Would you buy a generic battery?

[2Tiggies]

I'm having a bit of a dilemma here. We are headed back to WDW in 2 weeks and this is a first trip for my current camera (D7000). I previously had the D90 and had 2 genuine Nikon batteries with it. I don't shoot video and had no trouble being out all day with it on a full charge, but it was convenient having the second one because I could charge one while using the other and just switch them over at night when we got back to the room.

I only have the one battery that came with my D7000 so the first question I'm asking is: Do I need a spare? Second question is, if I am only going to (maybe) use it for a once a year vacation, do I want to put out $50 for a genuine one? I'm on the fence because I've always used genuine batteries and accessories with my Nikons and I don't know if there is a risk to the camera. Any thoughts?

 

[handicap18]

I am bringing 2 batteries with me next week to the World. Better to have an extra and not need it than need it and not have it.

With my Nikon D50 I used 3rd party batteries. With my D300 I started off with 3rd party batteries and ended up having a little problem with the camera. I forget now what the specific issue was, but it only happened when I used the 3rd party battery.

I just bought a 2nd batter for my D600 and bought a Nikon battery. Didn't want to be taking any chances on the $2000 body to save $20 on a battery.

 

[2Tiggies]

Didn't want to be taking any chances on the $2000 body to save $20 on a battery.

This is the reason I'm on the fence about what to do. I don't want to damage the camera. If I knew I needed a second one I'd just buy it, but if the battery life is going to be as good as on my D90, it is going to be there to aid my laziness I guess I could sell it again if I don't use it and just take the minor hit on shipping and fees.

 

[boBQuincy]

Didn't want to be taking any chances on the $2000 body to save $20 on a battery.

I agree. Even the major manufacturers have had battery recalls but at least if the OEM battery damages the device the manufacturer will probably pay to repair it. I doubt any 3rd party battery sellers would issue a recall or pay to repair a camera.

But it still seems like highway robbery to charge $50 for a battery that someone else can sell for $15!

 

[SrisonS]

I'd definitely get a backup battery. Better to be safe than sorry.

I've used 3rd party batteries for my cameras and have never had an issue though. But I also like to have 2 spares. So it was hard for me to want to spend a lot for 2 batteries. And i think the OEMs were more than $50 each.

 

[photo_chick]

Batteries are one place I won't skimp. I buy the manufacturer's brand. I have 4 so yes I would recommend a spare.

 

[Geoff_M]

I think that there are good 3rd party battery makers out there. I too once swore I'd never buy anything other than an OEM battery, but a $90 difference made me think twice. I read plenty of reviews before I purchased a Pearstone battery from B&H. Love it, and the build quality is the same as Nikon's. However, there's a bunch of junk out there too. I'd never buy a battery off of eBay.

 

[2Tiggies]

Thank you everyone, for your advice and input. I probably should have gone with my instinct. I will order a genuine Nikon as a spare for peace of mind.

 

[webshark3]

I've bought a LOT of cheap 3rd party batteries for every camera I ever owned.

Are they safe? Never had one leak, explode, etc.
Are they as good? No. They typically last 50-75% as long as the OEM battery.
Are they duds? Yes and no. I'll buy 8-10 $3 batteries for a trip. Some 3rd party brands were garbage. Others were very reliable. I bought cheap batteries for a Panny waterproof that didn't fit. Last year I bought 8 knockoff batteries for my RX100, and each one is still just as good as the Sony OEM.

So overall, OEM will always work great. But you'll pay for it. Knock-offs saved me a lot of money in the long run, but I've had some duds along the way. So now, with Amazon Prime, I'll buy 1-2 batteries, stress test them long before a trip, then order more if they pass.

 

[bob100]

I've bought a LOT of cheap 3rd party batteries for every camera I ever owned.

Are they safe? Never had one leak, explode, etc.
Are they as good? No. They typically last 50-75% as long as the OEM battery.
Are they duds? Yes and no. I'll buy 8-10 $3 batteries for a trip. Some 3rd party brands were garbage. Others were very reliable. I bought cheap batteries for a Panny waterproof that didn't fit. Last year I bought 8 knockoff batteries for my RX100, and each one is still just as good as the Sony OEM.

So overall, OEM will always work great. But you'll pay for it. Knock-offs saved me a lot of money in the long run, but I've had some duds along the way. So now, with Amazon Prime, I'll buy 1-2 batteries, stress test them long before a trip, then order more if they pass.

same here, I've bought third party knock-off batteries (Canon XSi/450d, Canon 60D and other electronics) and never had any problems. The branded ones like SterlingTek / Amazon are very good

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

I had the same dilemma for my A6000. I knew I wanted at least one spare battery, and I also needed a charger. (The A6000 doesn't come with a stand-alone charger. The packaged solution is an adapter to charge the battery in the camera.) Third party chargers and batteries on Amazon and B&H were priced so I could get the charger and two spare batteries for what a single OEM battery would cost. It was really tempting.

In the end, all the drumming-into-the-head from Canon over the years about off-brand and counterfeit batteries got the better of me. I wound up getting both the OEM charger and spare battery.

I think the chance of getting a battery that would physically damage the camera or a charger that would melt a battery is pretty slim. What I was more concerned about, and what most drove my decision, was a concern about having batteries that wouldn't hold a charge or wouldn't perform when I needed them.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Recently, I purchased a pair of Wasabi Power batteries from Blue Nook. These batteries have a three year warranty and at $14.00 each, they were really affordable. Because I tend to shoot 10-14 hours a day, I have three batteries for each of the three cameras we use (plus a AA conversion for the battery grips). I have been impressed with this non-OEM battery. They have been used in the cold (Snocross racing in the snow) and in the heat (95 degrees with racetrack temps 100+) with success. I have not had a battery failure this past year. Non-OEM's are not everyone's cup of tea, but these are an option. I also agree with others to stay away from Ebay batteries. While I have never purchased any from there, I have read numerous horror stories. Enough that it scares me.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I always have a back up battery for my Nikon D5000. I use a Digipower and have been very happy with it.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

I'm an amateur when it comes to photography. By a long shot.

If I were a pro and went through batteries like my wife goes through GF Spa treatments, I'd probably feel differently, but given that I use at most 1 battery per day, I just opt for OEM batteries. Thankfully, my 6D and 70D (and my previous 60D) all use the same batteries. I have a spare for each camera effectively giving me two available spares at any given instant in time and three if you count the one in the camera not in use.

Works for me. My cameras are an expensive habit and HOBBY. I'm just not willing to risk a 2k camera to save $50 on a battery. I know others have had and do have positive experiences, but I keep going back to the prior sentence. YMMV. Just my $0.02. That and $5 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks on MS USA.

 

[Evad]

I have a D7000 as well and can shoot for days on a single charge. I don't do and any video and such just pics. I did have a generic bat. for my old D80 and had no issues with it. I now have a Nikon bat. as a back up for my D7000 but again I only change it out every 2 or 3 days when on a trip. Having only one bat. has never been an issue, just charge it at night if needed.