The SD880 uses a Canon NB-4L battery and a dedicated charger

The Canon PowerShot SD880 comes with a Canon CB-2LW charger and a rechargeable NB-4L lithium-ion battery. You charge the camera by removing the battery from the camera body, inserting it into the charger, and plugging the charger into a wall outlet. The charger has a small LED light that shows charging status — it glows red while charging and turns green when the battery is fully charged, which typically takes 90 minutes to two hours.

The NB-4L battery is a small, rectangular lithium-ion cell about the size of a postage stamp. It sits in a slot on the bottom or side of the camera body, depending on which SD880 model you have. You'll need to power off the camera before removing the battery, though some models allow battery removal without powering down.

Key Takeaways

  • The Canon CB-2LW charger plugs into any standard wall outlet and charges the NB-4L battery in about 90 minutes to two hours.
  • Remove the battery from the camera body before placing it in the charger — you cannot charge the battery while it remains in the camera.
  • A red LED on the charger means the battery is charging; a green LED means it is fully charged and ready to use.
  • The NB-4L battery will lose its charge over time if left unused, so store it in a cool, dry place if you plan not to use the camera for several weeks.

Where the battery sits and how to remove it

On most SD880 models, the battery compartment is on the bottom of the camera. Look for a small door or panel marked with a battery symbol. Slide or press the latch to open it, then gently pull the NB-4L battery straight out. The battery has a small metal contact strip on one side — this is what connects to the camera's power system, so avoid touching it with your fingers.

If you have trouble locating the battery compartment, check the back of your camera manual or look for a small diagram printed on the camera body itself. Some SD880 variants place the compartment on the side rather than the bottom, but the removal process is identical.

Inserting the battery into the charger

The Canon CB-2LW charger has a small slot on top where the battery slides in. The metal contacts on the battery must face toward the charger's internal contacts. There is usually only one way the battery will fit — if it does not slide in smoothly, flip it over and try again. Do not force it, as this can damage the contacts.

Once the battery is seated in the charger, plug the charger's power cord into a wall outlet. The red LED should light up immediately, indicating that charging has begun. If the LED does not light, check that the outlet is working by plugging in another device, or try a different outlet.

Understanding the charging indicator light

The small LED on the front of the CB-2LW charger tells you the battery's status. A steady red light means the battery is actively charging. A blinking red light can indicate a problem — either the battery is not making good contact with the charger, or the battery itself may be damaged. If you see a blinking red light, remove the battery, clean the metal contacts gently with a dry cloth, and reinsert it.

A solid green light means the battery has reached full charge and is ready to use. You can leave the battery in the charger after it reaches green, though it is not necessary. Lithium-ion batteries like the NB-4L do not overcharge the way older battery types did, so leaving it plugged in overnight will not harm it.

How long the battery lasts on a full charge

A fully charged NB-4L battery typically powers the SD880 for 150 to 200 photos, depending on how much you use the flash, zoom, and LCD screen. Using the flash drains the battery faster than taking photos without it. Leaving the LCD screen on also reduces battery life compared to using the optical viewfinder.

If you plan to take photos all day, consider buying a second NB-4L battery so you can charge one while using the other. Canon sells replacement NB-4L batteries, and many third-party manufacturers make compatible versions at lower cost. Third-party batteries work in the same charger and perform similarly, though some users report slightly shorter lifespan.

Storing the battery when you are not using the camera

Lithium-ion batteries lose charge slowly even when not in use. If you plan to store the SD880 for more than a few weeks, remove the battery and store it separately in a cool, dry place. A partially charged battery (around 50 percent) is ideal for long-term storage. Avoid storing the battery in direct sunlight, in a car during hot weather, or in damp environments.

If the battery has been stored for several months and the camera will not power on, the battery may have discharged completely. Plug it into the charger and let it charge for the full 90 minutes to two hours, even if the LED does not light up immediately. Some deeply discharged batteries take a few minutes before the charger recognizes them.

Troubleshooting charging problems

If the charger LED does not light up when you plug it in, first check that the wall outlet is working. Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same outlet — if that device does not work, the outlet may be off or broken. Try a different outlet in another room. If the charger still does not respond, the charger itself may be faulty and may need replacement.

If the LED blinks red and does not turn solid red or green, the battery contacts may be dirty. Remove the battery and wipe both the metal contacts on the battery and the contacts inside the charger slot with a clean, dry cloth. Reinsert the battery and try again. If the blinking continues, the battery may be damaged and unable to hold a charge.

If the camera powers on but the battery drains very quickly — within 20 or 30 photos — the battery may be reaching the end of its lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries typically last 300 to 500 charge cycles before capacity begins to noticeably decline. If your SD880 is several years old and the battery drains fast even after a full charge, a replacement NB-4L battery will likely solve the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge the battery while it is still in the camera?

No. The Canon SD880 does not support in-camera charging. You must remove the NB-4L battery from the camera and place it in the CB-2LW charger. Some newer Canon models have in-camera charging via USB, but the SD880 does not have this feature.

What should I do if the charger gets hot while charging?

The charger may become slightly warm during use, which is normal. However, if it becomes too hot to touch, unplug it immediately and let it cool. A charger that overheats may be faulty. Do not use it again until you have confirmed it is working safely, or consider purchasing a replacement charger.

Is it safe to leave the battery in the charger overnight?

Yes. The CB-2LW charger stops actively charging once the battery reaches full capacity, so leaving it plugged in overnight will not damage the battery. However, unplugging the charger after the LED turns green will save a small amount of electricity.

Can I use a different charger with the NB-4L battery?

Only if it is designed for the NB-4L. Canon makes the CB-2LW charger, and some third-party manufacturers make compatible chargers. Check the product description to confirm it is rated for NB-4L batteries. Using an incompatible charger can damage the battery or charger.

How do I know when the battery is completely dead?

The camera will not power on at all, or it will power on briefly and then shut down immediately. If this happens, place the battery in the charger and let it charge for the full 90 minutes to two hours. A completely discharged battery may take longer to show a charging indicator, so be patient before assuming the charger is broken.