Camera batteries (not original)

[RC1]

Appreciate feedback on whether replacement camera batteries (i.e. alternative unbranded batteries for Nikon SLR (D80) ) are worth getting or could they damage the camera?

Also, the battery specs are a bit different - my current Nikon battery is 7.4V/1500 mAh but the replacement unbranded one I'm looking at getting is 7.4V/1400 mAh. Not sure this makes a big difference?

More concerned about using unbranded, cheaper batteries in an expensive camera.

Thanks!

[mipo]

From my own experience.
I used a Optex third party battery for my older D70S. Never had any problems.

And on my newer camera also using 2 additionnal jobber batteries. Same no issues.
On this one my cousin is a major dealer for this battery jobber and got them for free.

But beware of copies, there are many posts talking about the Chinise copies of the original.
On the exterior almos exactly the same as the original, but for reliability that's another story.

[ddr]

all 'fake' batteries are the same. I used them on all my digital cameras and cellphones - that's over 20 devices from the past 10 years.

Having said that, the real dilemma is when something bad happens. In the unlikely event that something blows up or damages your camera body, Canon/Nikon will not fix one with a fake battery that damaged it, but will probably fix one that has a genuine battery that caused problems.

I mean if you had a 1Ds or D700 why cheap out on the battery right? Esp. if you have expensive glass attached to it.

[Footski]

I have always used other make batteries as spares. The slightly different spec simply means you won't get as long out of it as the original, but as long as it is a spare, no problem..

Barry

[kirbinster]

I use "fake" non-oem batteries in my D80 with no problem. I would not be very concerned as most problems with batteries come when recharged, and you recharge them outside of the camera. That said my "fake" batteries work fine in my D80 butfor some reason will not work in my D300.