Price is not always an indicator of quality. That's why I'm asking.

Plus, if you are buying 2-3 batteries plus an extra charger, $50 does add up especially if you may be buying an anamorphic adaptor and stabilization system :)

I put the expensive tapes in my cam and other items that directly affect operation. But if these generic batteries perform the same (BH Photo does sell them), I don't seem the problem.

Update: I ordered two batteries from Eagle Importers on Ebay for $29.95 each - appears to be a very reputable company. They shipped same day UPS ground, had them in two days. They charged fine and appear to work just fine - won't know for several months if they run out early.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2935031173&category=15072&rd=1

Chris Hurd: The DVX100 by all accounts is still considered to be a poorman's camera. It's probably the best lowcost solution for many of us. If you can save $30-$50 per battery, then it adds up really quick. I'm planning on buying 2 or 3 more batteries from Eagle Importers, all for under $90. To some extend, it's like buying Eveready batteries over Duracell. Plus if you understand how batteries are made, the generic batteries are no different than namebrands, less the brand of battery cells they used. In this case, it's panasonic cells.

i second eagle importers, I bought the 2800mah version from them

I am using Lenmar batteries with my DVX, no problems with them. I've been using them for years now. Good batteries.

Rob

I have to buy a battery that lasts for at least 4 hours,where is the best price and which one?

ThankX

See this thread for varying opinions:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=11074

Okay Folks, I did a test using the

PANASONIC "5 hour" 2800 mAh battery 6.8 oz weight

versus the

SAKAR "for Panasonic" "5 hour" 3000 mAh battery, 6 oz weight.


Ran both with the LCD open and the camera on record.

The Panasonic ran 2 hours 48 minutes. Suprising good. $109 at Soundtrack.

The Sakar (aftermarket sold by Buydig.com- who CAN be depended on for their name brand products otherwise) ran 51 minutes on PLAY only with LCD open. BLECCHH. $119 at buydig.com JEEZZ!!

Both batteries were fully charged. First time use.

Stick with the majors for batteries, eh?

Neil Slade
www.NeilSlade.com

I'm using the Power2000 2800mAh batteries. I'm getting 2.5+ hours out of them. Good batteries for the money...

$59 at Amazon.com via JandR.

Is this with the LCD open and in RECORD?

My Sakar "Professional Lithium Battery" is even worse in RECORD/LCD mode
- 24 measley minutes. Good God.

Just dreadful. If this is a defective battery-- it should have never escaped the factory--
sending it back tomorrow and not giving them a second chance. The .8 ounces lighter weight than the Panasonic of lesser mAh was the tipoff.

Panasonic=195 grams, $109 plus tax

Sakar=170 grams, $119 at buydig.com

The Eagle Import battery advertised as 191 grams for $36 includes postage. Will give that a try. search for NEW 3Hr BATTERY FOR PANASONIC DV CAM CGR-D28A on ebay.com from Eagle Imports
Looks like they are being more honest about the expected time life per charge.
Neil

The killer deal on batteries is from ebay seller "shimwass" -- he claims to be selling brand new, sealed Panasonic 5400mah batteries, for about $76. I took a chance and ordered one, and it was indeed a sealed-in-the-box VW-VBD55, which works perfectly with the NTSC DVX100. I used it on a 2-day shoot and it lasted about 8 hours of on/off use, giving 3 full hours worth of recording and another 5 hours of on & off, waiting-for-the-good-shot time. Lots of zooming in/out, and almost always with the LCD open. So I'm quite happy with it. I do urge everyone to do their own due diligence, hopefully anyone who chooses to do business with "shimwass" will have a successful and happy transaction, but buyer beware, of course.

I know that lithium ion batteries aren't supposed to suffer from the "memory effect" (where you have to discharge them completely before recharging, or they won't last as long), but the Panasonic manual and the leaflets that came with the extra Pana batteries I bought for the DVX don't address whether you can recharge a battery while there's a partial charge left, and not shorten the life of the battery in doing so.

Anyone know for sure?

Lithium batteries don't need to be fully discharged first, neither do nickle hydride.
That's a leftover thing from Nickle Cadmium.

