battery model. Another option is a DC coupler that powers the camera directly, though it won't refill the battery inside.