I was looking through various sites to find out if there was a cheaper place to get the BP-512 battery that works with my Digital Rebel. There's a LOT of difference. Where the original battery from Canon goes for 70-90 dollars Canadian, there's a guy on eBay who is selling an after market package of TWO batteries for 17 dollars American! That's a heck of a difference in price!
My question is, what's the difference in quality, and is there any risk to my equipment (charger or, god forbid, camera) in using the cheap no name batteries?
I personally went for the Canon battery. I paid about $40. for it.
I know there are people that use aftermarket batteries with no problems. But with the $900. camera, why take the chance for a difference of $10 dollars.
I'd be real skeptical about batteries that are so cheap...
I purchased two from someone on ebay (paid around $18.00), they came in a sealed blister pack type package, are identical to the battery that came with my 10D, I have used them in the camera and I have not had any problems at all. (These batteries did, however, come from overseas - don't know what, if any, difference that may make.)
I personally went for the Canon battery. I paid about $40. for it.
I know there are people that use aftermarket batteries with no problems. But with the $900. camera, why take the chance for a difference of $10 dollars.
I'd be real skeptical about batteries that are so cheap...
ditto ditto..
I did the same and would give the same advice. If your going for something other then Canon just use caution.
I bought a non-Canon battery on ebay.ca for C$35.00. I've been alternately using it with the Canon brand since Sept. I don't see any difference and it hasn't affected my camera.
I bought two generic batteries on E-Bay for $13 a piece. I have had no problems with them. They keep their charge nicely. I only use them as back ups. I wasn't ready to pay the premium price tag requested by Canon.
I'd feel better using stuff that was guaranteed myself, but when the prices are so radical (less than 50% of the cost) you kinda have to wonder. Still, it seems at least some have had success. Hmm...
I appreciate all the input... think I'll go with the Canon original if at all possible.
I bought a couple from Wal-Mart for 25 bucks each, a real steal. They charged up and hold up just as good as the Cannon batteries I have. I've found no difference. I won't buy batteries off EBay for many of the reasons mentioned above.
I agree, when you're buying from ebay you have to be extra cautious. I bought it from an ebay store with a good reputation, at least that's what my gut feeling told me. They have an online store as well with their location, email addr and a toll free number to contact them.
I purchased this battery off of eBay and have had no issues with it at all. It actually last longer than the one that came with my Digital Rebel.
I bet you would be surprised how many of these different brand batteries come off of the same assembly line. Canon isn't a battery manufacturer so you know they are just branding someones else's batteries with their name anyway.
I would be careful though, I know that Nikon has warned about cheap batteries that could explode since a safety component is missing in the cheap batteries. I would assume the same thing is possible with Canon batteries.
I agree with spazmo, although i have a sony, it specifically says in the manual, "Use of non-Sony batteries voids warrenty." Check if your canon says that as well.