Neil
www.NeilSlade.com

Just a follow up--

Buydig.com has been extremely reliable on the purchase of cameras-- they do not offer a great discount on other misc. accessories, but I saved so much money on my cameras from them, I don't mind at point of purchase buying a few extra items.

As to the previous Sakar battery, which was essentially useless, they gave me a full refund without any hassle, and no need to buy another battery.

As it was, I HAD ordered a second battery, and they sent the standard Panasonic high capacity not another Sakar, which of course, worked perfectly.
Still waiting for the generic 2800 mAh from Eagle to show up.

I've been using the Lenmar Battery on the DVX100 with the LCD screen open and I am getting around 2.5 hours of use. I get a little more time out of it if I am not zooming much. I had tried another brand battery (a 3000mha rating) that was sold to me with the camera, however it only powered the camera for about 45 min. There wasn't a name on the battery only the power rating. I ended returning it and the guy that sold it to me commented that he'd gotten a lot of them back and they were dropping them. He recommend Lenmar, which I've used have for other cameras, and I've am having great results with them.

Rob

I really like buydig.com as a retailer. I purchased two cameras from them, although accessory prices are better elsewhere. I don't feel slimed when I leave the phone with one of their reps.

I also opted for their Sakar batteries fo rmy Canon S40 digital camera. I purchased a battery with 20% higher capacity. I'll have to test it. Hmmmm.

I ordered (off ebay) a PowerSmart 2800mh battery that was advertised at 6 hours. After a full charge, I put the battery in the camera and it says "45min left"

What's going on? Did I get jipped?

I need batterys that will last at leaset 3 hours!

Can someone recommend a good battery that will last 3 or more hours?

That's not the battery remaining indicator, that's the tape remaining indicator.

The battery doesn't read out in numbers, it only has the picture of the battery at full, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, and empty.

LOL Thanks Barry could of fooled me! They put it right next to the battery image on the screen.

Thanks!

<<<-- Originally posted by Mark Monciardini : LOL Thanks Barry could of fooled me! They put it right next to the battery image on the screen.

Thanks! -->>>

It is confusing, definitely.

As for your other question, about 3-hour batteries, the 2800's will come close, might not make it a full three hours. The only batteries out that I know of that will definitely last a full three hours are the beltpack CGR-D53 and the on-camera CGR-D54 (which is sold in Japan as the VW-VBD55). You can occasionally find the VW-VBD55 on ebay for around $80, which is a totally incredible deal. I've got one and it lasted for a full day of shooting, on and off through an eight-hour day, shooting three full tapes per day.

One thing to keep in mind, the manufacturer's of the batteries always list the highest possible number of hours for the batter. What they don't tell you is, a 6 hour battery may only last 2 hours on the DVX100, depending on how you are shooting.

For example, zoom alot, keep the auto focus on, use the LCD screen, etc. will reduce the amount of hours the battery will last.

Rob

yes remember that the DVX batteries are also used by thier little consumer cameras, so battery life stated is most likely with use of those cameras.

I just wanted to do a heads up for all of us ebayer's checking out batteries on ebay.

I purchased a battery from the seller "batt_inc". They claim their 2500mAH batteries for the AG-DVX100 last up to 6 hours. Or in their words "Approx. up to more than 5 hours".

They had good feedback so I went ahead and got one for $25.00. Which seemed like a typical price for 2500mAH batteries on ebay. I even called the guys and they seemed like nice people and they do a lot of business on ebay and have some good feedback.

Now I'm not stupid and I knew that this 2500mAH battery was not going to last 5 or 6 hours. I bought it hoping for at LEAST 2.5 hours!

The battery arrived, it was a silver battery in a package with the name "PowerSmart" on it. The battery was made in China and it also seemed really light weight for being a 2500 battery.

I charged it up FULL. Did some shooting around the house with the kids and wife. The DVX-100 battery sensor started blinking at about 25minutes!!!! I was like "whaa". "I must of not charged it up all the way". So I charged it up again and again, ran it down and charged it up.

This puppy will not hold a charge. I sent the battery back and they were happy to give me a full refund.


My letter:
-------------

"I have sent the package via USPS. Please see attached image for a scan of the package. Sorry no tracking number available via USPS.

