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third party batteries

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Manufacturers try to sell as much of their (too expensive) OEM accessories as possible.
Not only batteries are way too expensive, also lens hoods, filters and camera bags.
Use the OEM battery that came with the camera but I always buy third-party brands as an extra batteries, never had any problems with it in my Lumix, Nikon, Olympus...
 
My experience with most 3rd party batteries is they may perform adequately in the beginning, but after about a year the capacity would drop a lot, like maybe to 50%.

I have had video file corrupted because the 3rd party battery run out of charge too quickly for the camcorder to save and close the current file.
 
embie2 said:
Manufacturers try to sell as much of their (too expensive) OEM accessories as possible.
Not only batteries are way too expensive, also lens hoods, filters and camera bags.
Use the OEM battery that came with the camera but I always buy third-party brands as an extra batteries, never had any problems with it in my Lumix, Nikon, Olympus...
Click to expand...
The most ridiculous OEM accessories were flash-lights, before Godox wiped them away. You could pay 800,- for a 100,- plastic crap flash, and not even a good one.
 
shutterhappens said:
My experience with most 3rd party batteries is they may perform adequately in the beginning, but after about a year the capacity would drop a lot, like maybe to 50%.

I have had video file corrupted because the 3rd party battery run out of charge too quickly for the camcorder to save and close the current file.
Click to expand...
This generalised experience is wrong. Batteries are just batteries, not rocket science. Sony, Canon etc. don’t manufacture their own batteries and don’t own a secret ingredient that makes the overpriced OEM batteries better. But for sure: some make money offering lowest quality batteries for low prices that are as overpriced as OEM batteries.
 
DirkPeh said:
shutterhappens said:
My experience with most 3rd party batteries is they may perform adequately in the beginning, but after about a year the capacity would drop a lot, like maybe to 50%.

I have had video file corrupted because the 3rd party battery run out of charge too quickly for the camcorder to save and close the current file.
Click to expand...
This generalised experience is wrong. Batteries are just batteries, not rocket science. Sony, Canon etc. don’t manufacture their own batteries and don’t own a secret ingredient that makes the overpriced OEM batteries better. But for sure: some make money offering lowest quality batteries for low prices that are as overpriced as OEM batteries.
Click to expand...
The way I think about it is that yes, even the big brands are using off the shelf cells/components to make their battery packs. They certainly have an interest in maintaining their reputation so I trust that they will make sure they are designed to meet the safety standards and a decent level of quality. If I am buying a battery from a company nobody has ever heard of I might be getting a battery as good as the OEM but I might not. It’s difficult to know what corners might have been cut. I have certainly had good experience with third party batteries but I have also had some duds. Accessories such as spare batteries are definitely high margin products for the camera manufacturers and I usually am willing to take a chance on a third party but I am aware that I’m dealing with the “Wild West.” I also don’t trust batteries from anyone and try to take reasonable precautions when handling them.
 
DirkPeh said:
shutterhappens said:
My experience with most 3rd party batteries is they may perform adequately in the beginning, but after about a year the capacity would drop a lot, like maybe to 50%.

I have had video file corrupted because the 3rd party battery run out of charge too quickly for the camcorder to save and close the current file.
Click to expand...
This generalised experience is wrong. Batteries are just batteries, not rocket science. Sony, Canon etc. don’t manufacture their own batteries and don’t own a secret ingredient that makes the overpriced OEM batteries better. But for sure: some make money offering lowest quality batteries for low prices that are as overpriced as OEM batteries.
Click to expand...
OEM batteries have circuitry that allows the camera to accurately report how discharged it is. As far as I know, that's about the only difference.
 
DirkPeh said:
shutterhappens said:
My experience with most 3rd party batteries is they may perform adequately in the beginning, but after about a year the capacity would drop a lot, like maybe to 50%.

I have had video file corrupted because the 3rd party battery run out of charge too quickly for the camcorder to save and close the current file.
Click to expand...
This generalised experience is wrong. Batteries are just batteries, not rocket science. Sony, Canon etc. don’t manufacture their own batteries and don’t own a secret ingredient that makes the overpriced OEM batteries better. But for sure: some make money offering lowest quality batteries for low prices that are as overpriced as OEM batteries.
Click to expand...
For the most part I agree. But I totally would not put it past Canon to put in some kind of tech to make some things work with their OEM batteries, but not with aftermarket batteries….. Even if it cost $30k in R&D, as long as it gained them $100k in sales.
 
