Compatable batteries-any issues ?

[4jbl7]

We treated ourselves to a new digital cam-corder this Xmas, a Panasonic NV-GS150EB. We want to use it on holiday later this month but need a longer recording time than the CGA-DU12 supplied battery gives. The maximum available in the manual is a CGA-DU21 battery. A Panasonic battery is very expensive but I see on E-bay lots listed that are CGA-DU21 COMPATABLE ! and much cheaper.

Are these OK to use ? I have a separate charger so don't need to charge from the cam-corder.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

4lbl7

[MarkE19]

I've never known a compatable battery cause a problem, ie damage the camcorder, but they are known to not have as good a lifespan as origionals. I would suggest you steer clear of the very cheap ones and go for a seller on eBay with a lot of good feedback. Be aware though that many of these batteries come from Hong Kong etc and may take a fair while to arrive, so leave plenty of time when ordering for it to arrive or you could be going on holiday without it.
I've been useing a compatable battery for around 6 months now in my laptop and it is going strong, holds its charge longer than the origional batter would have and cost about half the price. Just look for a battery with the maximum MiMH (or whatever type it is) rating as this will extend the amount of time the battery can be used for.

Mark.

[ellington]

Hi
I agree with MarkE19, I have used compatible batteries with my old Panasonic analogue camcorder without problem. I have them also for my Canon DV cam and my Canon digi camera. I would also agree that you need a reputable supplier. I have used the same one for all the time I have used camcorders and feel that I have somewhere to go back to should something go wrong with them. I usually pay around half the price of the standard manufacturers price for a heavier duty battery. I may have been lucky but my "cheaper" batteries actually lasted longer than the Panasonic ones I had. Have a look here for examples.
http://www.keene.co.uk/

ellington

[Iain]

I second ellington for suggesting keene. I have used them many times without a problem, they have good prices and cater for just about any make and model. Plenty of other goodies to check out on the site too, I was on yesterday just looking for AA Nimh's and came away with them, a wireless cctv kit and a whole host of camera filters to name but some.
This AV habit is getting the better of me

[4jbl7]

Thanks everyone.
Peace of mind restored

4jbl7