DJI Phantom 3 Battery?
Dec 29, 2016 22:46:56 #
I've almost decided to buy a Phantom 3 (undecided on standard or pro model). The battery for either one is $120 and is good for 23 minutes. Is there a cheaper alternative for spares?
Dec 30, 2016 00:34:46 #
OddJobber wrote:
I've almost decided to buy a Phantom 3 (undecided on standard or pro model). The battery for either one is $120 and is good for 23 minutes. Is there a cheaper alternative for spares?
There are aftermarket batteries, but they are often incompatible after firmware updates. Kind of like Canon firmware updates make aftermarket batteries incompatible.
Dec 30, 2016 02:08:14 #
MT Shooter wrote:
There are aftermarket batteries, but they are often incompatible after firmware updates. Kind of like Canon firmware updates make aftermarket batteries incompatible.
Hmmmm...... And Nikon too.
Seems like the Phantom batteries are rather complex critters anyway, so I might have to bite the bullet on this one. Thanks for the advice.
Dec 30, 2016 06:11:42 #
I own a Phantom 3 Advanced and it came with 2 batteries.
The Pro model has a 4K camera and uses the same batteries.
The Pro model has a 4K camera and uses the same batteries.
Dec 30, 2016 07:01:11 #
MT Shooter wrote:
There are aftermarket batteries, but they are often incompatible after firmware updates. Kind of like Canon firmware updates make aftermarket batteries incompatible.
Updated my Canon 5D MKIV, 7D MKII and have no problem with aftermarket batteries
Dec 30, 2016 07:15:17 #
I have a Phantom 3 Pro and have four batteries all DJI. With a drone I choose not to introduce things that may cause a compatibility issue. With a camera, if the battery doesn't work you change it. With a drone it may crash.
Dec 30, 2016 08:03:51 #
As Mt Shooter advised, DJI has made 3rd party batteries non competitive because the firmware updates only work on original DJI batteries. I think you'll find that when you send your expensive investment out high and far to take photographs you'll be a little more confident in knowing you have a reliable battery to bring it back to you. I have done it for 183 flights with my Phantom 3 Pro and am still always a little nervous seeing it high in the sky. By the way, I would strongly suggest the Phantom 3 Pro over the Standard as the communication link with the drone gives you a great deal more range.
Dec 30, 2016 08:55:12 #
MT Shooter wrote:
There are aftermarket batteries, but they are often incompatible after firmware updates. Kind of like Canon firmware updates make aftermarket batteries incompatible.
yes there are. However when you start reading about them, you find that there life is no longer 23 minutes, but 15 minutes or something like that. There is also an indication of the batteries going dead without proper warning. When that happens you lose your phantom 3.
Care to chance losing your P3s for $30.00 or so?
Dec 30, 2016 08:57:20 #
Capn_Dave wrote:
Updated my Canon 5D MKIV, 7D MKII and have no problem with aftermarket batteries
What has that got to do with DJI batteries?
Dec 30, 2016 08:58:40 #
Bosco wrote:
I own a Phantom 3 Advanced and it came with 2 batteries.
The Pro model has a 4K camera and uses the same batteries.
The Pro model has a 4K camera and uses the same batteries.
I do believe that the P3a and the P3p use the same battery. The P3s uses a different battery and charger.
Dec 30, 2016 09:08:49 #
David Kay wrote:
I do believe that the P3a and the P3p use the same battery. The P3s uses a different battery and charger.
Wrong. All 4 Phantom 3 drones use the same battery.
The Phantom 2 series used a different battery. And the Phantom 4 series all use yet another battery altogether.
Dec 30, 2016 09:47:15 #
MT Shooter wrote:
Wrong. All 4 Phantom 3 drones use the same battery.
The Phantom 2 series used a different battery. And the Phantom 4 series all use yet another battery altogether.
The Phantom 2 series used a different battery. And the Phantom 4 series all use yet another battery altogether.
I stand corrected.
Dec 30, 2016 10:19:48 #
trainguy
Loc: Suttons Bay, MI
Since you asked; my advice is do NOT use after market batteries ! Find a good price on eBay for a DJI battery (about $99) do a print out of the listing and take it into a Best Buy and they will match the price. BTW they will also match the price of the Phantom for you. Good luck and fly safe
Dec 30, 2016 16:16:08 #
David Kay wrote:
What has that got to do with DJI batteries?
I was replying to MTShooter not the OP. Didn't you read my post?
Dec 30, 2016 17:42:19 #
OK, OK, OK. I'll get the "real" batteries! 
Seriously, guys, thanks for all the info. Still looking at all the bundled deals--too many choices!
Seriously, guys, thanks for all the info. Still looking at all the bundled deals--too many choices!
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