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Sony needs to remove 3rd party battery warning ...

  • Thread starter Thread starter mcslsk
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PhotonPixel said:
Did you consider that Sony is not a **** and there might be real issue? We know that many third party battery manufacturers do everything to let the camera think the battery is real, on the other hand they ignore all safety features.

In some batteries for example there are thermal resistors - the fake ones just put a resistor to fake the battery is at room temperature. If the camera or charger in any way relies on this temperature there can be issues. This is just an example, there is more fancy stuff going on, in some the cells are not even correctly balanced.

We don't know why Sony put the message there, but the fact that you can just press ok shows they have good intentions.
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PhotonPixel said:
What I don't get is how people spend THOUSANDS on a camera, yet are to cheap to get batteries for 80 bucks (considering NPFZ1000) - I mean its not like you need that many of them...
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100% agree, makes no sense. We obsess with the camera, lenses yet cheap out on a battery to save $20. Same for camera bags and tripods. We have $5k in gear or more

If this is a hobby for most it is an expensive hobby. If this is to make some money I think you need the reliability not to mention comfort so far as confidence in the item

I like 3rd party flash and I do have them for my Sony, but ended up with a HVL 60 RM for my event photography needs and heavy flash use. Plus is I really like how the head rotates for vertical shots eliminates the need for a flash bracket and makes it easier to use my modifiers.
 
Magnar W said:
rythie said:
Exactly, also only use Sony SD cards, Sony Flashes, Sony lenses and Sony Battery Chargers - everything is a risk to your camera, it could short-circuit. What about Sony lens filters and Sony tripods, I don't want to damage my camera. No third-party lens straps or bags either.
Click to expand...
Lithium ion battery faults might be fatal - you home can burn down.

You have to weight the warning (note: this is just a warning) against the risk involved.
Click to expand...
Magnar: The article posted in my reply to you states that this can happen with the original, also. Ni-batteries should be handled with care. Yet, to issue a general warning is not warranted, anyoing and antio-competitive.
 
Magnar W said:
rythie said:
Yeah like in that Samsung Note 7 phone for example, with the original Samsung battery. This can happen just as easily with 1st party batteries.
Click to expand...
Well, there for sure are quite some suspect 3. party batteries out there ...
Click to expand...
... yes, but not all. If you are a repuable OEM - how would you feel? Remeber when generic drugs entered the market how pharma companies scared patients into believing they were different and bad for their health?
 
mcslsk said:
Magnar W said:
rythie said:
Yeah like in that Samsung Note 7 phone for example, with the original Samsung battery. This can happen just as easily with 1st party batteries.
Click to expand...
Well, there for sure are quite some suspect 3. party batteries out there ...
Click to expand...
... yes, but not all. If you are a repuable OEM - how would you feel? Remeber when generic drugs entered the market how pharma companies scared patients into believing they were different and bad for their health?
Click to expand...
Actually, I don't care - when using a lot more than $15.000 on cameras and lenses, I can afford one or two original spare batteries.

I have really never understood why some people need to save a few bucks when buying batteries and memory cards.
 
Last edited:
Stflbn said:
If batteries start ruining cameras people will immediately say "This is unnacceptable, if Sony knew something they should have warned, Sony should replace my camera"

So do people want to be protected or not...
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That's a little bit of an unreasonable expectation from Sony. If a person is buying a 3rd party product and that product is defective then also blaming Sony makes no sense. Sony's job is not to protect people; rather, they provide all of the equipment a photographer needs to use the camera that Sony sells. 3rd parties pop up in every industry and people are free to try and save a buck if they want knowing that people tend to get what they pay for, but that there are exceptions. Sony is not responsible for testing 3rd party batteries and "knowing something" about them and then warning users. Users are responsible for the equipment they buy.
 
Magnar W said:
mcslsk said:
Magnar W said:
rythie said:
Yeah like in that Samsung Note 7 phone for example, with the original Samsung battery. This can happen just as easily with 1st party batteries.
Click to expand...
Well, there for sure are quite some suspect 3. party batteries out there ...
Click to expand...
... yes, but not all. If you are a repuable OEM - how would you feel? Remeber when generic drugs entered the market how pharma companies scared patients into believing they were different and bad for their health?
Click to expand...
Actually, I don't care - when using a lot more than $15.000 on cameras and lenses, I can afford one or two original spare batteries.

I have really never understood why some people need to save a few bucks when buying batteries and memory cards.
Click to expand...
That's not an argument. Is it bad to save money if possible? But it fits into Sony's strategy: If you don't want to be anoyed, buy Sony. Soon to come to flashes and lenses. Put a Sigma on, get a warning: This is not a Sony lens and may cause damage to your camera or loved ones.
 
mcslsk said:
Magnar W said:
rythie said:
Exactly, also only use Sony SD cards, Sony Flashes, Sony lenses and Sony Battery Chargers - everything is a risk to your camera, it could short-circuit. What about Sony lens filters and Sony tripods, I don't want to damage my camera. No third-party lens straps or bags either.
Click to expand...
Lithium ion battery faults might be fatal - you home can burn down.

