lev29 Loc: Born and living in MA.

Hello! Although my questions pertain only to the Li+ ion batteries used in Sony A-mount and E-mount cameras, it should not be limited to cameras of that brand. I suggest that this thread has as its aim the following to ask and/or answer questions pertaining to BATTERY QUALITY, such as: 1. does it lose its charge inside the camera even when the latter is turned off?; 2. how well does it hold its charge when stored after having received a full recharging?; 3. how quickly does it recharge?; 4. do any batteries tend to lose their ability to be rechargeable after a seemingly short period of time?; 5. in relative terms, just how good are any of the less costly 3rd party compatible batteries?

Regarding the Sony NP-FW50 battery used in my A55 camera and all current E-mt cameras, I've read some observations that the battery is "leaky." I had one dud that lost its ability to be recharged after only a few cycles. I've tried a couple different 3rd party compatible batteries and thus far, the Patona brand seems to be the quality winner at less cost than the original, though the jury is still out.

So, please, join in, discuss amongst yourselves. I'm Verklempt!
lev29 😃

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Charge it freeze it until use.

There is nothing worse than a battery that is not used slowly discharging through chemical breakdown.

Joanna27 Loc: Lakewood Ca

What about battery life when I don't have a refrigerator available?

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

I wouldn't buy 3rd party batteries even though they cost less. Always use batteries made for your particular camera. When fully charged batteries are in the camera, they still have to run things like the date and time. When not being used, they still lose charge very slowly. I'm still using my original rechargeable battery for my 5 year DSLR, takes less than a hour to charge and I'm good for about 350 photo's.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Shorter than advertised, genuine or not.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Contrary to popular belief...batteries do not hold a charge longer when stored in a refrigerator, that's why most car batteries die at the first sign of freezing weather.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Tell that to my batteries. They did not get the message not to work.

As to not working when frozen? Absolutely correct, the chemical reaction is killed by the cold. Warm the battery up and...

Rbode Loc: Ft lauderdale, Fla

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Maybe I'm missing something...Old batteries die at the first sign of cold weather, it doesn't have to be freezing. If cold preserves the charge, why don't auto parts stores put them in refrigerators?

Rongnongno Loc: FL

err... We are not talking about car batteries here!!!

As to old car batteires dying... this is normal. The cold weather allows for the deposits* created while the chemical reaction takes place to enter in contact with the electrodes and bzzzt!!!! No more anything, just a heavy (in more than one way) door step.

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* A chemist would be better suited than I to tell you the molecular compound you are dealing with but it is conductive due to the acid that is around and within it.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Get real, cj. Are you using lead acid batteries in your camera? :roll:

As for never having a failure with your name brand batteries, that's good but not enough to convince me to never buy third party. I've never had a Bridgestone tire blow out so I should never buy Michelins?

I have used Wasabi batteries in four DSLR's, a portable printer and a couple of compact cameras for three years. They usually sell two batteries with a charger for the price of a single Nikon battery. I've never had a battery failure, rapid discharge, swelling, leaking or communication problems and they have higher mah ratings than the Nikons. So I should never buy Nikons?

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

I have a mix of Nikon and Wasabi. I hate the Wasabi. They discharge faster - just my observation. As for those with EVF you get 350 shots per battery, and likely less with you using the LCD exclusively or video. With my Nikon I get over 1000 shots. Canon likely the same.

A.J.R. Loc: Devon, UK

I have never used 3rd party batteries (and have never had any problems), but have considered Wasabi because of Gary Friedman's comment his guide book on the Sony A6000, where he says they "only hold about 85% as much power as the Sony battery, but at this price, who cares?"

Peekayoh Loc: UK

Certainly not I. :thumbup:

Peekayoh Loc: UK

Your point being what exactly?