Can't seem to find any recent threads on this topic.
I'm specifically curious about the EN-EL4/EN-EL4a replacements. Previous threads from years ago seem to indicate that the longevity over the course of a year of these can be questionable.
Does anyone have any recent experience?
Also, I've seen the "You're spending X on a camera why skimp $140+ on batteries" arguments, I just kindly ask to stay on topic here. I'm moving out of the country and every dollar counts.
I received one when I bought my used D3. I am afraid to use it. I have used the replacements for the D1X from Battery Barn for years with no issues. I just do not trust third party electronics.
DGC1 wrote:
I received one when I bought my used D3. I am afraid to use it. I have used the replacements for the D1X from Battery Barn for years with no issues. I just do not trust third party electronics.
Tons of quality third party electronics out there. If you have any sort of a budget it's a smart move to seek out the good 3rd party offerings.
I assume the Nikon battery is lithium-ion? There have been many instances of cheap third party batteries for consumer goods catching fire, or even exploding. There has been at least one death when a phone battery exploded. I would only use a third party battery bought from a UK shop (or US if I lived there) with a reputable brand name on the side. If the voltage regulator goes AWOL, you will have a fire/explosion on your hands.
LeifG wrote:
I assume the Nikon battery is lithium-ion? There have been many instances of cheap third party batteries for consumer goods catching fire, or even exploding. There has been at least one death when a phone battery exploded. I would only use a third party battery bought from a UK shop (or US if I lived there) with a reputable brand name on the side. If the voltage regulator goes AWOL, you will have a fire/explosion on your hands.
+1
Also look at the number of third party grips that have fried camera bodies as well. No thanks !
karmaportrait wrote:
Can't seem to find any recent threads on this topic.
I'm specifically curious about the EN-EL4/EN-EL4a replacements. Previous threads from years ago seem to indicate that the longevity over the course of a year of these can be questionable.
Does anyone have any recent experience?
Also, I've seen the "You're spending X on a camera why skimp $140+ on batteries" arguments, I just kindly ask to stay on topic here. I'm moving out of the country and every dollar counts.
Thanks!
I used the so-called generic Nikon batteries with a D300 and a D700 (the same type) and my impression was that they lasted less vis-a-vis the original Nikon batteries. During the past two years (with a D3s and more recently with a D800) I have been using ONLY Nikon original batteries and I will not buy generic batteries again. I do prefer to pay more and avoid frustrating problems.
Over the years I've purchased several 3rd party EN-EL4 and EN-EL4a batteries, and for the most part they were junk.
I finally threw in the towel after buying a pair of Pearstone batteries. They each lasted a few weeks and would just die mid-shoot. No warning, nothing. After several replacement batteries did the same thing, I just chucked them in the recycle bin. They weren't even worth my time.
I had an OEM battery fail on me wouldn't charge, wouldn't do anything. Local camera store had a promaster brand that got me through the rest of the weeks work. And now over a year later it's still the longest lasting battery for my D3s. I do keep an original Nikon as a backup, but have not needed it.
I'm moving out of the country and every dollar counts.