I would go with genuine Canon batteries. I've tried generic batteries before for laptops/DSLRs and it usually works perfectly in the first couple months and then suddenly dies or loses charge drastically.
I have extra batteries from SterlingTek and I find them to be at least as good as the OEM ones. I would recommend taking a look at them. Here is a link:
I've put 60,000 clicks on the same 2 Sterlingteks 20D/20D/30D/30D/30D and now with a 40D.
Blanket statements about 1/2 the life with generics are crap. There are great ones out there. Do your homework.
Edited by trenchmonkey on Mar 24, 2008 at 06:00 AM GMT
Sterlingtek used to sell a BP511 that had less mah than the Canon's. The current one at Sterlingtek is rated at 2000 mah and outlasts the canon's at 1/6 of the price.
I have had good experiences with OEM batteries. Some of them actually last longer than the real Canon batteries. Furthermore, I can't justify spending more than a $100 on a something that can be purchased for less than $40.
I have bought a total of 8 Delkin eFilm BP-511A replacements from globalmemoryproducts on eBay. At $10 each + Shipping, they are (after 6 months of solid performance) a MUCH better value than the OEM batteries, and even if they do fail, I have spares and will buy more with no hesitation.
Another Sterlingtek fan here. Had 3 of them for going on 4 years now, and they still work just as good, if not longer than the Canon batteries. I see no need to pay the outrageous cost that Canon charges...
I have had a generic 511 for some 3 years now. No problem, but I still have the original Canon one either first in the cam or in the bag (I easily confuse the 2), so even if the generic has twice less power, since I paid 3 or 4 times less...
Even if used so much that it would die out within a year, given the low price, worth the investment. Just make sure you have spare change (original Canon especially), and don't buy it in some smugglers bazaars off the border of Thailand!
Dave Goodman wrote:
Another vote for the Sterlingtek batteries. I have four of them. They are every bit as good, and perhaps better, than the OEM batteries.
Ditto that for me.
I have 2 of the 2000mah units and they last a real long time!!
Thanks for the responses. Do the Sterlingtek batteries use the same Canon charger.
I am looking for them in the UK.
Mike Engles
Yes, Sterlingtek use the same Canon charger. Right now I have four and they work as good as and last at least as long as Canon BP-511A's. However, you won't find them in a store....strictly mail order. www.sterlingtek.com
This is the one I got, CS-Power 1500mah(vs Canon 1390mah) and it only cost $8.69 each, they use Japanese battery cells. Been using them for few years since the day of 30D, now they still last longer than my 40D new oem battery, I'm very happy with them and no problem using them outdoor in winter either. If you pay more than $9.00 per battery, you're paying too much!
I have a genuine and a generic battery for my 350d, both around two years old now. The generic has at least double the battery life of the real canon one at this point.
