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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Do you use off brand batteries?
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09/12/2017 12:01:57 PM · #1
I purchased a non-canon battery for my camera years ago. I don't remember why I didn't like it; I just remember buying an extra canon battery and using only the OEM ones.

But with the mirrorless cameras using up the batteries so quickly, I'm wondering what people's opinions are on OEM vs other batteries for cameras? Any reason not to buy the cheap ones?
09/12/2017 12:05:10 PM · #2
I have been using non-Canon batteries for a good few years now and never had a problem. I like to carry 2 or 3 spares though I rarely even use one up in a day.

Message edited by author 2017-09-12 12:42:52.
09/12/2017 12:10:11 PM · #3
Originally posted by vawendy:

I purchased a non-canon battery for my camera years ago. I don't remember why I didn't like it; I just remember buying an extra canon battery and using only the OEM ones.

But with the mirrorless cameras using up the batteries so quickly, I'm wondering what people's opinions are on OEM vs other batteries for cameras? Any reason not to buy the cheap ones?


For your Sony Jupio batteries are great off brand ones. Reliable and their length is the same as the Sony batteries.
09/12/2017 12:32:41 PM · #4
I have extra off brand batteries for nearly all my cameras. try to carry at least 2 spares, and yes, mirrorless has an appetite.
09/12/2017 12:47:01 PM · #5
Yes. I've preferred Sterlingtek, after they were recommended to me a few years ago on this forum. However, they don't make batteries for my Olympus PEN or the Canon G7x I just bought, so I took an informed chance on some batteries that had overall positive user reviews on Amazon.
09/12/2017 12:51:48 PM · #6
I've read that the "made-in-japan" third party varieties are the best non-oem, and my experience confirms that they are indeed good replacements. The only disadvantage, usually, is that they don't have the 100% accurate feedback as to amount of charge left. But it seems to be good enough.

The ones that were recommended to me (in reviews), and that I've used on ALL of my mirrorless cameras, are the Wasabi Power batteries. That includes my Fujis, X-T1, Sony RX100, Canon S100, and Panny G4.

For the Fuji, for example, they cost about $25 for 2 with a nice compact charger. Compared to about $60 for a single Fuji battery.

Message edited by author 2017-09-12 12:52:41.
09/12/2017 12:59:34 PM · #7
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Yes. I've preferred Sterlingtek, after they were recommended to me a few years ago on this forum. However, they don't make batteries for my Olympus PEN or the Canon G7x I just bought, so I took an informed chance on some batteries that had overall positive user reviews on Amazon.


I was just eyeing these. Price seems to good to be true, since the sony ones are $50 apiece, but it seems like the only bad reviews were one of the two not working. I didn't know if there was any chance of messing up the camera, or if it's just that the batteries are crappy.

batteries
09/12/2017 01:05:29 PM · #8
I have non brand batteries but noticed that my 5D Mark 4 doesn't like it where as 6D is fine. 5D shows an icon in the view finder that means that it is not an approved battery.
09/12/2017 01:06:10 PM · #9
Living in Taiwan where many of the OEM are produced (even the "Made in Japan" ones). I can assure you that the quality standard (control) is lower for OEM's but essentially they are the same. Believe me. I personally only use Canon ones. I bought 2 extra ones when purchased the Canon 70D about 4 years ago. I rotate the usage of the 3, and always completely empty them, After 60.000 pictures they are still performing as new.
I think the investment of buying 2-3 extra batteries is really small. Why bother to gain few $ by using OEM's. All what people say about they are the same is just fake news. Believe me, I have it from an extremely credible source...
09/12/2017 01:11:27 PM · #10
I'm glad my cameras can use ordinary AA batteries ... I try to use Sanyo rechargables, but in a pinch almost anything will work ...
09/12/2017 01:33:39 PM · #11
wasabi.

and I have it from a techie cum dronemaster that you should NOT wait until completely empty before recharging; apparently that shortens their lives.
09/12/2017 01:42:52 PM · #12
I guess I am in the minority. I use only Canon batteries. I'm not in a position of needing a lot of spare batteries, so the $64 or so isn't going to kill me, after spending $3200 on a body. My son is using my original 5D body with the original batteries, purchased in 2005. 'Nuf said.
09/12/2017 01:46:23 PM · #13
Originally posted by tnun:

wasabi.

and I have it from a techie cum dronemaster that you should NOT wait until completely empty before recharging; apparently that shortens their lives.


That's all fake news :) Believe me.
09/12/2017 01:50:10 PM · #14
Originally posted by kirbic:

I guess I am in the minority. I use only Canon batteries. I'm not in a position of needing a lot of spare batteries, so the $64 or so isn't going to kill me, after spending $3200 on a body. My son is using my original 5D body with the original batteries, purchased in 2005. 'Nuf said.


Yeah... I am missing my 1300 shots/battery or so on my canon. 350 per battery sucks!
09/12/2017 02:05:13 PM · #15
Originally posted by tnun:

and I have it from a techie cum dronemaster that you should NOT wait until completely empty before recharging; apparently that shortens their lives.


In applications where there is no protection from over-discharge, most definitely. All modern cameras should have this protection built in. One thing that does help; if they are to be stored for extended periods, best practice is to store them between 50% and 70% charged.
09/14/2017 10:29:55 PM · #16
Wasabi didn't seem to work for me– lots of errors and short life when it did work. SterlingTek batteries have been great, though.
09/14/2017 10:50:33 PM · #17
Always! For all my cameras. Actually in Hong Kong when you buy a camera is common practice to have some goodies given as gifts with any purchase. And one of these is third party batteries. If the package includes any tripod or whatever I always negotiate for another battery.
09/15/2017 07:56:21 AM · #18
I was recommended ExPro as an alternative to the camera brand batteries and have found them to be pretty good, although not lasting quite as long as the original camera batteries. As I was living in Finland when I bought my two most recent cameras a cheaper alternative for the batteries was essential as all the batteries were approx €100 each.
09/16/2017 07:24:59 PM · #19
Out of 6 Wasabi batteries 5D and FXT-1), 1 failed and 1 was weak. Picked up two sterlingtek for my 5D and they seem to be performing well.
09/16/2017 11:48:12 PM · #20
I purchased wasabis once for a 3rd battery back up and I hated them with a passion, I did end up returning those. The charge was weak and it failed on me during a shoot after not even 1hr use from them.

I will always stick with Pentax originals.
I have my original 2 batteries +2yrs now still going strong.

Message edited by author 2017-09-16 23:52:20.
09/17/2017 06:55:11 PM · #21
I have purchased non camera brand batteries before and currently have a couple for my Olympus epl-5. These charge on the same charger as the normal batteries.

I won't consider batteries that need their own charger as I don't want to carry two charges on travels and I prefer to charge the OEM batteries in their proper charger to ensure best charge and longer life.

Just something to think about.

Message edited by author 2017-09-17 18:55:33.
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