"Generic" Replacement Batteries?

[velvet4269]

Does anyone have any experience with the off-brand replacement batteries for the E-500 (the BLM1 batteries)? I'm desperately in need of a second battery, and the price is definitely attractive (I'm eyeing Ebay auctions with good feedback), but I'd like to hear someone actually uses them with no problem. There are a couple auctions up for Olympus-brand batteries, but they're almost twice the price (yes, I'm including shipping for total price; a .99 battery isn't much of a deal if the shipping is $20).

[Jamesc359]

I don't own that camera, hence I have no experience. But I wouldn't recommend buying generic Lithium-ion batteries of any kind. They can be prone to exploding (this can happen to even name brands, but it's much worse with the generic batteries.) An exploding battery can burn, scar, and can even blind a person.

I know it's very tempting, I've wanted to buy a generic battery for my camera before too...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_runaway
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium...ry#Controversy

[Saralonde]

I buy extra batteries for my Canon from Sterlingtek. Their Canon equivalent batteries are excellent, last just as long, and can be charged in my Canon charger. I do not have an Olympus so I can't speak for those batteries, but Sterlingtek is a reputable company. Here's a link to the page listing their BLM1 equivalents.

[xxpinballxx]

i'll second sterlingtek I have bought several from them. Great transaction and just like saralonde said, just as good as the factory batteries.

[velvet4269]

Thanks! $40 for a single replacement battery is just a bit steep for me (okay, I really *don't* spend a lot of money on myself, and am still struggling with how much I paid for my camera - which becomes less & less with each photo I take), but $34 for 2 I can do.

Page bookmarked

[TerryL]

I bought four batteries, two for my sons Rebel XTI and two for my 30D, non canon brand on ebay, no problems, work great so far.

[kirbinster]

I bought a pair of batteries for my Nikon D80 from an outfit called HK that is in HongKong. The batteries are by an outfit called Phottix. The pair was $12 plus $12 for airmail shipping. It took about three weeks to get to me. I charged the first up and it worked fine. I charged the second and although it seemed to charge OK the camera said it was dead. I emailed them back and forth a few times and they said they would send me a replacement. About two weeks later I got a package that had two more batteries in it. They both work fine. So, I ended up with three batteries for my D80 which after shipping ended up costing me $8/ea.

[xxpinballxx]

I used HK for the battery grip with two batteries for my D40. I am having no problems with it whatsoever so I could also recommend them except it took a while to get.....around 2 weeks or so. I only paid 70 dollars for the two batteries and grip which as far as battery grips go that is a great deal.

[TerryL]

xxpinballxx, how do you like your battery grip, I have been thinking about getting one, do they add much weight.

[glyphon]

a little late commenting, but figured it could help someone out in the future. or at least make them aware of more options available.

i just ordered the E-510 last week, and picked up 2 spare batteries in the process from Adorama (sold through amazon).
Link to battery

It was less than $30 for 2 batteries + shipping.