Batteries, prices and consumer advice.

[ombre]

Hi, I own a Panasonic Lumix FZ18 and I was thinking of getting extra batteries. I know there are 3rd party batteries out there, but how does one judge the quality of such batteries? Also if anyone knows what the prices are like? I don't want to be making another mis-informed purchase and information about batteries seems quite scare.

I understand that the shops don't sell original batteries, only 3rd party ones, am I correct about this?

Anyone good with batteries? Care to share some information?

[Old Man Lee]

With all the scare from the Made in China product, ... Why do you want to risk using 3rd party batteries that may blow up, tearing a chunk of your facial flesh?

Originally Posted by ombre Hi, I own a Panasonic Lumix FZ18 and I was thinking of getting extra batteries. I know there are 3rd party batteries out there, but how does one judge the quality of such batteries? Also if anyone knows what the prices are like? I don't want to be making another mis-informed purchase and information about batteries seems quite scare. I understand that the shops don't sell original batteries, only 3rd party ones, am I correct about this? Anyone good with batteries? Care to share some information?

[catchlights]

if you are worry about it, than just buy the original battery,
so you don't have to worry so much, and won't void the warranty of the camera if anything happened, beside, you are not buying so many batteries, the saving won't be very significant.

[ombre]

Thanks, I am looking for original battery actually. But don't know really where to get, most shops I've stepped into retails 3rd party only.

How much does extra battery usually cost anyway?

[CS TAN]

Most original batteries cost around $70 or more. That's why a lot of people people consider using 3rd party ones which are around $20-$25.

Of course original batteries has a better QC but most manufacturers also bought them from battery manufacturer and stick their logo on the battery. They don't really produce them themselves.

For all you know, the original batteries might also come from China. At the same time, the OEM manufacturers supply the likes of Canon and Nikon might also produce their 3rd party batteries so in that sense, there will be little difference in terms of quality between the original and the 3rd party ones other than the price...

[ombre]

Originally Posted by CS TAN Most original batteries cost around $70 or more. That's why a lot of people people consider using 3rd party ones which are around $20-$25. Of course original batteries has a better QC but most manufacturers also bought them from battery manufacturer and stick their logo on the battery. They don't really produce them themselves. For all you know, the original batteries might also come from China. At the same time, the OEM manufacturers supply the likes of Canon and Nikon might also produce their 3rd party batteries so in that sense, there will be little difference in terms of quality between the original and the 3rd party ones other than the price...

Hm, that makes plenty of sense, thanks for the information.

So how do we tell a good battery from a bad one? I heard of some batteries that get lost to about 30% or less capacity after like 10 recharges? I don't want to be taking a bad dive. =(

Also what else do I risk using 3rd party batteries? Possible damage to my camera? or is it all just a tale?

[Octarine]

Originally Posted by ombre So how do we tell a good battery from a bad one? I heard of some batteries that get lost to about 30% or less capacity after like 10 recharges? I don't want to be taking a bad dive. =(

If they offer you 1 year shop warranty I think it's reasonable to consider this option. Personally, I have one original Canon battery (NB2L) and I got another 3rd party as add-on when I got the cam. So far both showed nearly the same performance. The 3rd party battery passed on after 2 years and I got two new ones, also 3rd party. Also here: same performance although the label states higher capacity. They do the job and deliver 'juice', that's it.

Originally Posted by ombre Also what else do I risk using 3rd party batteries? Possible damage to my camera? or is it all just a tale?

Everything is possible: from nothing up to frying your face and the cam. How likely is it? Of course there are these tales and pictures of people losing hairs and ears - but how many batteries finally turn into firework? 10 per year? Statistically you can neglect it, considering the annual output of those manufacturers.
Check your warranty card and the warranty terms whether there is something about 3rd party batteries. Of course, legally it's easier if the original battery blows up. But: do you want to worry or do you want to take pictures?

[ombre]

Originally Posted by Octarine If they offer you 1 year shop warranty I think it's reasonable to consider this option. Personally, I have one original Canon battery (NB2L) and I got another 3rd party as add-on when I got the cam. So far both showed nearly the same performance. The 3rd party battery passed on after 2 years and I got two new ones, also 3rd party. Also here: same performance although the label states higher capacity. They do the job and deliver 'juice', that's it. Everything is possible: from nothing up to frying your face and the cam. How likely is it? Of course there are these tales and pictures of people losing hairs and ears - but how many batteries finally turn into firework? 10 per year? Statistically you can neglect it, considering the annual output of those manufacturers. Check your warranty card and the warranty terms whether there is something about 3rd party batteries. Of course, legally it's easier if the original battery blows up. But: do you want to worry or do you want to take pictures?

Thanks Octarine.

Haha I'm not that worried about the battery frying my face, I just don't want something like a battery leak in my camera with all that acid staining the camera. Has happened once to me before but that was recharagable AA's. Furthermore I don't have warranty since I bought my cam in the US (for a steal price of course).

Well thanks for the feedback on the batteries' performance. I assume the original charger should do fine for charging them right?

[Octarine]

Originally Posted by ombre Haha I'm not that worried about the battery frying my face, I just don't want something like a battery leak in my camera with all that acid staining the camera. Has happened once to me before but that was recharagable AA's.

Frying your face is your only concern. Lithium-Ion type do not contain any acid. If they leak you will have a firework.

Originally Posted by ombre I assume the original charger should do fine for charging them right?

Yes, the original charger is ok.

[ombre]

Originally Posted by Octarine Frying your face is your only concern. Lithium-Ion type do not contain any acid. If they leak you will have a firework. Yes, the original charger is ok.

Ok thanks again, clears most of my doubts.