cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

To avoid any problems or warranty issues, I only buy OEM batteries. You get what you pay for. I can't afford to have a battery sideline a camera body while I'm on the sidelines. One less thing to worry about for me. Best of luck.

azflyman

I have one OEM and one aftermarket. Both sold to me at the same time by the same dealer. I cant tell the difference. The non-OEM is rated higher on the sticker but performs the same. I charge them on the same (OEM) charger. Like a few said earlier, the OEM battery is not made by the OEM company, just to their standards. Quality batteries are made by more than one company, the trick is finding out which ones are quality.

az

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

From one Ken to another ...

My suggestion is to look at 3rd party batteries with a higher MAh rating than the OEM battery - they will last longer. In over 20 years of using 3rd party batteries, never had any problem at all in 4 different Canon bodies. I wouldn't go after the $9 'special price' batteries but since nearly all maker branded batteries are made by 3rd parties, you often can buy the exact same battery with a different name on the package at significant savings. For people made of money who would rather pay double for the same product, more power to ya. I buy quality products, and won't pay the price just to get a certain name on the product. I wouldn't suggest not testing the battery before counting on it for a critical shoot but then I wouldn't do that for a manufacturer's battery either. Caveat Emptor

-- k --

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

Just remember, OEM don't make their own batteries. They subcontract them out to be made to their specs...If aftermarket were so bad, why would outfits like B&H sell them ? If you are a heavy user OEM is better, otherwise aftermarket works just fine. I have some aftermarket that I got years ago for my old Nikon D70s & they still perform.

drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

There are probably batteries out there, that are just as good as the originals, but I can not comment on that, as I never have used third-party batteries ( because I don't want to worry about that)! With the original batteries, I know I won't have any issues!

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

Don't be so sure. Look at the issues Samsung had with their batteries and Sony did with laptop batteries in the past. Just because there is a brand name on them doesn't make them infallible. IIRC, even Nikon has had a battery recall.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

I'd be curious to know if the Watson replacement battery for the Canon OEM can be charged using the Canon charger.

jsenear Loc: Hopkins, MN.

I still have the battery that came with my Nikon D50 and it still works and charges to 100%. I use nothing but Nikon Batteries.

leftj Loc: Texas

Definitely yes. I have an 80D with a Cannon battery and a Watson battery and I charge my Watson battery with the Canon charger.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

I agree. For the $20 to $30 difference in price on a generic vs OEM is it really worth the chance that the generic will damage your camera and Nikon, Canon or whoever will refuse to fix it? Is that $20 or $30 worth the price of having to buy a new camera because the manufacturer refused to work on the camera because of the battery?... Are these the same people that purchase E85 gas for their car that requires unleaded or premium unleaded? Or attempt to run unleaded in a boat motor that specifically requires leaded? If you are on a sinking ship, to you want an old Kapok Lifejacket that the ocean liner got at an army surplus store because they were cheap or would you rather have a life jacket that met or exceeded all of the safety requirements of the government and governing boards?
Personally, my photography business requires that I provide the best shots I can get and I don't want to be worrying about non-standard batteries when on a shoot. I have enough other things to worry about. And yes, I carry a spare battery charger for my camera batteries and I also have the Nikon AC-DC battery adapter that fits into my camera battery holder so that I can plug the camera directly into the wall or an extension cord. In the field that's a little difficult but when shooting real estate, I can generally get to an outlet if I need one.

If you must, just think of it a insurance.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

No one says that they are infallible, but at least the camera company will stand behind them if they ruin your camera.

Watson and Wasabi and most other battery manufacturers have disclaimers stating that they are NOT responsible for damage to or suitability with cameras.
Watson products are warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal consumer use for a period of ONE (1) year from the original purchase date or thirty (30) days after replacement, whichever occurs later. The warranty provider's responsibility with respect to this limited warranty shall be limited solely to repair or replacement, at the provider's discretion, of any product that fails during normal use of this product in its intended manner and in its intended environment. Inoperability of the product or part(s) shall be determined by the warranty provider. If the product has been discontinued, the warranty provider reserves the right to replace it with a model of equivalent quality and function.

No where in there does it say that they will repair or replace the camera, they will only repair or replace a bad battery and its up to you to repair or replace the camera. What good is a new replacement battery if the camera is gone?

Wasabi's battery warranty is similar but for 3 years. Again, they will not be responsible for damage to your camera by their battery.

Nikon, Canon, and others WILL repair or replace your camera if their batteries have damaged it.

leftj Loc: Texas

Ahh but you're a professional and that's your livelihood so it makes sense that you do what you do plus those are business expenses that you can write off. Not the same for a hobbyist.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Not true. Can you as a hobbyist really afford to replace a camera damaged by inferior batteries? And by inferior, I don't necessarily mean in parts or manufacture but in warranty. Nikon and Canon do warranty the camera if their battery caused the issue. AND, if you use a non-oem battery and it damages the camera, they MAY refuse to even work on it out of warranty. Is your hobby such that you would throw away a perfectly good $750-$2000 camera body because you chose to save $30?

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

Thank you!