BP-512 Battery

[G3guro]

Hi Folks,

Where is the cheapest place to get this battery?

Thanks,
John.

[BobbyLee]

MacMall is the cheapest place I've found for PowerShot G3 batteries. Here some of their prices:

Canon BP-512 $44.99 (MacMall item #961823)
Canon BP-511 $48.00 (MacMall item #970673)
Battery Technology Inc. BTI CN 511 $33.99 (MacMall item #369655)

I have one Battery Technology Inc BTI CN 511 and it lasts just as long as the Canon versions.

Hope this helps,
BobbyLee

[G3guro]

Wow! $44 bucks! that's quiet a lot. Any others?

Thanks!

[BobbyLee]

Good luck finding them for less than what I posted. Even B&H Photo wants $59.95 for both the 511 and 512 and they're usually the ones that beat everybody else on photo stuff. I did see them advertised at TechSavings for $43, TheNerds.Net for $44, and BuyMicro for $44 but I stuck with MacMall because I've had really good service from them. If you run down to Circuit City you'll be paying in the $65 range and Best Buy has an Everyready equivalent in the $65 range. They're not cheap!

Good luck,
BobbyLee

[sprockett]

why not just get a compatible one... they have 1250mah versions, and they work just as well.. they're like 20+ bucks

[sprockett]

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2 F&krd=1&from=R8&MfcISAPICommand=GetResult&ht=1&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&query=bp+511

there u go my friend..

apologies... the price should be 13+ bucks...

im using one and it out lasts my original coz its 1250mah

[beach512]

With this battery I would worry....

What kind of mean time to failure could this unit have ?
What kind of quality control could have been on it ?

Always keep a Canon battery as an emergency backup to be safe.

Just like the Olympus commercial where you spot Elvis at a gas station, go to take a once in a lifetime picture and .......nothing! Battery dead.

[G3guro]

Forget ebay. I found a better place. Royal camera has it for $32 shipped free. I'm getting a couple now.

Thanks everyone!

[sprockett]

don't know about u guys,

but all major companies, canon, nikon, minolta etc etc all use OEM li-on cells, and just rebrand them with "CANON"...

well i guess all major companies except for SONY.... they use their own cells i think... infolithium and what not

so u might as well just get the cell direct from the japanese company that makes them!

i've been using a compatible battery for quite a long time... my original canon is my back up..

no problems whatsoever..

[BobbyLee]

When you gave me the Ebay link I lost interest. I don't mind buying 511 or 512 equivalents elsewhere but I won't deal with Ebay.

[drisley]

What's da diff between the 511 and 512?

Don't fret my american friends, up here in the Great White North, those batteries are $125 plus taxes!

[alpha]

I ordered a non-Canon back-up for the original 511/512 battery at B&H. It has a 1500mAh rating which is higher than the 1100 mAh Canon batery that came with my G3. I have not put it into use yet so I can not attest to the reliability of this battery. Here is the B&H listing

Power-2000
BP-511 Lithium-Ion Battery (7.4v, 1500mAH) Replaces the Canon BP-511 for Digital Cameras and Camcorders
More Info
Price $34.95
Shipping cost

Quantity
Mfr# ACD674 • B&H# POBP511Q
Availability: In Stock

[Freeflyer]

I've just ordered 2 of these from a company on ebay. Nice that it's actually a company, they publish a phone number and I got to talk to them about the products and they confirmed how to make payment and save on shipping by buying the two batteries (two separate auctions) but handling the payment for one purchase.

All purchasing done through paypal, where they and I have recorded transactions before. Also, paypal gives you security similar to using a credit card.

The last plus was that the auction price was $12.99, with a buy it now price of $13. Normally the buy it now price is a good chunk higher for most ebay auctions, so this meant that I could order immediately without waiting to see if I won the auction or paying a hefty premium for using buy it now.

Shipping for the two batteries (1250mAh so higher than canon's original) was 6.95. All the confirmation emails came through from the various organisations that handle the transaction within 30 mins.

I now have to wait the few days for shipping to see if it works out ok. I'll post my response when they arrive.

So, two batteries for $32 shipped. Sounds like a good deal to me.

The company was

http://www.eforcity.com

and you can see their various ebay auctions for the bp-511 battery by searching ebay for bp-511 and looking for the batteries priced 12.99 with a buy it now price of $13.

More when I get them,

cheers,

J.

[G3guro]

Freeflyer,


Be careful. This is a 7.2V battery. You will need the 7.4V for the G3!



G3guro.

[Freeflyer]

that's interesting.

After your post I did a web search on bp-511 and looked at about 30 retailers selling these batteries. they are about equally split between those selling 7.2v versions and those selling 7.4v versions. All claim to be compatible with the G3 as direct replacements for canon's batteries.

Even Batterybarn which is usually pretty good on this state on their canon page that they're 7.2v.