BirdShooter7 said:
DirkPeh said:
shutterhappens said:
My experience with most 3rd party batteries is they may perform adequately in the beginning, but after about a year the capacity would drop a lot, like maybe to 50%.

I have had video file corrupted because the 3rd party battery run out of charge too quickly for the camcorder to save and close the current file.
Click to expand...
This generalised experience is wrong. Batteries are just batteries, not rocket science. Sony, Canon etc. don’t manufacture their own batteries and don’t own a secret ingredient that makes the overpriced OEM batteries better. But for sure: some make money offering lowest quality batteries for low prices that are as overpriced as OEM batteries.
Click to expand...
The way I think about it is that yes, even the big brands are using off the shelf cells/components to make their battery packs. They certainly have an interest in maintaining their reputation so I trust that they will make sure they are designed to meet the safety standards and a decent level of quality. If I am buying a battery from a company nobody has ever heard of I might be getting a battery as good as the OEM but I might not. It’s difficult to know what corners might have been cut. I have certainly had good experience with third party batteries but I have also had some duds. Accessories such as spare batteries are definitely high margin products for the camera manufacturers and I usually am willing to take a chance on a third party but I am aware that I’m dealing with the “Wild West.” I also don’t trust batteries from anyone and try to take reasonable precautions when handling them.
Click to expand...
I made good experiences with Baxxter. They are a German company producing in China and have a reputation to loose. Not the cheapest ones, but pretty reliable. For me, the Tamron among the batteries. I am sure there are other quality ones. I am not about wild experimenting with cheapos in a 2.000,- camera, I am willing to pay good money for good tools, but not more.
 
Last edited:
DirkPeh said:
BirdShooter7 said:
DirkPeh said:
shutterhappens said:
My experience with most 3rd party batteries is they may perform adequately in the beginning, but after about a year the capacity would drop a lot, like maybe to 50%.

I have had video file corrupted because the 3rd party battery run out of charge too quickly for the camcorder to save and close the current file.
Click to expand...
This generalised experience is wrong. Batteries are just batteries, not rocket science. Sony, Canon etc. don’t manufacture their own batteries and don’t own a secret ingredient that makes the overpriced OEM batteries better. But for sure: some make money offering lowest quality batteries for low prices that are as overpriced as OEM batteries.
Click to expand...
The way I think about it is that yes, even the big brands are using off the shelf cells/components to make their battery packs. They certainly have an interest in maintaining their reputation so I trust that they will make sure they are designed to meet the safety standards and a decent level of quality. If I am buying a battery from a company nobody has ever heard of I might be getting a battery as good as the OEM but I might not. It’s difficult to know what corners might have been cut. I have certainly had good experience with third party batteries but I have also had some duds. Accessories such as spare batteries are definitely high margin products for the camera manufacturers and I usually am willing to take a chance on a third party but I am aware that I’m dealing with the “Wild West.” I also don’t trust batteries from anyone and try to take reasonable precautions when handling them.
Click to expand...
I made good experiences with Baxxter. They are a German company producing in China and have a reputation to loose. Not the cheapest ones, but pretty reliable. For me, the Tamron among the batteries. I am sure there are other quality ones. I am not about wild experimenting with cheapos in a 2.000,- camera, I am willing to pay good money for good tools, but not more.
Click to expand...
I have been looking for more information on Baxxtar (not baxxter) but I can only find information on the batteries not the company. I’ll keep looking. Unfortunately there are no batteries that will fit my cameras so, whilst the recommendation is welcome, I will have to search elsewhere for a reliable, repeatable, third party battery.
 
One important point to note is that different third-party manufacturers may interact differently with various camera brands. For instance, an X-brand battery might perform well with Canon cameras, but it might not be compatible with Fuji camera. This compatibility depends on the specific choices made by each camera brand and model. Keep in mind that this landscape can evolve over time or with firmware updates, and there’s always an inherent risk involved.

I’ve personally used Wasabi batteries with my Fuji X-T20. While they are quite affordable, I noticed that they tend to swell after some time. However, with careful handling, they can still save you money. Currently, I’ve switched to Jupio batteries—they cost half as much as the original brand but perform just as well. It’s worth mentioning that my experience is specific to the X-T20; I can’t vouch for other Fuji cameras or newer battery types, let alone batteries for different camera brands.

If you’re considering third-party batteries, I recommend doing your own research. Forums and discussions specific to your camera model can provide valuable insights
 
DirkPeh said:
shutterhappens said:
My experience with most 3rd party batteries is they may perform adequately in the beginning, but after about a year the capacity would drop a lot, like maybe to 50%.

