OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

To add a bit more on capacities:
Nikon en-el18, 2000 mAh, $139.
Nikon en-el 18a, 2500 mAh, 27 Wh, $149.
Wasabi BTR-ENEL18-JWP, 2800 mAh, 30.2 Wh, $60.

Kingman

Opps...mAh...yes, you are correct, my mistake, but it is still the same unit of measure! :-)

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

Unfortunately genuine OEM batteries for cameras are the same as those for power tools and ink cartridges for printers (and buying wine at a restaurant). That is where they make their profit on the primary product. I guess with cameras it isn't the same price comparison as for power tools and printers. It is frequently cheaper to throw away the tool or printer rather than buy a pair of new batteries or a set of ink cartridges (same with laser printers sometimes as well). With printers they give you starter ink which are only 1/3rd full so you need to buy a full set sooner. Two examples - Makita drills 2 spare batteries cost more than the kit with a drill and 2 batteries making the drill free. Or my laser printer where a full set of toners cost more than original printer plus toners. Greed ahead of trying to save the worlds resources. I understand how capitalism works but its not the best for the world.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

I bought two spare Nikon branded EN-EL14a batteries and found the neither held as much charge as my originals (3 that came with my 3 cameras). One of the replacements holds very little charge. Not sure why. Maybe the batteries are pirate specials with all the correct markings. Point is test them as much as you can as soon as you can.

Kingman

For the past 10 years my OEM generic batteries have exhibited comparable or sometimes better performance (never less) than my camera branded batteries. It seems Nikon and Dell tries to lock you into their branded batteries. During the warranty period of the device, I am fine with that, after I will take my own risks and save some coin.

AndyGarcia

Kingman

I am sure the Nikon branded batteries produce better images from Nikon generated electrons! :-)

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

Although it isn't completely infallible you can often judge the capacity of a battery by weighing it and comparing the weight with an OEM battery. The amount of plastic in the battery can affect this a little bit. But all things being equal a similar weight will give a similar time. As time goes on over the lifetime of a camera the clone manfs sometimes increase the cell capacity whereas the OEM tend to keep using the same capacity. So you can have clone cells lasting longer. Unfortunately Asian manf cells often have extremely optimistic capacities labelled on the side but weighing them can give you an idea. It is true that a well manf cell will last longer than a poorly manf cell. OEMs tend to use good cells and manf well. Clones sometimes haven't a clue. BUT also there are good clone manfs out there and their cells may well outlast the OEM and even have a greater capacity. If going the clone way then look online to see what cells are recommended by users.
I number my batteries and use them in this sequence ie if I take out #3 then I next use #4. It is much easier to suss out a failing cell and is not hard to get into the habit of doing. I do the same with my power tool batteries.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Please re-read my reply.

toxdoc42

I bought another brand battery and my D3400 would not accept it! Even the store had no idea. It was a major brand. If you go off brand, be sure it is returnable if it doesn't work.

John Garpstas

About the horseradish grinding, as a Teen I had the job of cranking; just keep your back to the fan!

jackinkc Loc: Kansas City

I have used non-OEM batteries in Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Sony and other cameras. There is no drawback to them.

Ask yourself this: “Who actually builds OEM batteries?”

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Your sinuses should have ended up quite clear! Crying helps as well!

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

I number mine as well so I know "who's" doing what - old habit of target shooters who number magazines to sort out unreliable ones.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

PS Good tip on weighing them. I'll do it this evening.