Short answer: the NB-13L II can be charged in Canon’s OEM LC-30 dock or in a third-party dock built to matching specs, but it cannot be plugged straight into a phone charger the way a pack with a Type-C port can. This pack has no charging port of its own, so charging always happens in a dock. What matters when choosing a charger is not the brand but three things: whether it holds this model properly, whether its output voltage and current match, and whether it has basic overcharge protection.
The NB-13L is a 3.6V single-cell lithium-ion pack with a full-charge cut-off typically at 4.2V and a rated capacity of 1250mAh / 4.5Wh. Those numbers define which chargers fit, and they explain why grabbing any charger at random carries risk.
One: the OEM LC-30 dock, the safest route
The LC-30 is the dock Canon supplies for the NB-13L family, with a slot shaped to the pack so it seats with a clear click. The routine is simple:
- Plug the charger’s power lead into an outlet and check the indicator state (depending on the batch, steady or off may mean standby).
- Insert the pack with the contacts facing the right way, lining the metal contacts up with the spring pins inside the dock. Do not force it in at an angle.
- The indicator changes color or starts blinking, which means charging has begun.
- The indicator changes again (usually steady or off, per the manual) to show a full charge; remove the pack.
- Do not leave it in the dock for long after it fills. The dock has cut-off protection, but taking it out is safer.
The LC-30’s advantage is that the match is exact and you never have to judge specs. Its drawbacks are equally obvious: fixed size, bulky in a bag, and only one slot. With two or more packs, you will be queuing them up in the evening.
Two: three kinds of third-party charger
| Type | What to check | Advantages | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEM LC-30 dock | Matches the model directly, nothing to judge | Best match, least fuss | Bulky, expensive, single slot |
| Third-party USB dock | Confirm it lists NB-13L and outputs 4.2V | Compact, runs off a power bank, often dual-slot | Build quality varies; cheap units may lack overcharge protection |
| Universal adjustable charger | Set manually to single-cell lithium mode, current no higher than 0.5C | One unit for many packs, good if you own several types | A wrong setting can damage the pack; not for beginners |
A third-party USB dock is what most people actually buy: inexpensive, light, able to run from a power bank, and available in dual-slot versions that charge two packs at once. Check two things when choosing — whether the label names NB-13L explicitly, and whether it states charge-complete cut-off. Avoid anything that says only “fits small Canon batteries” without naming the model.
A universal adjustable charger suits people who also own Fujifilm or Sony packs. But every battery change means re-confirming voltage and current, and one wrong setting can ruin a pack or worse. If you have no interest in studying those parameters, there is no reason to own one.
Three: the voltage and current lines
Voltage mismatch is the most common mistake. The NB-13L is a single-cell 3.6V pack, so the charger must work on single-cell lithium logic and cut off at 4.2V. Using a 7.2V two-cell charger on it is a serious error. Conversely, a single-cell charger will never fill a two-cell pack.
On current, the industry convention is around 0.5C, which for a 1250mAh pack means roughly 600mA. Below that, charging is slower but gentler; above it, heat and aging increase. Most third-party docks are built for 500-800mA, which sits in a reasonable range.
That leads to a practical conclusion: do not try to “speed things up” with a fast phone charger. The circuitry inside the dock sets the actual charge current, and a fast charger will simply be drawn at the wattage the dock wants. The only thing that really changes is heat, and that is not an improvement.
Four: habits and a travel setup
Charging as you go is better for longevity than deep cycling. There is no need to wait for the camera to shut down, and no need to hit 100% every time — for long storage, four to six tenths is actually preferable. In summer, avoid direct sun and enclosed spaces, as with any lithium-ion pack.
A travel setup might look like this: at home, use the LC-30 or a dual-slot dock to fill both packs; on the road, carry one spare plus a small USB dock and top up from a power bank when needed. You keep the reliability of the OEM charger without running dry because there was no outlet.
For choosing the pack itself and checking which bodies it fits, see the NB-13L II category. If you are still confirming which battery your camera uses, the NB-13L category has the full list: the G7X series, the G9X series, and the SX730 and SX740.
FAQ
Can the LC-30 charge the NB-13L II?
Yes. The second generation is a third-party replacement for the NB-13L, with the same dimensions and contact positions, so it seats and charges normally in the LC-30. Charging time depends on remaining charge, typically between one and two hours; go by the indicator state.
The indicator never changes. Is the dock broken?
First confirm the pack is seated correctly and the contacts are clean. Wipe the pack and dock contacts with a cotton swab and a little anhydrous alcohol, let them dry, and retry. If another pack changes the indicator normally, the problem is the first pack; if neither does, it is most likely the dock or the power lead.
Can a power bank feed the dock?
Yes for USB-powered third-party docks, which is exactly where they beat the LC-30 for convenience. Make sure the power bank’s output is stable, and avoid frequent plugging and unplugging while charging, which repeatedly restarts the charging handshake.
Does leaving a full pack in the dock hurt it?
A proper dock cuts off at full, so short periods are fine. But long-term storage at full charge accelerates capacity loss, so take the pack out once it is full, especially if you will not use it soon.