Canon BP-970G battery not fully compatible with XF cameras

[Steve Hontz]

I recently purchased two of the Canon BP-970G batteries to go with my XF105 and XF305. Come to find out, these batteries (although officially listed as accessories for the XF series) don't provide power-remaining information back to the camera, so you have no idea of the battery life remaining. Apparently, they are not "intelligent" batteries.

Had I known that, I would have bought the other batteries that do provide that information. I'm not sure if the little battery bar indicator in the viewfinder will change as the battery discharges, or if it'll just stop running when it runs out - I haven't worn the batteries out enough yet to find out.

Just a heads-up to others contemplating buying an extra battery.

[David Dixon]

I'll bet the Canon does show accurate levels on the flip out screen.

I bought a very inexpensive battery for my XF100 this summer that is a Canon 970 replacement - Power2000 brand. Got it from Amazon for $30. It doesn't do 8 hours as advertised but easily lasts twice as long as the OEM Canon battery even while furnishing phantom power to an off-camera microphone. Works great, charges in the Canon charger. They don't currently seem to sell the exact same one, but there is a no-name for $25, a Lenmar for $55, and a Wasabi for $37.

Anyway, it, of course, does not have on-battery power indicators but it DOES show accurate power bars on the flip out screen while I'm using it. For the price, that's more than acceptable.

[Sam Young]

I have three wasabi batteries on Amazon that goes for $36, absolutely amazing batteries that last at least 4 hours on my xf 100. As long as the battery meter work, that is all I need and to be happy. I think it is almost foolish to spend such money on the OEM batteries!