Please give me a full refund as you're batteries do not last as long as you say they do. It will only last as long as 25 to 30min, not 6 hours as advertised. 2500mah batteries should last at least 2.5 hours. But the Power Smart batteries from China are cheap. I will still give you positive feedback on ebay but I will not be purchasing anymore batters from PowerSmart.

Please let me know when you have sent refund after you receive the returned item"
-------------------


Their response
-------------------
"Dear Mark,
Thanks for your information.
We will refund the money to you after receiving the returned battery. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Regards,
..."
-------------------


That's it? They didn't even act surprised about it like "Oh we are so sorry we had no idea!". I think they DO know they are cheap and that is the bottom line.

I talk to a guy in the sales department and they said they are only distributors and China make the batteries and sticks our name on them etc...


Just wanted to let you know.

And I DID go with Barry Green's advice and bought 2 5400mAH batteries from ebay user "shimwass" which is sells REAL Panasonic batteries that will last a long time. These are Barry's words from the forum.

<<<<The killer deal on batteries is from ebay seller "shimwass" -- he claims to be selling brand new, sealed Panasonic 5400mah batteries, for about $76. I took a chance and ordered one, and it was indeed a sealed-in-the-box VW-VBD55, which works perfectly with the NTSC DVX100. I used it on a 2-day shoot and it lasted about 8 hours of on/off use, giving 3 full hours worth of recording and another 5 hours of on & off, waiting-for-the-good-shot time. Lots of zooming in/out, and almost always with the LCD open. So I'm quite happy with it. I do urge everyone to do their own due diligence, hopefully anyone who chooses to do business with "shimwass" will have a successful and happy transaction>>>>

The VW-VBD55 is Japans version of the CGR-D54.

shimwass has 3 left. If you want one, email him at shimwass@yahoo.com

Thanks Barry!

The first time you charge a L.I. battery, it will not take a full charge. Second or third time around should do the trick.

"You get what you pay for." :D

I can recommend Power2000 batteries from B&H. I paid $45 for the D16 (or something like that) for my little Panasonic DV52 and it lasts about 3.5 hours on a full charge..

B&H is now carrying the CGR-D54, they list it as "in stock". I think their price is $169.00. It's functionally the same battery as "shimwass" is offering.

Also, the Power2000 3600mah batteries seem to be serving quite well. They're $69.95 at B&H and they seem to last a good long time. I haven't timed them but I'd guess they last at least three hours each.

Okay, so here's the deal

Eagle import's ad says 2800 mAh battery, 191 grams.

They are not telling the truth.
Looks like they are listing the specs for the actual OEM Panasonic battery, which is about 195 grams. It records with the LCD open for 2.8 hours.

(You can safely figure on the DVX100 that you get 1 hour LCD open/Record per 1000 mAh)

The battery Eagle Imports on Ebay send you says 2800 mAh for $30 (add $6 for shipping) and actually weighs 155 grams- (what they are advertising as a 2500 mAh battery, although mine is labeled 2800mAh on the battery.)

False advertising by either or both the Chinese manufacturers or the dealer.

The life of this battery is respective of its weight, so figure about 2.5 hours with LCD open in record.

You get what you pay for generally. Cheaper than the OEM battery, more cost effective, but certainly not a 5 hour battery as claimed.

This is a good battery deal compared with the OEM
HOWEVER

I just wish these dealers wouldn't LIE.

Neil Slade.

Eagle Import Batteries

Okay, so here's the deal

Eagle import's ad says 2800 mAh battery, 191 grams.

They are not telling the truth.
Looks like they are listing the specs for the actual OEM Panasonic battery, which is about 195 grams. It records with the LCD open for 2.8
hours.

(You can safely figure on the DVX100 that you get 1 hour LCD open/Record per 1000 mAh)

The battery Eagle Imports on Ebay send you says 2800 mAh for $30 (add $6 for shipping) and actually weighs 155 grams- (what they are
advertising as a 2500 mAh battery, although mine is labeled 2800mAh on the battery.)

False advertising by either or both the Chinese manufacturers or the dealer.

The life of this battery is respective of its weight, so figure about 2.5 hours with LCD open in record.

You get what you pay for generally. Cheaper than the OEM battery, more cost effective, but certainly not a 3 hour battery as claimed. (And even Panasonic says 2800mAh is 5 hours-- that's without LCD, likely play only)

This is a good battery deal compared with the OEM
HOWEVER

I just wish these dealers wouldn't LIE.

