Batteries for A550

[Mr. John]

Just got my A550. Bummer that the NP-FM55H batteries I used in my A100 won't fit in the new body. I wonder what the reason for this is.

[PWhite214]

Acording to Sony Style, the battery for the A550 will fit the A100, but the reverse is not true.

NP-FM500H | Rechargeable Battery Pack | Sony | Sony Style USA

I use aftermarket batteries in my Sony DSLR's with no aparent difference. I think the aftermarket bateries may not last quite as long, but have not tried to come of with a way to prove it. At $10.00 each, I can afford to carry several charged batteries.

Phil

[gramikay]

I have an aftermarket battery that I use as a second battery for my A550. As I understand it (which admittedly may be right or not) the NP FM55H is a smaller battery that doesn't have the same staying power as the larger NP FM500H, and will not fit the A550's battery compartment. The aftermarket battery was cheap and I get almost as many shots with it as I do the original Sony battery. The battery fits both my A300 and A550 and gets just as much use. Aftermarket accessories work with the Sony alphas with no loss of picture clarity. Love it!

[deastty]

What is the battery life like for the A55. I am hearing you can get only 250-350 photos per charge. Is that consistent with what you are seeing? And is that why you have an additional battery?

[gramikay]

I always carry an extra battery in case I am out longer than I expect and need to switch out batteries. I am notorious for not checking my battery power in the camera before I set out and having an extra charged battery assures me that I have the power I need. Also, camera grips can accomodate two batteries for longer shoot times.

[andrew.abercrombie88]

Hey, i agree that the batteries are not transferable and it is a little frustrating but oh well. I was wondering however where you got aftermarket batteries for $10 each?

I have the A550 and the A330, i can get at least 250 shots on a full charge with my A550, the determining factor for me as to how many shots i can get on a full battery really depends on the weather. Let me explain, I live in Minnesota, we have winter seven months out of the year. The cold weather drastically drains battery life like you couldn't believe.