I have had video file corrupted because the 3rd party battery run out of charge too quickly for the camcorder to save and close the current file.
Click to expand...
This generalised experience is wrong. Batteries are just batteries, not rocket science. Sony, Canon etc. don’t manufacture their own batteries and don’t own a secret ingredient that makes the overpriced OEM batteries better. But for sure: some make money offering lowest quality batteries for low prices that are as overpriced as OEM batteries.
Click to expand...
Actually, Sony , Samsung and Panasonic manufacture cells - Battery part of the company is pretty much independent from imaging, the same as semiconductors are.
 
GeoffRG said:
DirkPeh said:
BirdShooter7 said:
DirkPeh said:
shutterhappens said:
My experience with most 3rd party batteries is they may perform adequately in the beginning, but after about a year the capacity would drop a lot, like maybe to 50%.

I have had video file corrupted because the 3rd party battery run out of charge too quickly for the camcorder to save and close the current file.
Click to expand...
This generalised experience is wrong. Batteries are just batteries, not rocket science. Sony, Canon etc. don’t manufacture their own batteries and don’t own a secret ingredient that makes the overpriced OEM batteries better. But for sure: some make money offering lowest quality batteries for low prices that are as overpriced as OEM batteries.
Click to expand...
The way I think about it is that yes, even the big brands are using off the shelf cells/components to make their battery packs. They certainly have an interest in maintaining their reputation so I trust that they will make sure they are designed to meet the safety standards and a decent level of quality. If I am buying a battery from a company nobody has ever heard of I might be getting a battery as good as the OEM but I might not. It’s difficult to know what corners might have been cut. I have certainly had good experience with third party batteries but I have also had some duds. Accessories such as spare batteries are definitely high margin products for the camera manufacturers and I usually am willing to take a chance on a third party but I am aware that I’m dealing with the “Wild West.” I also don’t trust batteries from anyone and try to take reasonable precautions when handling them.
Click to expand...
I made good experiences with Baxxter. They are a German company producing in China and have a reputation to loose. Not the cheapest ones, but pretty reliable. For me, the Tamron among the batteries. I am sure there are other quality ones. I am not about wild experimenting with cheapos in a 2.000,- camera, I am willing to pay good money for good tools, but not more.
Click to expand...
I have been looking for more information on Baxxtar (not baxxter) but I can only find information on the batteries not the company. I’ll keep looking. Unfortunately there are no batteries that will fit my cameras so, whilst the recommendation is welcome, I will have to search elsewhere for a reliable, repeatable, third party battery.
Click to expand...
It’s owned by a single guy since 2009:

 
Last edited:
It’s funny, I bought the new Baxxtar charger with two 2.600 mAh batteries “designed in Germany”. The original from Sony has 2.280 mAh.

They look very similar to the Patona ones - or the other way round. They cost exactly the same on Amazon. 85,- for the charger and 2 batteries. A Sony NPFZ100 is 68,-.

Patona
Patona

Baxxtar
Baxxtar

I had good experiences so far with both Patona and Baxxtar.

From two cheaper batteries I bought for my A6400, one did swell after 2 years of use. I recognised that it was a bit tough to remove it from the camera and no longer used it.

My first experience with the Sony original and my new A7c II: On the 3. day I used it fully loaded for maybe 1 or 2 hours, took maybe 50 photos, but some burst shots (15-25 total) of some skaters. I recognised that the camera even when not in use went hot, although I turn it off when not shooting and most of the times have the display set to black/off. It went off after being used for 2 hours with longer breaks and after these maybe 50 photos. Battery empty.

Immediately decided I need spares and ordered the Baxxtars.
 
Last edited:
As I mentioned I had one third party battery slightly swelling and stopped using it. It didn’t look like this OEM Sony one I still haven’t thrown away:

96a18b692d524654adc163a690c929a7.jpg

6f741fd3465e40edbaed82e2837b4a6c.jpg
 
Last edited:
DirkPeh said:
GeoffRG said:
DirkPeh said:
BirdShooter7 said:
DirkPeh said:
shutterhappens said:
My experience with most 3rd party batteries is they may perform adequately in the beginning, but after about a year the capacity would drop a lot, like maybe to 50%.