I've posted an enquiry on another photo board to see if I can get more feedback from those more knowlegable than me.

I think, unless I get lots of opinions to the contrary, that I'll see how they work when they arrive. I would guess that if they are the wrong voltage the camera just won't start up properly. I don't think I'd damage it.

I found some of the 7.4v ones in a similar setup on ebay for $20 each.

Here's hoping it will all be ok,

J.

[G3guro]

Yeah, I believe there are two kinds 7.2V and 7.4V. You want the 7.4V! Although, I don't think it will damage the camera but why risk it? This is not a cheap camera! :-)

G3guro.

[kowen]

Looks like Canon's battery is rated a 7.1 volt- that is why I'm wondering about these other batteries, more voltage-although the prices are excellent, would that extra voltage throw of the meter, affect the warranty, or ???

Kerry

[PacAce]

For what it's worth, the AC adaptor/charger puts out a whopping 9.5 V so I can't see how the diff 'tween 7.2v and 7.4v on the batteries can make that much of a difference....except (as stated by some one else) maybe the G3 won't power up.

[kowen]

Alright, not to be a wet blanket, but I called Canon about the voltage difference in these other batteries my "concern". A tech from Canon said that Canon's 7.1 volt battery is specifically designed for that camera's electronics/ circuitry. I asked if using another voltage could void the warranty, he said it would void the warranty.

Enough said, since I'm going to spring $700 bucks for the G3, I will get the Canon back up. Not being an electronics guru, just don't know if that extra voltage might cause problems down the road.

Another thing, he did say that Canon is the only authorized repair center for G cameras, so an extra warranty is out for me unless they would send the camera to Canon after the 1st year warranty is out, which I doubt.

Kerry

[Tzoid]

What did you expect him to say?

[kowen]

t-zoid,

Mind you, I was not at all surprised that the "man from Canon" endorsed their own battery, what concerned me is the higher voltage difference in the other batteries, and if that higher voltage might cause harm to the circuitry, functions, etc. over the long haul-that's it. When I pushed that voltage difference issue, he did say that the camera was designed with that specific battery AND voltage for the G3. Makes sense. This is not a cheap flashlight we are talking about, but a small (computer) camera that seems top of the line in it's class, given the G cameras' history and sales, with good design engineering behind it. (No dumb bunnies).

Even though the difference is +.1 volt for one battery and +.3 volts for another, and it doesn't seem like much, I had to ask. Since the camera and accessories I want will cost right at under $1000, not an amount I toss around on a regular basis, yet the call was free, what the heck. If a $17 difference in battery cost might contribute to the life of the camera, that's okay with me. This camera isn't cheap. I would also hope that extra voltage would not cause additional heat buildup inside the camera-minimal that it might be.

If someone has an electrical background and they care to chime in on this, be my guest. I guess I sound like a dumb bunny when it comes to all this, but if other brands of this battery were made with the SAME voltage, and were cheaper, of course I would consider it. We all wouldn't mind a break as far as price goes.

Just me.

Kerry

[jsobell]

The cameras internal circuitry will probably either run at 3.3v or 5v, and the battery output will be regulated before it reaches any circuitry.
A voltage drop of 0.7-2v through the regulator is normal (and required), and the batteries output voltage drops significantly as they run down, so a difference of 2v would probably make no difference, never mind 0.2v.
There is simply no way the internals would be fed directly from the battery.

The only time the original manufacturer battery is essential is if it contains 'smarts' that regulate charging or discharge particular to that piece of equipment, and the BP-511 is just like a non-smart camcorder battery.

This is good news, because we don't have to pay $80 for an overpriced original, and the abundance of alternatives that have been around for the G1/G2 for so long means that they have already been tested in the market.

I've just ordered a 1300mAh 7.4v replacement for $26 and I'll let you know if it bursts into flames.
Perhaps people could post some 'real' figures in relation to these third party battery life, because the quoted mAh figures may bear little relation to real-life.

Cheers,
Jason

[Freeflyer]

Once I receive my $13 batteries this week I'll try them in the camera and see how they work. I'll be going on a 3 month trip in 3 weeks time that will give me the opportunity to test all the things I'm buying (G3, batteries, X's drive etc) and will post a full report after that.

It looks to me as though the aftermarket batteries will be just fine. given that not one of the aftermarket batteries runs at 7.1v, suggests to me that either canon are not quoting their batteries correctly (which seems unlikely) or that all the batteries are the same (likely as there aren't that many people making the Lion cells that are inside) and that there is just a difference in the way the batteries are measured.

Looking forward to everyone else's experience.

Cheers,

J.

[Pixelated]

I too was trying to find a less expensive battery for my G3. On the G2 forum, someone mentioned that they found a battery that worked for their G2 on Adorama's website. I investigated, and took the bold step of ordering the "Ador Bp-511 Lith-Ion Battery Pack For Canon", which is a 7.4v battery. $34.95 plus postage, FWIW.