You have to weight the warning (note: this is just a warning) against the risk involved.
Click to expand...
Magnar: The article posted in my reply to you states that this can happen with the original, also. Ni-batteries should be handled with care. Yet, to issue a general warning is not warranted, anyoing and antio-competitive.
Click to expand...
Yes, that is true. But the article doesn't state how big the risk for failure is, or how this differ from high quality to low quality batteries.
 
Magnar W said:
mcslsk said:
Magnar W said:
rythie said:
Exactly, also only use Sony SD cards, Sony Flashes, Sony lenses and Sony Battery Chargers - everything is a risk to your camera, it could short-circuit. What about Sony lens filters and Sony tripods, I don't want to damage my camera. No third-party lens straps or bags either.
Click to expand...
Lithium ion battery faults might be fatal - you home can burn down.

You have to weight the warning (note: this is just a warning) against the risk involved.
Click to expand...
Magnar: The article posted in my reply to you states that this can happen with the original, also. Ni-batteries should be handled with care. Yet, to issue a general warning is not warranted, anyoing and antio-competitive.
Click to expand...
Yes, that is true. But the article doesn't state how big the risk for failure is, or how this differ from high quality to low quality batteries.
Click to expand...
So shall we just assume it is higher? Because of the warning from Sony? Why don't they issue a press statement if tehy have seen a significant number of batteries across OEMs fail?
 
It is common sense to understand that if you are buying the cheapest possible of anything, you should expect a lower quality. Of course this is only a tendency, there are examples of bad expensive things, but these companies can not afford selling high quality cells with top quality control at these prices.

And if you want to cheap out on such a critical and dangerous part, its your choice. At least install some smoke detectors where you charge them.
 
mcslsk said:
bobhp said:
mcslsk said:
I am using reputable third party parts for many things with no issue. If Sony believes that there is a risk they should say so. Very much doubt that the camera checks anything other than the manufacturer of the battery. It seems the warning is triggered with every 3rd party battery, so don't tell me it is a legitimate warning. If you enjoy the warning, make it optional. If you like to pay more for "the brand", fine.
Click to expand...
I too use third party batteries and so far I've never had a problem, I just can't understand why you should object to this warning. you say if Sony thinks there is a risk they should say so well isn't that what they are doing by issuing this warning.
Click to expand...
So it is okay for you if your car enterainment system every once in a while pops a warning saying "You are not using GM certified parts. Be cautious"?
Click to expand...
I can't remember the last time a car entertainment system torched a car? It's just a warning saying using a 3rd party battery might be unwise. There's stopping anyone from using them and I have even used 3rd party batteries in the past. Though I don't use them in my Sony A7R III camera and probably won't for a while. I do agree with people that the warning should be disabled after the first use of a 3rd party battery, so it doesn't keep nagging you. People who are vigorously complaining about this warning would probably be the first ones who would say "Hey my Sony Camera was destroyed by a 3rd Party Battery!" if Sony didn't have a warning. It's unfortunately that battery warnings have to be used in the first place, but I think it all started (placement of warnings) when a lady burned herself with hot coffee that she purchased for McDonald's. Some people are not that smart when it comes to certain things and thusly many have to pay the price for it. Common Sense has left the building.
 
mcslsk said:
Magnar W said:
Actually, I don't care - when using a lot more than $15.000 on cameras and lenses, I can afford one or two original spare batteries.

I have really never understood why some people need to save a few bucks when buying batteries and memory cards.
Click to expand...
That's not an argument. Is it bad to save money if possible? But it fits into Sony's strategy: If you don't want to be anoyed, buy Sony. Soon to come to flashes and lenses. Put a Sigma on, get a warning: This is not a Sony lens and may cause damage to your camera or loved ones.
Click to expand...
Battery faults might end in a catastrophe, like a fire at home in the middle of the night.

Sony E-mount is a pretty open standard, so lenses will for sure not be affected, and the same is true for flashes and studio flash systems. And I don't think there will be any issues with memory cards either, since the only risk is that you can loose your files.

Worst care, a lens or a flash unit can brick the camera, but not explode and be put on fire.

Yes, I can understand why this warning is added.
 
Last edited:
mcslsk said:
... or at least make it optional. It is aonying and can ruin a moment. I am willing to take a risk rather than cope with this kind of brand protection. While it may be useful to detect counterfits, make it optional!
Click to expand...
When the camera is sent in for service, I wonder if Sony has a way of checking to see if the warning has been tripped at some time, and then refuse warranty service because the wrong battery was used?
 
phototeacher said:
mcslsk said:
... or at least make it optional. It is aonying and can ruin a moment. I am willing to take a risk rather than cope with this kind of brand protection. While it may be useful to detect counterfits, make it optional!
Click to expand...
When the camera is sent in for service, I wonder if Sony has a way of checking to see if the warning has been tripped at some time, and then refuse warranty service because the wrong battery was used?
Click to expand...
Only if they can prove that the OEM battery was the cause.
 
Magnar W said:
mcslsk said:
Magnar W said:
Actually, I don't care - when using a lot more than $15.000 on cameras and lenses, I can afford one or two original spare batteries.

