Anybody using non-Sony batteries?

David Bourne · March 3rd, 2006, 01:19 PM

I've been running Power 2000 NP-F970 Batteries for my FX1 for a year now with good success. I have only charged using the camera, not a charger. I hear that it can make a differnce where you charge batteries.

As an aside, I've also heard on dvinfo.net that some folks do not charge their batteries on their cameras for fear of zapping their cams. I still charge on the camera, but I am careful to turn the camera off before plugging and unplugging the charge cord.

I've lost the firewire on my FX1, my A1U, and my TRV11, somehow. These things are more sensitive than I thought!

Robert M Wright · March 4th, 2006, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexander Karol

I said it before and I'll say it again.

For $37 you can get a GENUINE SONY QM71D battery from eBay. It's produced in Hong Kong, but it is indeed genuine. I contacted a Sony rep giving him my serial and he confirmed it. It has the hologram and everything. Can't go wrong with it.

I'd really like to know which eBay dealer sold this particular battery that checked out as genuine with the Sony rep.

Paul Alberts · March 7th, 2006, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert M Wright

I'd really like to know which eBay dealer sold this particular battery that checked out as genuine with the Sony rep.

I would like to know as well. I'm purchasing a new A1U and a VCL-HG0737X from B&H in a few days and I need some advice on what batteries to get. Obviously cheaper is better because I'm going to need a few of them, but I don't want to deal with some of the problems others have had in this thread :\

edit: I found a few of them on ebay, prices seem OK...

Is there any advantage using something like http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ry_cart_detail to charge the battery vs. the camera?

Stevan Arychuk · March 7th, 2006, 11:44 PM

Hello,

I received a couple emails from folks inquiring about the battery I purchased on eBay (a QM71D from xin_vancouver). I actually left my Portland home on the weekend for some extended travel and it unfortunately didn't arrive before I left. I'll be back in a couple weeks and can advise on how it worked out. In the meantime, I'll probably have to get ripped off at Best Buy or something similar, so ultimately my plan didn't really pan out anyways.

- Stevan

Jerry Waters · March 8th, 2006, 05:35 AM

I hope it works. I went ahead and bought one although the $15 caused me to pause. My camera arrives today, battery promised in a few days, so I'll see and report.

Something is wrong with a system of reusables, like print cartridges and batteries, costing so much that you feel like you are being ripped off. I can't believe quality control is the only thing involved here. Like I said, I've used and recharged the Assia battery with my Z1 a bunch of times without problem.

I think there is a clue in a friend's story. He prints a lot of DVDs bought and has several printers of the same brand because he sometimes finds the printer with cartridges the same or less than the cartridges alone. I was with him Saturday when he bought a similar model printer for $69 where the cartridges alone were $64. He didn't have anywhere to put another printer so he is using the cartridges to finish a 60 disc print job and giving the $5 printer with remaining ink to a friend who has big family, needs a printer but can't afford one.

Stevan Arychuk · April 11th, 2006, 07:02 PM

What happened to this thread? Now I'm really curious as to what everyone is using for batteries on the A1U/HC1.

I ordered a what was named and looked 'genuine' QP71D battery from Hong Kong via eBay. It arrived in about 2 weeks and looked totally legit, packaging and all, but will not charge in the A1U (charge light flashes). I got it to charge for just a couple minutes, tried it out and got the 'use sony batteries' message on the viewfinder. The only thing different than a real one at best buy is that mine had a red 'Demo' sticker on the front. The instructions looked a little sketchy, but overall packaging and compared to the battery I got with the camera, it looks near identical.

So what's everyone else using? B&H has the Impact batteries still listed as an accessory but earlier in this thread it's mentioned issues with them as well. I'm probably going to eat it and just buy real Sony batteries from here in the US. One problem with these non-Sony batteries on location and it's just not worth it.

Alex Thames · April 11th, 2006, 08:15 PM

Well, I don't think the red Demo sticker means it's non-genuine Sony. Like you, I bought a "genuine Sony" battery according to the eBay description (but it wasn't from Hong Kong, just a regular seller). It came with realistic looking Sony packing, Sony instructions, and the red demo sticker. It works perfectly on my camera and during charging when attached to the camera. The battery itself I received says Sony on the back.

It came in original blister packaging unopened, and to me, it seems genuine. I can't tell if it isn't. I got it for $25-26 shipped, very cheap.

Also, in the physical Sony Style store at the mall, they sell the NP-QM71D battery, and of course those are genuine Sony, and they all had the red demo sticker.

