-
Batteries
I’m looking to pickup extra batteries for my Canon T2i. Any thoughts on using, for the lack of a better term, “3rd Party” batteries. I was wondering if they are reliable or if I’m asking for trouble with them.
Examples I have found:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ENIC6E/ref=cm_cr_asin_lnk
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003DVMMYK/ref=cm_cr_asin_lnk
The thing I wonder most about is that the Canon LP-E8 battery that came with my camera is 7.2V 1120mAh while the batteries listed above are 7.4V and one is 1500mAh. Is the extra voltage and mAh good? Bad? Just spend the money on Canon brand batteries?
Can anyone enlighten me?
Thanks.
-
6 Replies
-
that is a serious difference in price vs the canon.
7.4V that is how much power it is putting out, and the reason the canon (and all other manufactures warn about using 3rd party) not saying they are correct in their warning but this is what can cause problems.
1500mAh is simply how long it will last. Normally on external attached batteries it is not a big deal because the batteries are just bigger, but with internal batteries you have to remove more of the inert material so more capacity in the same space may mean more heat.
These are just theories of mine so take them for what it’s worth.
I have used 3rd party batteries before and never a problem. But never send in a camera for servicing with a 3rd party battery in it. Even if the issue is not power related the warranty can be voided.
FWIW, my son does research in the battery field and he buys 3rd party batteries.
-
Hey there, we’re shooting a feature with the T2i right now. We picked up two of these:
A total of 4 batteries (and 5 total with the one that came with the camera). We go through at least 2 batteries a day and we keep a charger on set to charge them as soon as they die. I usually keep one with me, too as well as spare memory and lenses.
The batteries work as expected and seem to be fine. We finish shooting in about 2 weeks – I’ll let you know how they work then. I would say get a second charger if you think you will be shooting constantly. We knocked out 8 pages today with multiple angles and takes and I finished one battery and loaded another which will be good for a bit.
Jonathan Ziegler
https://www.electrictiger.com/
520-360-8293 -
I thought these dual battery chargers were cool if you were into heavy power usage : https://philipbloom.co.uk/2010/01/27/dual-battery-charger-for-canon-5dmkii-and-7d-batteries/
-
Thanks for all the info guys. The voltage is what concerned me the most, but it looks like the one(s) you’ve got, Jonathan, are 7.2V. I guess I just hadn’t scrolled through enough of the “knock offs”. All I was seeing was 7.4V.
You had some good insight Michael. The possibility of a heat issue with a higher mAh level is something I never really thought about…and a great point about leaving a 3rd party battery in a camera in for service – that is something that could easily slip one’s mind!
And, I could definitely see how the dual battery charger would be very handy on a shoot.
Thanks again!
-
Stick with OEM on batteries
Richard M. Harrington, PMP
Author: Video Made on a Mac, Photoshop for Video, Understanding Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Studio On the Spot and ATS:iWork
-
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up