[CJSIMPSON]

I have ordered a panasonic HDC-HS20 and am picking it up tomorrow, this was a bit of a rush purchase as I am going to Florida on Saturday and wanted one quick so didnt do as much research as I would normally. I think I will be pleased with the results but I have looked at the battery life and its less than an hour from what i can gather so I think I need another battery. The standard is VW-VBG070 and the next size up is VW-VBG130. The only problem is everywhere I look they either dont have these or they are cheap chinese versions which are probably ok but wont be here in time, I basically need to be able to get one off the shelf or next day delivery. I dont want to pay £80 or more for an official one. Does anyone know where I can get one? I think they are the same batteries as in the SD9 and other models.

[A n d r e w]

All I can say is good luck: these things are notoriously hard to find at short notice. If you haven't already, give Jessops a call. Otherwise you're facing at least a 10 day turnaround on an online order.

Andrew.

EDIT: You don't say where you live, but if in or around London, you could always run the Tottenham Court Road gauntlet of "cheap" electronics . . .

[CJSIMPSON]

Thanks for the quick reply, its a bit poor that isnt it. Maybe more people would buy official spares if they werent extortionately priced.

I live in Wakefield near leeds, would any other stores have these in stock other than jessops?

[A n d r e w]

I'm afraid I really can't say. All I can suggest is (1) start ringing around (okay, perhaps you should wait until tomorrow morning!) and (2) check Amazon. However, with the latter, I think it's a safe bet that only Amazon Marketplace sellers do Panasonic batteries, hence you're unlikely to get one from them in time. You never know until you try though.

This is in lieu of someone with local knowledge popping in and offering something more constructive.

[John7]

WHy not get one when you are in the States?

I have an SD5 and it comes supplied with the w130 battery. I wanted the W260 battery for the extra run time - in the end I got it from Batteryboy on E bay - it was about £40.00 cheaper than UK. I couldn't get one in the UK though

[cushioncreeper]

Originally Posted by John7

WHy not get one when you are in the States?

I have an SD5 and it comes supplied with the w130 battery. I wanted the W260 battery for the extra run time - in the end I got it from Batteryboy on E bay - it was about £40.00 cheaper than UK. I couldn't get one in the UK though

I agree. My last 2 camcorders have come from the states as a holiday purchase. First one cost me £300, in the shops over here for £600. I even bought 2 longer life batteries off an American Ebayer, cost me £50 for the pair & the guy shipped them to my holiday villa (I was there for a month).
At the time, the normal life batteries over here were £100 each.
Second camcorder cost me about the same, long life batts cost £25 for the pair.
Although the batts are chinese cheapos, I have never had any problems with them.
As for them recording in NTSC, again, not a problem as the PC software automatically deals with it.
Did have a slight problem with the first camcorder after I dropped it accidentally. Insurance company sent it away & it was repaired within a couple of weeks. Didn't seem to matter or care that it was ntsc.
Sadly, I'm not going again until next year & I really need a new camcorder now, otherwise I'd wait & see what's in the shops out there - I did checkout a few on ebay but the US price is now comparable with UK price after you've paid the shipping - and if you're really unlucky, customs get their hands on the package & sting you for loads of cash.

[milly]

This thread is nearly 2 years old. They most likely are not looking for a battery anymore. Or may be this is just advertising.