siamesecatmanuk Loc: Leicestershire UK

don't get us started on that subject ! ( smile ) we pay more for the camera in the first place over and above you pay Stateside.

Graham

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

Scott, from YOUR post, I would say you have never read the warranty on either kind of battery....manufacturer or after-market. Let me say this again....if your camera is still under warranty and you put in an after-market battery and then something unexpected happens to the camera and there's damage that is caused by the after-market battery, YOUR CAMERA MANUFACTURER WILL NOT FIX OR REPLACE THE CAMERA! This post was never meant to judge how long EITHER type of battery may last...it is simply written to warn people of possible consequences ONLY IF you choose to buy the inexpensive battery and then that battery causes damage to your expensive camera. Look, I work for a company who installs parking meters all across the USA, about 250,000 of them at last count, and each meter runs on a battery. Funny thing....if we install a battery that is not made/endorsed by the manufacturer but the battery causes damage, guess what? We have to repair or replace the meter AT OUR EXPENSE. And every camera manufacturer operates with the same philosophy. That's all I'm saying....nothing more. But here's a hint for you: if the Sony batteries you referenced DID cause damage to a camera under warranty, it would be fixed or replaced by Sony. Your lowly after-market battery manufacturer will not do that...they can't, because of how cheap a price you or anyone paid for that after-market battery.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

To each their own....If you feel that way, then it's your prerogative to spend more for the name brand item...What I referenced was from Nikon's own literature when they said they may deny warranty coverage. There was a big stink in the auto industry some years back about the same type of scenario (I used to work in the auto business)... I have copied a section from the Federal Trade Commission's website concerning this as it applies to autos & it applies to other goods as well...

"Do I have to use the dealer for repairs and maintenance to keep my warranty in effect?

No. An independent mechanic, a retail chain shop, or even you yourself can do routine maintenance and repairs on your vehicle. In fact, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is enforced by the FTC, makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work. That said, there may be certain situations where a repair may not be covered. For example, if you or your mechanic replaced a belt improperly and your engine is damaged as a result, your manufacturer or dealer may deny responsibility for fixing the engine under the warranty. However, according to the FTC, the manufacturer or dealer must be able to demonstrate that it was the improper belt replacement — rather than some other defect — that caused the damage to your engine. The warranty would still be in effect for other parts of your car.
Will using 'aftermarket' or recycled parts void my warranty?

No. An 'aftermarket' part is a part made by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer or the original equipment manufacturer. A 'recycled' part is a part that was made for and installed in a new vehicle by the manufacturer or the original equipment manufacturer, and later removed from the vehicle and made available for resale or reuse. Simply using an aftermarket or recycled part does not void your warranty. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for companies to void your warranty or deny coverage under the warranty simply because you used an aftermarket or recycled part. Still, if it turns out that the aftermarket or recycled part was itself defective or wasn't installed correctly, and it causes damage to another part that is covered under the warranty, the manufacturer or dealer has the right to deny coverage for that part and charge you for any repairs. The FTC says the manufacturer or dealer must show that the aftermarket or recycled part caused the need for repairs before denying warranty coverage."

Thus, with the one year warranty period, as a factor as well, the possibility that an aftermarket battery will cause damage to the camera is miniscule, but as I said, it's your prerogative if it makes you feel better...then do it, I don't feel the same need...

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Some further information on that act...This particular info was in respect to computer memory...

" What is the Magnuson Moss Act?

The Federal Trade Commission Magnuson-Moss Act protects consumers. This act passed in 1975 states that tie-in sales provisions are NOT allowed in consumer warranties. Manufacturers cannot require consumers to purchase items or services in order to keep their warranty valid.

Essentially, the act states that a warrantor cannot require the consumer of their product (a server) to buy an additional product or service (OEM memory) to be used with the original product in order to maintain the original product warranty.

In other words, you cannot be required to add the server manufacturer's memory to maintain the warranty on the system. Also, the server manufacturer cannot state that the system warranty is void if other "brands" of peripherals are used.

For example:
If you purchased ABC computer but chose to use XYZ brand memory, ABC Company cannot void the warranty or refuse to provide service on your ABC computer.

In addition to the Magnuson-Moss Act any manufacturer that conditions its warranty on purchases of its own equipment may violate the antitrust laws.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

Try a battery grip that will about double the life of your batteries, allows you to use an after market battery (non-chip) along with the Nikon battery (with chip). It will also add a vertical shutter button and better ergonomics at a bargain price-check Amazon. I use the Meike on my D5100 and I am pleased with it.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

Also says you don't have to to send in a warranty card, a purchase receipt is proof of purchase for warranty service.

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

Whatever....but I bet more people here on UHH will pay attention to the advice of what I wrote AS WELL AS MT Shooter than you any day!

country Loc: back woods

I just recently got a btbai battery from amazon for my d7000, and it works just fine.. haven't had it long enough to know how long a charge will last, but it does work good... and it was only $13.60...

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Sounds like you have some type of chip on your shoulder with this last post... As well as "yelling" (use of caps) in your previous posts and in this one......

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

Scott,
Although this is a response, I'm not going to comment any further on it just so you'll have the satisfaction of the illusion that you won. By the way, where did your user name come from? Screamin'?

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

There are no "winners" or "losers" here, just people with differing opinions. I'm not saying that my opinion is the right one, but not that yours is either....They are our opinions & that's what they should be. I didn't try to change anyone's mind, just offered up my "opinion" & experiences on the subject

brentj38 Loc: arizonia

i purchesed batteries that say genuine nikon from china on ebay for 25.00 dollrs work just fine

Kevin Maldonado

I bought one battery from other site, it just $21

HelloMello Loc: Miami, Florida

A few reviews on Amazon say the Clearmax don't last as long as oem, others say they don't even carry the ClearMax logo. Let me know your experience as I just ordered a d5100 and will need extra batteries. Personally I have had good success with TechFuel with my canon 300hs, but only found one amazon source (not a good sign) for $25 shipped.

Crwiwy Loc: Devon UK

Purchase third party batteries from Amazon - they have a good return system.