Neil Slade.

before you get super technical on me....this is basically true, and better to use this basic formula than trusting any ads or reviews...it's basic electricity

also...i'm sure many know already, but the CGR-D54 is in stock at bh/other places

According to the manual, the dvx100 uses:
(this is how many watts the dvx100 drinks up per hour)

6.8w (when viewfinder is used)
7.8w (when lcd is used)
9.2w (max consumption)

Here's the simple formula you gotta remember
volts*amps=watts

The input the dvx100 likes on it's batteries is 7.2v, though it's rated at 7.9v

Let's take a couple batteries:

stock
cgr-d16
and
CGR-D54

**************
cgr-d16 is 1600mAH = 1.6amps
1.6*7.2volts= 11.52watts(fully charged)

now you just divide watts by the table up top, lets use the worst case scenario, the dvx100 is using 9.2w
so...
11.52/9.2= 1.25 HOURS

so the stock battery theoretically should last a MINIMUM of 1.25 HOURS (this could also be the maximum)
**************
**************

same forumla for the
CGR-54
5.4amps*7.2volts=38.88 watts(fully charged)
38.88/9.2= 4.23 HOURS

so the CGR-54 battery theoretically should last a MINIMUM of
4.23 HOURS (this could also be the maximum)


anyway........ thinking of how i want to power it, and was in battery-mode, thought it might be of interest any ?s just post

NOTHING is wrong with the battery, so it sounds.
false advertising, maybe, but the battery doens't sound bad at all

also...i'm sure many know already, but the CGR-D54 is in stock at bh/other places

2800 is better than 2500

if you are using ANY BRAND of 2500mah, the MOST you should ever expect is 2.65hrs, using the viewfinder only.


2.31hrs lcd being used
1.96hrs max consumption

you can't really expect or depend on a 2500mah(2.5amps) battery lasting even 2 hours.

If it does, great, but no matter who makes the battery, that's how it goes. It sounds like hard core false advertising, but i didn't check it out, just trying to help with electrical, because that seller, if making false statements, is definitely NOT the only place or seller doing so.

Not trying to bash anyone, just cheap batteries are fine, and unless they are known to explode or leak, then they are all the same.
Don't depend on any place out there, use the forumla, its simple.


**********************************************
According to the manual, the dvx100 uses:
(this is how many watts the dvx100 drinks up per hour)

6.8w (when viewfinder is used)
7.8w (when lcd is used)
9.2w (max consumption)

Here's the simple formula you gotta remember
volts*amps=watts

The input the dvx100 likes on it's batteries is 7.2v, though it's rated at 7.9v

Let's take a couple batteries:

stock
cgr-d16
and
CGR-D54

**************
cgr-d16 is 1600mAH = 1.6amps
1.6*7.2volts= 11.52watts(fully charged)

now you just divide watts by the table up top, lets use the worst case scenario, the dvx100 is using 9.2w
so...
11.52/9.2= 1.25 HOURS

so the stock battery theoretically should last a MINIMUM of 1.25 HOURS (this could also be the maximum)
**************
**************

same forumla for the
CGR-54
5.4amps*7.2volts=38.88 watts(fully charged)
38.88/9.2= 4.23 HOURS

so the CGR-54 battery theoretically should last a MINIMUM of
4.23 HOURS (this could also be the maximum)


anyway........ thinking of how i want to power it, and was in battery-mode, thought it might be of interest any ?s just post

Even the retail panasonic 2800mah will not get 5 hours with the DVX100 !!! it's onyl 5 hours with those small 1CCD camcorders.

besides the one's panasonic makes, i mean for nrg style beltpacks anyone know of a setup?

cigarette adapter...BH told me there not out yet...was this not true?

that's what they say, and nrg says as well, and nrg doesn't plan on making anythign for it anytime soon

5400mAh batteries aren't available in the US yet, but there is a guy selling them on Ebay. I got one and am quite satisfied.
WW

Actually, they are now available in the US. B&H lists the CGR-D54 as "in stock" at $169.00.

OK.

Yikes! I got mine for $79
WW

Hello,

there is a switch on the back of the battery 1600 mAh that came with the AG-DVX100, it shows a red dot position when on the left, or nothing when on the right. Nothing about it on the manual. Somebody knows what it means?

