Generic Batteries

[chef_t]

Canon batteries are very expensive. Has anyone had any experience with the generic ones found on Ebay that are cheap.
Can anyone explain what non-OEM means?

[Dana]

Look in the G3 forum on www.dpreview.com - there are a few discussions on batteries there. Search on "eforce" and BP-511, batteries, etc., you'll find them.

Some people had good results w/buying from "Eforce" on ebay, and felt the batteries worked fine, but when I searched on that term on Ebay I didn't find any camera batteries for sale...

Dana

[chef_t]

Thanks,

I found exactly what i wanted from that site!

[WallyBeavis]

Non-OEM (Non Original Equipment Manufacturers) are, in this case, batteries not made by Canon . I read somewhere there are only a few manufacturers of the actual Li-Ion cells, so it's hard for the battery middle men (the circuitry & case guys) to screw it up. I just bought 3 bp-511 equivalents from "Eforcemarket" aka "EforceCity" off of Ebay for $10.45 + S&H. They should arrive Today or Tomorrow. I also purchased a Lenmar Mach1 charger from http://www.batterybarn.com so I don't fry my camera in case something goes wrong. I'll post an update after the first few uses (This weekend) :D


From what I've read everyone is happy with their generic batteries.

cheers,
Wally

[ThomasL]

Those are good batteries at an unbeatable price -- 'nuff said.

[Dana]

"Eforcemarket" aka "EforceCity" off of Ebay for $10.45 + S&H.

Where are they found on ebay? Did a search on both terms and didn't turn up any BP-511 generics for sale...

Dana

[SpiDEX]

try this :
http://www.stores.ebay.com/id=19488305&ssPageName=L2

[Dana]

Thanks! I was adding an extra "e" - making it eforcecity.

So there's also something to be careful about in ordering more than one battery, if I remember correctly, so that you can combine orders and save on shipping. I remember something about needing to ensure the auctions you bid on had similar numbers, or something?

Can someone who's done that clarify that issue?

Thanks!

Dana

[WallyBeavis]

Hi All,
Sorry for the delay in posting, I've been busy taking birthday pictures this weekend :)

I recieved everything (2 batts + mobile headset) from EforceCity after ~5 days after payment. The batteries charged in the lenmar mach1 in ~30 - 35 minutes. I filled up 2x128 1x48 1x32 CF cards with birthday pictures...I'd forgotten how hard it was to get 11 kids (5-8yrs old) in one frame - it reminded me why I find nature photography so relaxing :D

I actually could not run the first battery down all the way even after leaving the lcd on (most of the time) for 3 hours. I did swap batteries about 3 hours into the party however, b/c I wanted to make sure both batteries were in working order. All in all, I'd have to say the 1200 mAh Eforcecity batteries performed just as well as the Canon batteries.

I'd definitely suggest getting several batteries from these guys just to save on shipping, and for piece of mind - knowing you'll never be without power. I noticed they have most of their BP-511 priced at $13.00, but every few days they'll put up a couple for bidding starting at $9.99. So if you want to save a few bucks try bidding instead of buying outright...

"It's better to have and not want,
Than to want and not have."
--some late night tv show


cheers,
Wally

[tsoutherwood]

I can vouch for Hahnel batteries - I got a BP-511 equivalent and it does me for long periods of shooting with no problems. You'll have to search to find your local distributor - I got mine from www.warehouseexpress.com in the UK.

Cheers

Timbo

[DigPic]

Another option:

http://www.batterybarn.com/bp511.htm

[DigPic]

This 1 1/2 hr charger from Mugen looks like a great way to keep our batteries charged.

[juggler]

I've had no problems with:
http://store.yahoo.com/greenbatteries-store/liionbatchar.html

plus their generic batteries.

They'rrrrrrrrrrrrrre great!
--Perry ....

[Dana]

Received two BP-511 replacement batteries from eforcity on ebay today - very prompt delivery. Both look very nice - almost exact color match to Canon BP-511. $16 each delivered (cheaper if you combine orders, as the first battery is $6 shipping, and the second is $1 additional).

Charging to full capacity now and I'll compare life to the Canon BP-511.

Dana