I have really never understood why some people need to save a few bucks when buying batteries and memory cards.
Click to expand...
That's not an argument. Is it bad to save money if possible? But it fits into Sony's strategy: If you don't want to be anoyed, buy Sony. Soon to come to flashes and lenses. Put a Sigma on, get a warning: This is not a Sony lens and may cause damage to your camera or loved ones.
Click to expand...
Battery faults might end in a catastrophe, like a fire at home in the middle of the night.

Sony E-mount is a pretty open standard, so lenses will for sure not be affected, and the same is true for flashes and studio flash systems. And I don't think there will be any issues with memory cards either, since the only risk is that you can loose your files.

Worst care, a lens or a flash unit can brick the camera, but not explode and be put on fire.

Yes, I can understand why this warning is added.
Click to expand...
It is highly unliekly that batteries go up in flames unless misshandled. But yes, it happens to both, Brand and OEM. It is always a good idea to superwise the charging process and if that is not an option. put the charger or a fireproof material. Mine are on a metal plate.
 
mcslsk said:
I am using reputable third party parts for many things with no issue. If Sony believes that there is a risk they should say so. Very much doubt that the camera checks anything other than the manufacturer of the battery. It seems the warning is triggered with every 3rd party battery, so don't tell me it is a legitimate warning. If you enjoy the warning, make it optional. If you like to pay more for "the brand", fine.
Click to expand...
But they do say so in the camera manuals. Matter of fact, all electronic brands recommend the use of their own batteries, nothing new.

The thing is, if your camera develops a malfunction by using a non_Sony battery, good luck with your warranty...
 
mcslsk said:
Magnar W said:
mcslsk said:
Magnar W said:
rythie said:
Yeah like in that Samsung Note 7 phone for example, with the original Samsung battery. This can happen just as easily with 1st party batteries.
Click to expand...
Well, there for sure are quite some suspect 3. party batteries out there ...
Click to expand...
... yes, but not all. If you are a repuable OEM - how would you feel? Remeber when generic drugs entered the market how pharma companies scared patients into believing they were different and bad for their health?
Click to expand...
Actually, I don't care - when using a lot more than $15.000 on cameras and lenses, I can afford one or two original spare batteries.

I have really never understood why some people need to save a few bucks when buying batteries and memory cards.
Click to expand...
That's not an argument. Is it bad to save money if possible? But it fits into Sony's strategy: If you don't want to be anoyed, buy Sony. Soon to come to flashes and lenses. Put a Sigma on, get a warning: This is not a Sony lens and may cause damage to your camera or loved ones.
Click to expand...
and here comes the conspiracy theory... yawn...
 
mcslsk said:
phototeacher said:
mcslsk said:
... or at least make it optional. It is aonying and can ruin a moment. I am willing to take a risk rather than cope with this kind of brand protection. While it may be useful to detect counterfits, make it optional!
Click to expand...
When the camera is sent in for service, I wonder if Sony has a way of checking to see if the warning has been tripped at some time, and then refuse warranty service because the wrong battery was used?
Click to expand...
Only if they can prove that the OEM battery was the cause.
Click to expand...
My thought is that this warning is surprisingly late in the game. I wonder if Sony got sued or governmentally hassled in some country over a fire, failure, etc. caused by third-party batteries and is belatedly protecting itself against further problems.

I have no problem with this warning; the risks of defective Li-ion batteries are well known and third-party batteries still work after the warning is acknowledged. No need for Sony to take the blame for other companies' products gone wrong.
 
PhotonPixel said:
Did you consider that Sony is not a **** and there might be real issue? We know that many third party battery manufacturers do everything to let the camera think the battery is real, on the other hand they ignore all safety features.
Click to expand...
How do "we" know that many do?
PhotonPixel said:
In some batteries for example there are thermal resistors - the fake ones just put a resistor to fake the battery is at room temperature. If the camera or charger in any way relies on this temperature there can be issues. This is just an example, there is more fancy stuff going on, in some the cells are not even correctly balanced.
Click to expand...
So there are no reputable OEMs for batteries?
PhotonPixel said:
We don't know why Sony put the message there, but the fact that you can just press ok shows they have good intentions.
Click to expand...
The why doesn't Sony explain? If they are so concerned about their customers well being, shouldn't the issue a more concret press statement? How can there be "good intention" if the warning is triggered by all OEM batteries?
 
mcslsk said:
It is highly unliekly that batteries go up in flames unless misshandled.
Click to expand...
Have you never dropped a battery?
Member said:
But yes, it happens to both, Brand and OEM.
Click to expand...
I would think the risk of a fault is much higher with dirt cheap batteries. For sure not where I am going to save those few bucks.
Member said:
It is always a good idea to superwise the charging process and if that is not an option. put the charger or a fireproof material. Mine are on a metal plate.
Click to expand...
Wow, so charging should be noe in a firesafe environment, when you are sitting there looking for if the charging process starts to generate smoke?
 
Last edited:
I'll bet many members of this forum whine about the sun coming up every morning.
 
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