Experience with aftermarket batteries in D200?

[gwuMACaddict]

Well? They're about 1/8 the cost of the Nikon variety... anyone have any experience using aftermarket batteries in a D200 as backup?

Thanks

[Grimace]

I've found that the aftermarket batteries are the same if not BETTER than the OEM. There is a place that sells nothing but batteries (discussed in the forums a while back) and they have phenomenal prices.

[gwuMACaddict]

I've found that the aftermarket batteries are the same if not BETTER than the OEM. There is a place that sells nothing but batteries (discussed in the forums a while back) and they have phenomenal prices.

Thanks, buddy- I tried searching, but couldn't come up with anything. If anyone else remembers the website, I'd appreciate a link.

[Grimace]

remembered it - http://sterlingtek.com/

[termina3]

I've found that the aftermarket batteries are the same if not BETTER than the OEM. There is a place that sells nothing but batteries (discussed in the forums a while back) and they have phenomenal prices.

I take it you would highly recommend using 3rd party batteries--even if price weren't an issue (actually it is, but just go hypothetical for a moment)?

I'd like to open the same question up to anyone else who has experience with retail/OEM/Nikon batteries vs. 3rd party.

Thanks!

[Grimace]

I've seen no performance increases from using a battery from the OEM. Battery technology isn't quite that complicated -- it just works if it works.

Umm....you named your hard drives? :p

[compuwar]

Well? They're about 1/8 the cost of the Nikon variety... anyone have any experience using aftermarket batteries in a D200 as backup?

Thanks

The Nikon batteries are chipped, and there have been a fairly good number of reports of damage with third party "cheap" batteries. Digital cameras are rather sensitive to voltage issues (look at the flash sync voltage issues as an example) and the manufacturer's part tolerance is probably pretty strict and I doubt they put protection in because their own parts are compliant. It's my understanding that their use voids the warranty as well. I wouldn't risk it if it were my camera.

Here's Nikon's take:

http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin/nikonusa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=8119&p_created=1069238416&p_sid=d*hAYSzi&p_accessibility=0&p_lva=238&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9MzoyJnBfcm93X2NudD0xMDk1JnBfcHJvZHM9JnBfY2F0cz0mcF9wdj0 mcF9jdj0mcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U9MQ**&p_li=&p_topview=1

[termina3]

Umm....you named your hard drives? :p

Umm... yes? How do you suggest I remember 4 or 5 different hard drives and partitions?

[jessica.]

The Nikon batteries are chipped, and there have been a fairly good number of reports of damage with third party "cheap" batteries. Digital cameras are rather sensitive to voltage issues (look at the flash sync voltage issues as an example) and the manufacturer's part tolerance is probably pretty strict and I doubt they put protection in because their own parts are compliant. It's my understanding that their use voids the warranty as well. I wouldn't risk it if it were my camera.

Here's Nikon's take:

http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin/nikonusa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=8119&p_created=1069238416&p_sid=d*hAYSzi&p_accessibility=0&p_lva=238&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9MzoyJnBfcm93X2NudD0xMDk1JnBfcHJvZHM9JnBfY2F0cz0mcF9wdj0 mcF9jdj0mcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U9MQ**&p_li=&p_topview=1
This is correct, however I have first hand use and damage caused by going the so-called cheaper route. Needing an extra three batteries I bought three 3rd party that guaranteed they would work. They did. They charged and powered the camera. They also fried something that prevented me from being able to use my LCD screen. It looked like I dropped the camera. Nikon repair said it was the battery. They could have been full of ****, but frankly the only thing I did was use those batteries and it happened the first time I put the battery in after shooting about 50 photos.