The Z5, Z6 II, Z7 II, and Z8 use a new version of the EN-EL15, the EN-EL15C. This new version has a higher capacity (2280mAh versus 1900mAh). This new battery can be used with the older Z6 and Z7 cameras (and other Nikon cameras that use the EN-EL15), but provides more capacity than the battery supplied with those cameras.
While some third-party EN-EL15C batteries are available, there is no guarantee that they’ll work with Nikon’s latest cameras. The Z8, in particular, seems to have stricter battery tolerances, and this is causing third party batteries to not be compatible.
You can, however, use earlier versions of the EN-EL15 with the Z5, Z6 II, Z7 II, and Z8:
- EN-EL15 — powers the camera, cannot be charged via USB in the camera, doesn't support continuous USB power
- EN-EL15A — powers the camera, cannot be charged via USB in the camera, doesn't support continuous USB power
- EN-EL15B — powers the camera, can be charged via USB in the camera, does support continuous USB power on Z5, Z6 II, Z7 II, or Z8 (but not on Z6/Z7)
- EN-EL15C — powers the camera, can be charged via USB in the camera, does support continuous USB power on Z5, Z6 II, Z7 II, or Z8 (but not on Z6/Z7)
A note about continuously powering the Z5, Z6 II, Z7 II, or Z8 with a EN-EL15C battery and the camera hooked up to USB: Nikon is using the PD (Power Delivery) standard. That means that any USB C charger that meets the standard can power the camera; you don't need Nikon's own charger. However, you do need to be aware that there are USB 3 cables out there that don't support this standard. Be very careful to make sure you're using a PD-complaint charger and a PD-compliant cable.
There are also third-party batteries that work like Nikon EN-EL15 or EN-EL15A batteries, which the cameras can use.
- Nikon's official EN-EL15B
- Nikon's official EN-EL15C
- There are reports that a number of EN-EL15 third party batteries don't work on the Z5, Z6 II, Z7 II, and Z8, so I've temporarily removed the listings of them until I can test
Quite a few chargers exist for the EN-EL15 batteries (and will charge all versions of the battery). I like the dual battery chargers that have level displays, such as these:
- Generic dual USB charger
- Kastar dual USB charger with batteries
- Generic single AC wall charger for travel
And you'll want something to carry your batteries in (and cards):
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