melequus Loc: Apex, NC

I just bought a used Sony a300 DSLR to use as a 2nd body for my upcoming African safari trip. It came with a Sony NP-FM500H battery labeled 7.2 V, 11.8Wh, E160814 and a charger made in China that appears to be refurbished (2 prongs). What I need to know is whether the battery for this camera is compatible with my Sony a77 batteries (NP-FM500H 7.2V 1600mAh, typ 11.8Wh min. 11.5) and Pearlstone equiv. NP-FM500H (7.4V 1400mAH) and charger which came with my Sony A77 (3 prongs). In other words: Are all NP-FM500H batteries pretty much the same and compatible with all Sony alphas? I don't understand numbers on the backs of each. Can I use either charger for all of these batteries? Why does one charger have only 2 prongs and the other, 3?. Can I use these chargers without a transformer at the lodges in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe (using the correct plugs, of course)? My camera shop people say the batteries are not compatible and to use my Sonya77 batteries with the Sony a300 or vice versa would possibly be dangerous. So why do the batteries labeled NP-FM500H sold online these days say "compatible with all Sony alphas"?

Dale Fiorillo Loc: Seattle

Aftermarket batteries and chargers put your camera at risk. Buy from mfr and have peace of mind.

jim charron Loc: Ontario Canada

becasue they are compatible.

you only need two prongs to transfer DC voltage.

a plus and minus.

I use cheap third party crap all the time, works just fine.

But if you want labels, .....

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

A few years ago, Sony recalled some of its batteries because of a fire hazard. A few weeks ago, there was a recall on certain Nikon D7000 batteries because of overheating. So much for name brands. Of course, since they were name brands, they issued a recall. A company in China would probably not have issued a recall.

I have always used low-cost third party batteries and chargers, and they have worked just as well as name brands. You will notice with those Chinese chargers that the base is the same for each. The top is interchangeable and snaps off, depending on the intended battery. These chargers have a two-prong plug that folds into the unit, and they come with a plug-in for the car.

As for using your charger overseas, just make sure you have whatever kind of adaptor you will need to plug it in.

This link to Amazon will show you the type of chargers I have been using for all sorts of cameras for years.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Sony+a300+battery+charger

melequus Loc: Apex, NC

THANK YOU EVERYONE!

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

Have to say it the sony batteries are superior to the non-named brands

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

Just read your post again and the sony alpha a100 battery wont fit the a200 i read that in the review.