Adam La Prade · April 11th, 2006, 10:30 PM

I bought a few on eBay and they both seem to work fine! I don't get any sort of "Use Sony Batteries" message...

http://cgi1.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAP...tem=7605572714

and

http://cgi1.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAP...tem=7605242312

Look at that vender's current auctions and you should see a few more. One of mine came with a charger that is a little sketchy but it charges both my after-market batteries and my original Sony battery just fine!

Zachary Shannon · May 11th, 2006, 10:05 AM

We specialize in 7.2v batteries for SONY cameras that offer high quality cells, hand picked by our highly trained Japanese engineers, with 7200 mAh! If you could please take a moment to view our product we would greatly appreciate it. Prices may vary depending on the Qty. purchased. MSRP $113.00 Discounts up to 45% off. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Zack Shannon
2390 Crenshaw Blvd., # 813
Torrance, CA 90501
www.vitapowerbattery.com
tel: 310-408-8945
fax: 310-781-9764

Alex Thames · May 11th, 2006, 12:38 PM

I was able to get a brand new, still in unopened original, genuine Sony packaging NP-QM71D battery off eBay for $25 shipped. Of course, I don't expect to find such a deal again, but just letting you know it's doable. My battery does not cause "use Sony batteries" messages and it charges perfectly well on the camera.

Craig Terott · May 11th, 2006, 02:39 PM

I don't have any genuine Sony batteries.

I purchased all mine on a knock-off website. They have not only performed beyond my expectations ...they won't die. No problems. In fact I'll go as far to say... Sony batteries are a rip off. MHO and everyone is entiltled to have one.

Heath McKnight · May 31st, 2006, 12:44 PM

Just a small note...I bought an XL1 in March 1999 with a canon battery and a generic battery. The generic one started losing it's normal charge faster within a few months and was dead in 18 months. I try to stick with the manufacturers' battery after that experience.

heath

John Lutz · May 31st, 2006, 12:52 PM

I have been using Lenmar Batteries and a Lenmar Mach1Speedcharger for my FX1 without any problems for over a year now.
John

Jerry Waters · May 31st, 2006, 02:20 PM

B&H sold a non Sony generic to me at NAB. I got home, recieved the battery, charged it and it is working fine. I trust them.

Holger Leonhard · May 31st, 2006, 04:53 PM

I am searching a replacement for Original sony NP-FP90 batteries for my HC-3. The HC-3 needs the newest Infolithium Chip, is there any experience out there for compatible (quality AND cheap) replacements ?
It would be nice to post some links, ebay sellers with compatible batteries or send ma a PM - thanks in advance!

March 3rd, 2006, 01:19 PM	#31
David Bourne New Boot Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 16	Power 2000 Batteries for FX1 I've been running Power 2000 NP-F970 Batteries for my FX1 for a year now with good success. I have only charged using the camera, not a charger. I hear that it can make a differnce where you charge batteries. As an aside, I've also heard on dvinfo.net that some folks do not charge their batteries on their cameras for fear of zapping their cams. I still charge on the camera, but I am careful to turn the camera off before plugging and unplugging the charge cord. I've lost the firewire on my FX1, my A1U, and my TRV11, somehow. These things are more sensitive than I thought!

March 8th, 2006, 05:35 AM	#35
Jerry Waters Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 136	I hope it works. I went ahead and bought one although the $15 caused me to pause. My camera arrives today, battery promised in a few days, so I'll see and report. Something is wrong with a system of reusables, like print cartridges and batteries, costing so much that you feel like you are being ripped off. I can't believe quality control is the only thing involved here. Like I said, I've used and recharged the Assia battery with my Z1 a bunch of times without problem. I think there is a clue in a friend's story. He prints a lot of DVDs bought and has several printers of the same brand because he sometimes finds the printer with cartridges the same or less than the cartridges alone. I was with him Saturday when he bought a similar model printer for $69 where the cartridges alone were $64. He didn't have anywhere to put another printer so he is using the cartridges to finish a 60 disc print job and giving the $5 printer with remaining ink to a friend who has big family, needs a printer but can't afford one. __________________ Jerry Waters Arize Productions

May 11th, 2006, 10:05 AM	#39
Zachary Shannon Tourist Join Date: May 2006 Location: Torrance ca Posts: 1	New Vitapower 7.2v 7200mAh batteries We specialize in 7.2v batteries for SONY cameras that offer high quality cells, hand picked by our highly trained Japanese engineers, with 7200 mAh! If you could please take a moment to view our product we would greatly appreciate it. Prices may vary depending on the Qty. purchased. MSRP $113.00 Discounts up to 45% off. Thank you. Sincerely, Zack Shannon 2390 Crenshaw Blvd., # 813 Torrance, CA 90501 www.vitapowerbattery.com tel: 310-408-8945 fax: 310-781-9764

