GH2 Third party batteries

evero

@fatpig yes, powering multiple devices simultaneously is essential. I expect that to be the case (can't confirm). Someone wrote on this blog.
Anyway, we can't consider this alternative running gh2 on 7.2v unless Vitaliy can do some crazy magic in firmware (correct me if I'm wrong).

madact

Has anyone tried the 1930MAH DMW-BLC12 from "e-cell"?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1930MAH-DMW-BLC12-BATTERY-PANASONIC-LUMIX-DMC-GH2-/200634993368#ht_2323wt_1139

fatpig

@evero:
thats not a problem, you can use the 9v out, its confirmed working!
@madact: wow thats insanely high... no havent tried, but im curious

DMZ

Anyone has an experience with this 3rd party GH2 battery?
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GH2-Digital-Lithium-Ion/dp/B004TCGGA8%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAJASE6HSSVXTNREYQ%26tag%3Dsmtfx1-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB004TCGGA8

Based on the Amazon review (read the comments), the battery life indicator is supposedly working as with the original panny battery. 1500 mAh for currently $23 looks like a great deal; IF it works properly.

DMZ

Amazon has also 1800 mAh GH2 compatible batteries
http://www.amazon.com/Capacity-1800mAh-DMW-BLC12-Battery-Panasonic/dp/B004XJ9ZBY/ref=pd_cp_p_pw_1
Kit with 2 batteries + chargers (for wall socket and car) costs only $25. The battery life indicator does not work on these though (see Amazon review).

If you have any experience with this battery, or the one from my previous post, please share your personal view.

fatpig

@DMZ: first one says nothing about battery life indicator, sadly. its only one buyer comment also.

Ptchaw

@evero I just brought one of these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5V-9V-12V-USB-Super-Capacity-Recharge-Li-ion-Battery-/280726420534?pt=US_Batteries&hash=item415c993c36

Not quite as high charge, but much, much cheaper. I'll check the 9V output when full/nearly empty with a voltmeter, but it should work with the GH2. The USB 5V could be used to power a Zoom H1 and the 12V a monitor/light - the outputs can be used at the same time. Will also see if I can find a way to mount it on a hot shoe/15mm rails; potentially it could be a very cheap modular power system for the GH2 :)

DMZ

@fatpig: It is mentioned in the 2nd comment to the review, not in the review itself.

sohus

I just ordered two 1930mAh e-cell batteries. I will do a small report when I receive them. It sucks that they don't show a batter indicator but I figured the runtime must be > 2 hours so I will just swap them in and out when I change SD cards. If it turns out problematic, I will order two original batteries for video and keep these clones purely for still shooting (so in the worst case scenario, I will just lose 1 picture not > 1 hours of video).

I still hope Vitaily can fix this battery issue in the firmware, so it always shows a battery indicator.

oneday

I have tested the 1930mAh e-cell battery and it sucks, you can hardly get 1 hour and 10 minutes (that is continuos recording without any adjustments) also if you charge it and leave it for a day, two it will discharge by itself.

Mike_C

@Vitaliy Any chance to enable (with the hack) the battery life indicator for 3rd party batteries in this new 1.1 firmware for the Gh2? Thank you Mike

haribabis

the battery indicator is not depending on GH2 but is a battery issue. If it has something called "chip" inside or not. Many sellers in the description include this information.

haribabis

today i receive this 2 batteries http://www.ebay.com/itm/130542457807?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649. Almost 90 minutes of recording HBR mode 25p PAL with one battery. Very satisfied and for maximum safety i will use the non genuine batteries for half an hour each and the genuine for long term!

sohus

I am pretty sure third party batteries killed my first GH2. I am not using them anymore. No indicator when you shoot video is also killing. It breaks the AVCHD index, you miss footage... too many reasons not to do it. I have read multiple reports of broken GH2's and most of them were using third party batteries. Just my thoughts.

Jrb

I am a bit concerned about these 3rd party batteries damaging my GH2. Vitaliy says they should be ok. Thanks for you info Sohus, do you have any links where i can read these reports of batteries killing GH2's ?

Vitaliy_Kiselev May 2011 : " You can damage your camera with some bad battery, yes. Probability is very low, but you can. I think it happens due extreme discharge and very high temperature of the battery elements. I do not think that it will be happening with GH2."

DrDave

@wangc try wasabi battery for your HF100, fully decoded and accurate battery metering in cam. Wasabi have GH2 but NOT decoded, probably the quality is good. http://www.amazon.com/Wasabi-Power-Panasonic-DMW-BLC12E-DMW-BLC12PP/dp/B0051PLPM6 This one claims to be decoded but is only 1200 mah http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/427356289/Camera_battery_for_For_Panasonic_DMW.html

And (are you sick of battery) this claims 1600 mah (!!!) plus decoded (!) OK I will buy one http://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-DSTE-1600mAh-DMW-BLC12-BLC12-Battery-Panasonic-DMC-GH2-GH2-Free-shipping-/280798897859?pt=Batteries_Chargers&hash=item4160eb26c3

disneytoy

Problem: Because the GH-2 won't shut off to indicate battery is low. The battery just discharges below operating voltage. Internally the battery has a safeguard that turns off the output voltage when it drops to a certain voltage. Here is the problem. The stock charger reads the battery as zero volts. It can be charged. you will get the blinking green light. Charge for a while. remove, charge again. then your seemingly dead chinese battery will be fully charged. I have two and they are fine. Other option is to switch out batteries after some shooting so you never drop the voltage too far.

perder

From user @lsf2000 in a different thread: http://www.ebay.com/itm/280798897859?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 "Now This Battery Can show Battery level In Your Camera" Has anyone tried these?

Mike_C

I think we should wait for DrDave's tests about them. In his post above he says he wants to try one. The price is worth a try.

perder

hah, I didn't even see his post in all my excitement.. where the dunce hat at ?

DrDave

I was not able to snag this battery as they all sold out immediately. If anyone has one, please report.

Mike_C

Darn! That took me by surprise as well. I wrote the seller asking about it but he pointed me to other batteries they sell that don't declare to have such feature. I replied that I was looking for that special feature. And that was it.

fatpig

the word we have to search for is decoded- then the batt indicator will work. this site claims to have a decoded battery: http://www.ecvv.com/product/3141676.html

edit, also found it here: http://www.diytrade.com/china/4/products/9005220/New_decoded_for_DMW-BLC12_replaceable_batteries.html and here: http://www.ecplaza.net/trade-leads-seller/new-decoded-for-dmw-blc12--7668109.html

Mike_C

Good to know, thanks Fatpig. We only need to find some retailers since the sellers you linked only sell large quantities.

perder

The seller (the recently sold-out ebayer) shipped me a pair two days ago. if nothing else turns up, I'll let you know in like 25 days if it works as advertised. In the battery grip-thread, @lsf2000 said he had two, and another two on the way. I PM'd, asking to confirm if they work properly.

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