Stefan

Most battery maker have that for the user to identify if a battery is charged. There is no electrical connection on the switch and its up to you to denote if the red dot is for a fully charged battery.

Yeah, I know, mine too -- that $79 deal just rules! I don't know if he has any more though, there aren't any more listed for sale...

Thank you very much Winston, useful feature...

Stefan

OKAY FOLKS

I've now tried several brands and sources of batteries-- and tested them.

The FINAL RESULTS

EVERYONE, except Panasonic LIES about the mAh capacity of their batteries.

The easiest way to tell if a manufacturer is telling the truth is to WEIGH the battery. Weight directly translates into capacity in the same type of battery.

The OEM Panasonic 2800 mAh batteries weigh 191 grams, and last roughly 2.8 hours with the camera in record and the LCD open.

I bought a POWER 2000 "3600 mAh" (hahahaha!) battery for $69 plus shipping from B & H. It weighed 150 grams, and it lasted 3/4 the time of the OEM battery, i.e. it was really a 2500 mAh battery falsely labled by Power 2000 and repeated in the B & H specs.

I bought an Eagle Imports "2800 mAh" battery for $30 plus $6 shipping, and it also weighed 150 grams. Again, same relative capacity. Probably the same manufacturer as above. It was also REALLY a 2500 mAh battery. At least, this is a good deal - you get your money's worth, and it is more cost effective than the Panasonic batteries which go for about $109 at your local camera discount store for 2800mAh.

I also bought a SAKAR battery, a "2800 mAh" battery from buydig.com-- it weighed 171 grams, but had HORRIBLE life, less than 30 minutes even after several charges and recharges. Either defective, or just plain AWFUL. Buydig gave me a complete refund (as I will expect from B & H for the Power 2000), and buydig sent a perfectly good true 2800 mAh Panasonic battery to replace it- though it cost $119 (including shipping). I didn't mind paying them this much for one battery as I save a bundle on buying my camera from them- and I have had excellent service from them regarding all of my other purchases.

THE MORAL- If you want the longest lasting battery that truly reflects accurately the claimed mAh, Panasonic is the only game in town.

If you want the most cost effective battery, buy the 2800 mAh battery from Eagle Imports on Ebay.
It lasts about 2.5 hours, recording with the LCD open, though the advertised mAh is over generous.

Neil Slade
www.NeilSlade.com

PS- I just converted a $70 Raynox .3X wide angle clip on lens to use with my DVX. It screws on. will post DIY instructions for that and a DIY 50 cent (that's right folks) LCD lens shade that works BETTER than the fancy ones you buy soon.

OKAY FOLKS

I've now tried several brands and sources of batteries-- and tested them.

The FINAL RESULTS

EVERYONE, except Panasonic LIES about the mAh capacity of their batteries.

The easiest way to tell if a manufacturer is telling the truth is to WEIGH the battery. Weight directly translates into capacity in the same type of battery.

The OEM Panasonic 2800 mAh batteries weigh 191 grams, and last roughly 2.8 hours with the camera in record and the LCD open.

I bought a POWER 2000 "3600 mAh" (hahahaha!) battery for $69 plus shipping from B & H. It weighed 150 grams, and it lasted 3/4 the time of the OEM battery, i.e. it was really a 2500 mAh battery falsely labled by Power 2000 and repeated in the B & H specs.

I bought an Eagle Imports "2800 mAh" battery for $30 plus $6 shipping, and it also weighed 150 grams. Again, same relative capacity. Probably the same manufacturer as above. It was also REALLY a 2500 mAh battery. At least, this is a good deal - you get your money's worth, and it is more cost effective than the Panasonic batteries which go for about $109 at your local camera discount store for 2800mAh.

I also bought a SAKAR battery, a "2800 mAh" battery from buydig.com-- it weighed 171 grams, but had HORRIBLE life, less than 30 minutes even after several charges and recharges. Either defective, or just plain AWFUL. Buydig gave me a complete refund (as I will expect from B & H for the Power 2000), and buydig sent a perfectly good true 2800 mAh Panasonic battery to replace it- though it cost $119 (including shipping). I didn't mind paying them this much for one battery as I save a bundle on buying my camera from them- and I have had excellent service from them regarding all of my other purchases.