May 31st, 2006, 12:44 PM	#42
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	Just a small note...I bought an XL1 in March 1999 with a canon battery and a generic battery. The generic one started losing it's normal charge faster within a few months and was dead in 18 months. I try to stick with the manufacturers' battery after that experience. heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

May 31st, 2006, 12:52 PM	#43
John Lutz New Boot Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ Posts: 23	Non-Sony batteries I have been using Lenmar Batteries and a Lenmar Mach1Speedcharger for my FX1 without any problems for over a year now. John

March 7th, 2006, 11:44 PM	#34
Stevan Arychuk Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Portland, OR / Vancouver, Canada Posts: 26	Hello, I received a couple emails from folks inquiring about the battery I purchased on eBay (a QM71D from xin_vancouver). I actually left my Portland home on the weekend for some extended travel and it unfortunately didn't arrive before I left. I'll be back in a couple weeks and can advise on how it worked out. In the meantime, I'll probably have to get ripped off at Best Buy or something similar, so ultimately my plan didn't really pan out anyways. - Stevan

April 11th, 2006, 07:02 PM	#36
Stevan Arychuk Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Portland, OR / Vancouver, Canada Posts: 26	What happened to this thread? Now I'm really curious as to what everyone is using for batteries on the A1U/HC1. I ordered a what was named and looked 'genuine' QP71D battery from Hong Kong via eBay. It arrived in about 2 weeks and looked totally legit, packaging and all, but will not charge in the A1U (charge light flashes). I got it to charge for just a couple minutes, tried it out and got the 'use sony batteries' message on the viewfinder. The only thing different than a real one at best buy is that mine had a red 'Demo' sticker on the front. The instructions looked a little sketchy, but overall packaging and compared to the battery I got with the camera, it looks near identical. So what's everyone else using? B&H has the Impact batteries still listed as an accessory but earlier in this thread it's mentioned issues with them as well. I'm probably going to eat it and just buy real Sony batteries from here in the US. One problem with these non-Sony batteries on location and it's just not worth it.

April 11th, 2006, 08:15 PM	#37
Alex Thames Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New York Posts: 508	Well, I don't think the red Demo sticker means it's non-genuine Sony. Like you, I bought a "genuine Sony" battery according to the eBay description (but it wasn't from Hong Kong, just a regular seller). It came with realistic looking Sony packing, Sony instructions, and the red demo sticker. It works perfectly on my camera and during charging when attached to the camera. The battery itself I received says Sony on the back. It came in original blister packaging unopened, and to me, it seems genuine. I can't tell if it isn't. I got it for $25-26 shipped, very cheap. Also, in the physical Sony Style store at the mall, they sell the NP-QM71D battery, and of course those are genuine Sony, and they all had the red demo sticker.

April 11th, 2006, 10:30 PM	#38
Adam La Prade Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 77	I bought a few on eBay and they both seem to work fine! I don't get any sort of "Use Sony Batteries" message... http://cgi1.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAP...tem=7605572714 and http://cgi1.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAP...tem=7605242312 Look at that vender's current auctions and you should see a few more. One of mine came with a charger that is a little sketchy but it charges both my after-market batteries and my original Sony battery just fine!

May 11th, 2006, 12:38 PM	#40
Alex Thames Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New York Posts: 508	I was able to get a brand new, still in unopened original, genuine Sony packaging NP-QM71D battery off eBay for $25 shipped. Of course, I don't expect to find such a deal again, but just letting you know it's doable. My battery does not cause "use Sony batteries" messages and it charges perfectly well on the camera.

May 11th, 2006, 02:39 PM	#41
Craig Terott Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 691	I don't have any genuine Sony batteries. I purchased all mine on a knock-off website. They have not only performed beyond my expectations ...they won't die. No problems. In fact I'll go as far to say... Sony batteries are a rip off. MHO and everyone is entiltled to have one.

May 31st, 2006, 02:20 PM	#44
Jerry Waters Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 136	B&H sold a non Sony generic to me at NAB. I got home, recieved the battery, charged it and it is working fine. I trust them. __________________ Jerry Waters Arize Productions

May 31st, 2006, 04:53 PM	#45
Holger Leonhard Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 71	I am searching a replacement for Original sony NP-FP90 batteries for my HC-3. The HC-3 needs the newest Infolithium Chip, is there any experience out there for compatible (quality AND cheap) replacements ? It would be nice to post some links, ebay sellers with compatible batteries or send ma a PM - thanks in advance!