I forgot where I read it, but I believe the CGAD54SE/1B battery is not available until another month or so. I wanted to buy one myself, but had to settle for the 28.

And yes, the DVX-100 and DVC-80 can use the same batteries.

I've been using the CGA-D54s battery with the DVX100. I got it 4 months ago.
The battery that comes with the camera is definitely too small. I use mine to set up the camera, and then use the bigger battery for the actual shooting. The CGA-D54s lasts for over an hour, so covers a whole DV tape. It takes a long time to charge though.

Patrick

yes the 54s can be found on Ebay now.

Thank you everyone for your responses. I also emailed Panasonice sales at the same time I posted this thread here...but still have not gotten any response.

I'll come straight here next time!

:) Thanks.

Generic batteries...Bargain or Disaster?
 

Found these on pricegrabber.com - anyone with experience?

http://www.batterysavings.com/modelselect.asp?Model=968515

http://www.ebatts.com/modelselect.asp?Model=1692786

Also offer cheap chargers...

Them look exactly like the power2000 batteries from B&H. I have a power2000 battery (that appears to be the $36 one listed on that first site) at B&H, that I paid $45 for. It's a good battery, they advertise like 3 hours, but I get about 4 hours out of it with the LCD. Thats on my small camcorder though, i'm sure it would be less on your DVX100. You might want to spend a couple more dollars and go with B&H.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh2/con...=227282&is=REG


Oh yeah, as always, check out www.resellerratings.com before you buy.

Those batteries are not like the Power2000, I'd recommend getting your generic batteries from Ebay if yo REALLY want to save money. The Power2000 is $70 but it's 3600mah, those 2800mah on your sites costs $70. I just picked up a battery from Eagle International, paid $30 for a 2800mah battery.

Thanks for the input. Yes, I'm longtime user of resellerratings since I've been in the computer field for way too long.

Yang:

Thanks for the ebay tip. I've seen them there, but ebay can be a real hit and miss, especially with electronics.

Yang:

Can't find Eagle International on ebay...

Please forgive the snobbery, but why would you spend upwards of three thousand dollars on a very nice camera, and then chintz out on the batteries you're feeding it? Why risk a questionable Ebay purchase just to save a few bucks? I don't get it, sorry.

You could get me to buy LenMar third-party batts, but I wouldn't settle for any other brand than that, outside the manufacturer's. You guys are talking about price differences less than $50. Don't you want the best available for the camera you spent so much money on? How many charge cycles are these cheap things good for.

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

What is the best battery 4 Dvx100?
 

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

Battery Life Deceptive
 

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.

Battery Life
 

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.

charging batteries that aren't fully discharged?
 

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?

Batteries and charging
 

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

Buydig and Batteries
 

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.

Just got a 2800mh battery and I'm disapointed
 

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.

Buyer beware on these batteries.
 

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.

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 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 on Ebay
 

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.

understanding your battery requirements/power needs in any application...
 

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