THE MORAL- If you want the longest lasting battery that truly reflects accurately the claimed mAh, Panasonic is the only game in town.

If you want the most cost effective battery, buy the 2800 mAh battery from Eagle Imports on Ebay.
It lasts about 2.5 hours, recording with the LCD open, though the advertised mAh is over generous.

Neil Slade
www.NeilSlade.com

PS- I just converted a $70 Raynox .3X wide angle clip on lens to use with my DVX. It screws on. will post DIY instructions for that and a DIY 50 cent (that's right folks) LCD lens shade that works BETTER than the fancy ones you buy soon.

OKAY FOLKS

I've now tried several brands and sources of batteries-- and tested them.

The FINAL RESULTS

EVERYONE, except Panasonic LIES about the mAh capacity of their batteries.

The easiest way to tell if a manufacturer is telling the truth is to WEIGH the battery. Weight directly translates into capacity in the same type of battery.

The OEM Panasonic 2800 mAh batteries weigh 191 grams, and last roughly 2.8 hours with the camera in record and the LCD open.

I bought a POWER 2000 "3600 mAh" (hahahaha!) battery for $69 plus shipping from B & H. It weighed 150 grams, and it lasted 3/4 the time of the OEM battery, i.e. it was really a 2500 mAh battery falsely labled by Power 2000 and repeated in the B & H specs.

I bought an Eagle Imports "2800 mAh" battery for $30 plus $6 shipping, and it also weighed 150 grams. Again, same relative capacity. Probably the same manufacturer as above. It was also REALLY a 2500 mAh battery. At least, this is a good deal - you get your money's worth, and it is more cost effective than the Panasonic batteries which go for about $109 at your local camera discount store for 2800mAh.

I also bought a SAKAR battery, a "2800 mAh" battery from buydig.com-- it weighed 171 grams, but had HORRIBLE life, less than 30 minutes even after several charges and recharges. Either defective, or just plain AWFUL. Buydig gave me a complete refund (as I will expect from B & H for the Power 2000), and buydig sent a perfectly good true 2800 mAh Panasonic battery to replace it- though it cost $119 (including shipping). I didn't mind paying them this much for one battery as I save a bundle on buying my camera from them- and I have had excellent service from them regarding all of my other purchases.

THE MORAL- If you want the longest lasting battery that truly reflects accurately the claimed mAh, Panasonic is the only game in town.

If you want the most cost effective battery, buy the 2800 mAh battery from Eagle Imports on Ebay.
It lasts about 2.5 hours, recording with the LCD open, though the advertised mAh is over generous.

Neil Slade
www.NeilSlade.com

PS- I just converted a $70 Raynox .3X wide angle clip on lens to use with my DVX. It screws on. will post DIY instructions for that and a DIY 50 cent (that's right folks) LCD lens shade that works BETTER than the fancy ones you buy soon.

im actually trying to get the same company Panasonic uses in China to make 100 5000 mah batteries for me. They are being tested by a 3rd pary for true Mah and cycle life. I will probally sell 90 of them, for the same price as the Power 2000 cells. I just need to work the FOB stuff out with them.

and yes my eagle importers battery lasts 2.5 hours, but it was advertised as a 2500mah cell.

Yeah, my guess is that the manufacturers of the Eagle batteries now put exactly the same cells in the 2500 mAh batteries as they do in the claimed and labled 2800 mAh batteries-- purely to compete with the 2800 mAh Panasonic Japanese batteries. All these mAh specs in cheaper second party batteries are a lie, no doubt about it.



Neil

I am in the process of purchasing one of the above for event videography but cannot find the higher capacity Panasonic battery in stock anywhere. I can only find the 2800 which I considered purchasing two of but would rather purchase one of the longer lasting battery for less.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

The 2800-3200mah batteries are an ideal weight distribution, the larger 5000mah batteries make the camera very rear heavy, if that sort of thing matters to you.

yes, I recently purchased one from eagle importers and It was a 2500mah, I think they only advertised 2800mah ones for a while, found out they where really 2500mah and changed them because all they sell is 2500 ones now.

Can youu use battereis for the XL1 on a DVX100? If not, are there any batteries besides the pannys you can use?