Camera & Flashlight Battery Equivalents
Photo and lighting gear often needs high-pulse lithium primaries (CR123A, CR2) or protected 18650 packs. Voltage and protection circuitry matter as much as physical size.
Selection notes
- Do not drop unprotected 18650 cells into devices meant for primary CR123A.
- RCR123A rechargeables are only for devices that list them.
- Store lithium cells cool and dry; dispose of damaged cells at a battery recycler.
Related charts
CR123A (CR17345 / DL123A) is a 3V lithium cylindrical cell (~17 × 34.5 mm, ~1400–1600 mAh) prized for high pulse current and long shelf life. It is not the same as the smaller CR2 or the much larger 18650.
CR2 is a compact 3V lithium cylinder often used in photography and laser equipment.
18650 is an 18 × 65 mm lithium-ion cell — the backbone of many rechargeable product battery packs.
CR-V3 is a flat 3V lithium pack used in many digital cameras as an alternative to two AA cells.
AA (LR6) is the world's most common cylindrical battery size at 14.5 × 50.5 mm.
14500 cells match AA dimensions roughly but deliver lithium-ion voltage — only for devices that explicitly support them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 18650 a drop-in for CR123A?
No. Size and voltage differ, and many flashlights use dedicated tubes or adapters. Follow the light manufacturer's battery list.
Review record and primary sources
Reviewed by PlainBattery Technical Review Desk on 2026-08-25. Checked: device-selection guidance, linked battery dimensions, voltage, and chemistry, compatibility and safety limits.
- CR123A Product Datasheet — Panasonic Energy, R1 (2024-07). CR123A dimensions, voltage, capacity, current and temperature range.
- US18650VTC6 Product Datasheet — Murata Manufacturing, 001. Representative 18650 dimensions, charge limits, capacity and discharge characteristics.
- Energizer E91 / IEC LR6 AA Product Datasheet — Energizer Brands, E91NA1018. AA dimensions, chemistry, voltage, shelf life and load-dependent capacity.
- BMZ 14500 7EM1 Cell Datasheet — BMZ Group. Representative protected-product design input for 14500 lithium-ion voltage, capacity and dimensions.
Revision record: source citations and field-level review scope added September 11, 2026. See our sources and methodology and corrections policy.
To identify a printed code, use the Battery Finder or the cross-reference charts.