I have had video file corrupted because the 3rd party battery run out of charge too quickly for the camcorder to save and close the current file.
Click to expand...
This generalised experience is wrong. Batteries are just batteries, not rocket science. Sony, Canon etc. don’t manufacture their own batteries and don’t own a secret ingredient that makes the overpriced OEM batteries better. But for sure: some make money offering lowest quality batteries for low prices that are as overpriced as OEM batteries.
Click to expand...
The way I think about it is that yes, even the big brands are using off the shelf cells/components to make their battery packs. They certainly have an interest in maintaining their reputation so I trust that they will make sure they are designed to meet the safety standards and a decent level of quality. If I am buying a battery from a company nobody has ever heard of I might be getting a battery as good as the OEM but I might not. It’s difficult to know what corners might have been cut. I have certainly had good experience with third party batteries but I have also had some duds. Accessories such as spare batteries are definitely high margin products for the camera manufacturers and I usually am willing to take a chance on a third party but I am aware that I’m dealing with the “Wild West.” I also don’t trust batteries from anyone and try to take reasonable precautions when handling them.
Click to expand...
I made good experiences with Baxxter. They are a German company producing in China and have a reputation to loose. Not the cheapest ones, but pretty reliable. For me, the Tamron among the batteries. I am sure there are other quality ones. I am not about wild experimenting with cheapos in a 2.000,- camera, I am willing to pay good money for good tools, but not more.
Click to expand...
I have been looking for more information on Baxxtar (not baxxter) but I can only find information on the batteries not the company. I’ll keep looking. Unfortunately there are no batteries that will fit my cameras so, whilst the recommendation is welcome, I will have to search elsewhere for a reliable, repeatable, third party battery.
Click to expand...
It’s owned by a single guy since 2009:

https://bundlestar-de.translate.goog/baxxtar/?_x_tr_sl=de&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Click to expand...
Thank you. Unfortunately that merely confirms that the company doesn’t have an EN-EL18 equivalent battery.
 
Chris Wolfgram said:
For the most part I agree. But I totally would not put it past Canon to put in some kind of tech to make some things work with their OEM batteries, but not with aftermarket batteries….. Even if it cost $30k in R&D, as long as it gained them $100k in sales.
Click to expand...
Olympus already has this, unless you buy a "chipped" 3rd party battery the battery level doesn't show up and the camera tells you to put in OEM battery. Those 3rd party batteries still work just fine though, and the 3rd party batteries that are chipped work just like OEM ones.
 
that they will make the most profit by charging a ridiculous markup on batteries, or basically 250-400% of what "good" aftermarket batteries cost ?

How much would they have to charge before folks would say, that's just ridiculous, I'm not doing that. I mean would you pay 500% more ? 800% more ? Half the cost of your camera body ? I guess some folks just have a lot more money than I do. I mean, I'm know they do. I'm poor (by some standards, rich by others I suppose)

I was just looking at the BM's I've been using, and I can still get them for just over $20. Which is great, as I do need a couple more, after 2 of my 3 Canon OEM batteries died on my cross country trip this year. All my BM brand are still working fine though.

Anyway, it just seems to me if Canon were only charging say, $30 or $35, it might not be a big enough incentive for aftermarket companies to design and produce replacements, and maybe folks would buy more of them at that price too, just to have backups.
 
Chris Wolfgram said:
that they will make the most profit by charging a ridiculous markup on batteries, or basically 250-400% of what "good" aftermarket batteries cost ?

How much would they have to charge before folks would say, that's just ridiculous, I'm not doing that. I mean would you pay 500% more ? 800% more ? Half the cost of your camera body ? I guess some folks just have a lot more money than I do. I mean, I'm know they do. I'm poor (by some standards, rich by others I suppose)

I was just looking at the BM's I've been using, and I can still get them for just over $20. Which is great, as I do need a couple more, after 2 of my 3 Canon OEM batteries died on my cross country trip this year. All my BM brand are still working fine though.

Anyway, it just seems to me if Canon were only charging say, $30 or $35, it might not be a big enough incentive for aftermarket companies to design and produce replacements, and maybe folks would buy more of them at that price too, just to have backups.
Click to expand...
The camera manufacturer's industry is filled with companies that are smaller today than they were in the past, they are barely treading water while being handed heavy rocks to hold every few minutes in a room with the water slowly rising now just a foot from the ceiling.

Seeking to maximizing profits where ever they can is a necessary evil when your core products are appealing to a shrinking market place.

When the horse and buggy market was disappearing because of the growth of the automobile you don't think any owners sold accessories at big mark ups?

There has been an 80% drop in camera sales in the last decade. These companies are clawing at anything they can to stay alive and fund products that basically nobody is buying.

Just a few who are either gone or just shell businesses of themselves from decades ago:

Kodak
Braun
Olympus
Konica
Minolta
Technik
Rollei
Polaroid
Contax
Agfa

I always see people who use pseudo economics to justify how a dying industry could be revived through lower prices and higher volume.

