llano Fast Dual Camera Battery Charger Review

It seemed that my Canon camera batteries were no longer lasting long, and testing them validated my perception. Out of 9 LP-E6NH and 3 LP-E6N batteries in my kit, only 1 reported a full recharge performance of 3 bars. Four battery packs reported 2 bars, and 5 reported only a single bar. Not good.

The Sony battery situation was no different.

So, llano's request for a paid review of their unique Canon LP-E6N and Sony NP-FZ100 compatible chargers and batteries was timed perfectly.

I now have additional pairs of fresh Canon and Sony batteries in the kit.

Similar to memory cards, batteries are essential for photography. They have no impact on image quality, and optimally, they stay out of the way, but you can't take pictures without them.

Battery longevity and capacity per charge (llano's 2400 mAh rating is high) are experience factors, and the llano batteries seem like my factory originals (with considerably longer performance than my current OEM supply) in multiple cameras, including the Canon EOS R5 and EOS R7, the Sony Alpha 1 and ZV-E10 II, and a Portkeys monitor. Longevity, of course, cannot be determined in a couple of months of testing.

Despite functional batteries being equal from an image quality perspective, the lowest cost option may not be a good choice, including for safety reasons, and llano batteries are not the least expensive available. Still, they are considerably lower priced than the camera manufacturers' options.

llano responded to my safety question by sending 17 certification documents, including UL, FCC, EMC, and RoHS certificates.

Who is llano?

"llano, a company founded in 2012 specializes in high-end consumer electronics. At llano, we are dedicated to meaningful scientific and technological innovation, striving to integrate cutting-edge technology with human-centric solutions. Our mission is to proactively enhance everyday life through the power of science and technology, creating exceptional user experiences. We are passionate about exploring new avenues in technology and are committed to delivering products that seamlessly blend innovation with practicality. Our goal is to contribute to offering solutions that enrich and simplify the lives of our users. Our slogan is Cool Innovation for Cool Living."

While batteries are important, they must be charged. Charger design affords far greater design flexibility than battery design, and llano's dual charger is more unique than their batteries.

The llano charger has a smooth design that feels solid yet has a soft-to-the-touch finish. Rounded edges extend that experience and avoid scratching other gear.

This charger weighs 6 oz (171 g) and measures 4.3 x 3.3 x 1.8" (108 x 83 x 46 mm), only modestly larger than Canon and Sony's single chargers shown in the comparison images above and below.

The rigid (very slightly flexible) lid has a highly functional and easy-to-use magnetic latch that covers a pair of battery slots. Having dual charging slots is advantageous, and the batteries insert snugly into them.

The front of the case features a super useful LED battery charge percentage display for each slot. The display is always on when the charger is plugged in and powers on when the button is pressed or a battery is inserted, providing at-a-glance feedback on the charging status. There is no need to count Canon's LED blinks, and seeing "100%" is more assuring than Sony's all-lights-out-when-fully-charged implementation.

The rapid (llano claims a 50% faster charge rate compared to standard chargers) QC3.0 and PD3.0 technology-enabled charger case utilizes USB-C PD (Power Delivery) for great versatility. Attach the charger to an 18w or greater power source (not provided), such as that of your computer, car, or portable power bank, using the USB-C to USB-C cable included in the box. The case itself does not provide power storage (though a power storage charging case option is coming soon) and can be packed in your checked luggage.

Charging batteries is another safety concern, and the llano charger "Provides complete protection (including temperature control, over-voltage, short-circuit, overcharge, and surge protection) for you and your devices." [llano]

The charging case is a great battery storage option for home, and it is especially useful for travel.

If you are storing batteries, why not store the other essential camera accessory, an SD card, also? This charger has an SD card storage slot for a backup card. Extending this slot's functionality to card reading seems a low-cost opportunity to enhance the charger's functionality. Plug the case into the computer to charge the batteries and upload images at the same time.

A drawstring storage bag and hand strap are included. The bag helps avoid scratches, but I don't foresee using the hand strap.

Most photographers have a single camera brand in their kit, but those using multiple brands would appreciate a camera brand indication on the exterior of the charger. Otherwise, small text at the bottom of the battery slots identifies the battery type supported.

Summary

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Overall, the llano batteries and unique storage chargers are well-designed and constructed, and while longevity could not be tested in the couple of months I've had the batteries, they work as expected. The relatively low price makes them a great value.

The llano Fast Dual Camera Battery Charger is available at Amazon, where the user reviews are quite positive. Use coupon code llano0420 to save 10% (use code llano15DE to save 15% at Amazon DE).

Amazon US: Canon LP-E6NH | Sony FZ100
Amazon UK: Canon LP-E6NH | Sony FZ100
Amazon CA: Canon LP-E6NH | Sony FZ100
Amazon DE: Canon LP-E6NH | Sony FZ100