foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

As I have mentioned, I have a Nikon D3400. The battery for it is an EN-EL14a. I see them also advertised as EN-EL14 ENEL14 as a combo. It also seems there are many different Ah ratings and voltages. Short of buying just Nikon batteries exactly as to what is on the battery that came with the camera, are any of the others OK to use? Also, by using none Nikon parts, am I voiding my warranty?

Thanks again, folks.

Hank Radt

First, read the warranty closely - I doubt that using a non-Nikon battery will void it, but maybe other Nikon owners can better respond.

Second, I've bought several 3rd party batteries for my Sony and haven't seen any noticeable difference in performance; the attraction for me was that I could get two batteries and an external charger for the price of one Sony battery. Some here will swear by the OE batteries; others (like me) calculated that even if there is a bit less life per charge, carrying an extra battery (at a lower cost) is a very small price to pay.

As for the Ah ratings, if you go 3rd party, make sure you get something that matches the OE battery that came with your body. If you search Amazon or eBay for D3400 batteries, you should be able to find exact matches.

Dragonfly Loc: Indianapolis

On my D7100, I have gotten a few off brand batteries. Make sure the specs are the same. One battery I got didn't work with the 7100 and it had lower amp rating (I think...was a few years ago and hard to remember.) Other than that one battery, I've been happy with the off brands. I numbered my batteries and use them in order so I don't keep using just one or two. (I have 4 batteries). My batteries have lasted many years now and still work like new. Not sure what others do.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Your manual or the Nikon website will tell you what battery designations are compatible with your camera. Just like my Canons where the LP-E6 and LP-E6N batteries interchange. The difference in mAH ratings simply indicates the battery's capacity. The only effect that has on a camera is in how long the battery will power it before you need to put in a fresh battery. The voltage rating for comparable batteries may vary by a tiny amount, such as 7.1 or 7.2 or 7.3, but that makes no difference. It's just in how the manufacturer determines the rating.
Nothing wrong with using third party batteries although a battery failure that damages the camera could void your warranty. Best to check. Such failures though are very rare. I've used genuine Canon as well as several different 3rd party batteries for years. The only failure I have had was with a brand new Canon LP-E6. Some of the cheaper 3rd party offerings do not have the necessary encoding to be able to communicate with your camera. Not normally a problem with the better quality ones. Watson and Power2000 are two of the brands I have used with absolutely no problem. They work and communicate just fine in both of my cameras, a 7DII and 5DIV, as they have in my previous cameras.
Retailers such as B&H and Adorama will often bundle 3rd party batteries with their new camera sales. Problems would cost them money and hurt their reputations. Apparently they are not worried about that happening. Neither am I.

toxdoc42

When I purchased my D3400, the camera store "matched" the advertised bundle price, which included a spare battery. When I tried to use it, the camera stated that the battery was not correct. I went back to the store and they told me that couldn't happen. I had them take out a D3400 and see the warning. They then asked me to pay $15 for a replacement OEM battery, that works just fine!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

The only thing in my world cheaper than the battery is the memory card. I do not skimp on either. My $3300.00 Nikon camera gets the more expensive Nikon battery cause in the scope of things it really does not cost that much.

John Cline Loc: Elkins Park, PA

I have used Wasabi brand batteries on several cameras and have experienced no problems. One of the batteries I purchased would not charge; I contacted Wasabi and they replaced it with no problems. They last as long as the original manufacturer's.

jackinkc Loc: Kansas City

Quadruple ditto!

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

It's mostly likely personal, but I prefer to use the batteries that Nikon provides for my two Nikon digitals.
--Bob

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

See the link. Apparently, the Nikon warranty doesn’t include the battery shipped with the camera. Another factor: Some software upgrade on some models reportedly disable non OEM batteries.

https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/ni/NI_article?articleNo=000001237&lang=en_US

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

For the few $$$ difference I don't take the chance and also use Nikon batteries for my D7100 and D7200


Don

foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

Even though my D3400 is way less that your camera, I must agree with you that OEM batteries make good sense in the scheme of things. Perhaps I'll try others after the warranty period is over, we'll just have to see then. Thank you.