It's the old joke about the guy who loses $10 on every item he sells and asked how he stays in business and he replies I make it up in "volume"

-

Thanks,
Mike
https://travel-curious.com/home/north-america/united-states/utah/
 
Last edited:
mfinley said:
Chris Wolfgram said:
that they will make the most profit by charging a ridiculous markup on batteries, or basically 250-400% of what "good" aftermarket batteries cost ?

How much would they have to charge before folks would say, that's just ridiculous, I'm not doing that. I mean would you pay 500% more ? 800% more ? Half the cost of your camera body ? I guess some folks just have a lot more money than I do. I mean, I'm know they do. I'm poor (by some standards, rich by others I suppose)

I was just looking at the BM's I've been using, and I can still get them for just over $20. Which is great, as I do need a couple more, after 2 of my 3 Canon OEM batteries died on my cross country trip this year. All my BM brand are still working fine though.

Anyway, it just seems to me if Canon were only charging say, $30 or $35, it might not be a big enough incentive for aftermarket companies to design and produce replacements, and maybe folks would buy more of them at that price too, just to have backups.
Click to expand...
The camera manufacturer's industry is filled with companies that are smaller today than they were in the past, they are barely treading water while being handed heavy rocks to hold every few minutes in a room with the water slowly rising now just a foot from the ceiling.

Seeking to maximizing profits where ever they can is a necessary evil when your core products are appealing to a shrinking market place.

When the horse and buggy market was disappearing because of the growth of the automobile you don't think any owners sold accessories at big mark ups?

There has been an 80% drop in camera sales in the last decade. These companies are clawing at anything they can to stay alive and fund products that basically nobody is buying.

Just a few who are either gone or just shell businesses of themselves from decades ago:

Kodak
Braun
Olympus
Konica
Minolta
Technik
Rollei
Polaroid
Contax
Agfa

I always see people who use pseudo economics to justify how a dying industry could be revived through lower prices and higher volume.

It's the old joke about the guy who loses $10 on every item he sells and asked how he stays in business and he replies I make it up in "volume"

-

Thanks,
Mike
https://travel-curious.com/home/north-america/united-states/utah/
Click to expand...
If people aren’t buying your product because they can buy a competitor’s interchangeable product for a lower price it makes sense to accept a lower margin. The problem arises when you lower the price below what it costs to make, sell and distribute your product. There’s a fine line between selling at a loss and reducing the price to increase volume while still making a profit.
 
mfinley said:
Chris Wolfgram said:
that they will make the most profit by charging a ridiculous markup on batteries, or basically 250-400% of what "good" aftermarket batteries cost ?

How much would they have to charge before folks would say, that's just ridiculous, I'm not doing that. I mean would you pay 500% more ? 800% more ? Half the cost of your camera body ? I guess some folks just have a lot more money than I do. I mean, I'm know they do. I'm poor (by some standards, rich by others I suppose)

I was just looking at the BM's I've been using, and I can still get them for just over $20. Which is great, as I do need a couple more, after 2 of my 3 Canon OEM batteries died on my cross country trip this year. All my BM brand are still working fine though.

Anyway, it just seems to me if Canon were only charging say, $30 or $35, it might not be a big enough incentive for aftermarket companies to design and produce replacements, and maybe folks would buy more of them at that price too, just to have backups.
Click to expand...
The camera manufacturer's industry is filled with companies that are smaller today than they were in the past, they are barely treading water while being handed heavy rocks to hold every few minutes in a room with the water slowly rising now just a foot from the ceiling.

Seeking to maximizing profits where ever they can is a necessary evil when your core products are appealing to a shrinking market place.

When the horse and buggy market was disappearing because of the growth of the automobile you don't think any owners sold accessories at big mark ups?

There has been an 80% drop in camera sales in the last decade. These companies are clawing at anything they can to stay alive and fund products that basically nobody is buying.

Just a few who are either gone or just shell businesses of themselves from decades ago:

Kodak
Braun
Olympus
Konica
Minolta
Technik
Rollei
Polaroid
Contax
Agfa

I always see people who use pseudo economics to justify how a dying industry could be revived through lower prices and higher volume.

It's the old joke about the guy who loses $10 on every item he sells and asked how he stays in business and he replies I make it up in "volume"

-

Thanks,
Mike
https://travel-curious.com/home/north-america/united-states/utah/
Click to expand...
Okay Mike. Good points. But then how much profit are aftermarket companies making on Canon replacement batteries for $21 each ? I mean, do they actually cost $5 to make ?
 
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