Like Alpha, I haven't actually put it to the test yet (it hasn't arrived!), so I can't verify whether the extra voltage will make a difference. However, like Drisley, I live in Canada ... so the prospect of paying full Canadian list price for extra batteries and other such items was truly painful to contemplate. (With the way our dollar is continuing to collapse, this isn't merely me being thrifty; it's a matter of owning anything aside from the camera itself!)

If I run into any problems with the Adorama battery, I will certainly let people here know. Similarly, I hope that others will share whatever experience they've had. Can we make a solemn pledge?

[sprockett]

i've been using 7.2v 1250mah alternatives ever since the start... my canon 1100 7.4v original is safely kept away...

no problem whatsoever.. no bursting into flames, and fantastic battery life.. i wonder why i even bought another batt in the first place...

i've had friends who have been using these 3rd party bats since the g1 days.. no probs!

relax!

[alpha]

Hi Pixelated et. al. battery fanatics. After reading your post I took out the original Canon BP-511 battery and installed the US$35 Power2000 battery in the G3 and I will charge it up and try it out. I agree that internal voltage regulation would make the 7.1 to 7.4 volt specification an insignificant issue. Voltage will also drop as the battery discharges, hence the need for regulation. The battery mAh rating is more important as higher numbers indicate longer battery life in the field. Correct me if I am wrong on this. I also just switched from Canon's 32MB CF card to a Sandisk 256MB CF card. Will the higher capacity card suck more juice from the battery, so to speak, than the 32MB card?

[jsobell]

No, the bigger capacity does not draw any extra current, and because both cards are made by SanDisk it will be the same speed :) (see my other thread)

Cheers,
Jason

[kowen]

Alright, you guys, sounds good to me. Looks like I don't have to worry about the camera blowing up, etc., :) when I press the shutter release. I'm glad to hear that my wonderings were for nothing, at the risk of over-analyzing a few volts.

Jason thanks for clearing that up-makes sense to me, so it looks like I WILL go ahead and save a few dollars.

Here is a link on a battery charger that uses house current OR your car's cigarette lighter, $39.99, $6.00 shipping to my state:

http://www.atbatt.com/getItem.cfm?ItemID=4751

One of these and an "eBay" battery is less than the cost of Canon's battery.

Again, thanks for clearing up that fiasco,

Kerry

[Freeflyer]

If you don't need the ability to charge from a car, the following adapter

http://batteryville.com/products/chargers/scbp511detail.htm

Is the cheapest I've seen for the canon bp511 batteries. $27 plus shipping. charges in 1.5 hours and works on all voltages.

Still trying to decide if I need the ability to charge from cars. I don't think so, as I can get a cheap adapter to charge the camera directly from a car if I need it.

Cheers,

J.

[Z_Man]

Yet another source Sterling TeK. CANON BP511 equivalent battery 1300 mAh $27.99

http://search.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/nsearch?catalog=sterlingtek&query=bp511&.autodone=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sterlingtek.com%2Fnsear ch.html

They also have a BP511 AC/DC Battery Charger including an Adapter Plate for the Canon BP511 Battery and a car adapter for $27.99

U.S. Shipping is $5.99 flat rate for as many products as you place on a single invoice.

Got my order from them in four days.

Cheers.

[Freeflyer]

Just a quick update.

After ordering the 2 batteries from eforcecity/ebay, they arrived today, which was about 5 days (including a weekend) from ordering.

they fit in the camera perfectly, and I currently have the first one on charge. Over the next week, I'll try and do a comparison on battery life between them and the original canon.

Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of the $13 battery saga.

J.

[Freeflyer]

OK, for those who haven't been following the saga, I bought two batteries for $13 each from eforcecity on ebay. They are 7.2v 1200mAh generic versions of canon's battery.

Today they arrived and I charged one of them in the camera, and then spent the evening taking repeated shots around my living room, while I was watching tv.

I had a new Viking 256Mb compact flash card in the camera. After the card was full, I would reformat the card and carry on.

I had the lcd screen on for about 85% of the shots, used flash for about 10% and turned off the camera for 10 minutes a couple of times during each card full of shots. I also zoomed around a fair amount to keep the lens motors working.

Number of shots on each full card

200, 202, 192, 192, 122 and then the camera turned off. The low battery symbol came on about 10 shots from the end.

This gives a total of 908 shots from one battery charge.

Now I doubt I'll get quite this life in real situations, as they'll be more on and off use and time between shots for the battery to drain a bit, but it does suggest that these batteries are a decent buy.

It remains to be seen how they compare over the long term, but suffice to say I'm pretty happy with them at the moment, particularly given the cost.

Hope this is of some help.

Cheers,

Justin.

[Mancini]

I saw your post on dpreview as well. I may have to pick up one or two of those.

[kowen]

I ordered one as well from Eforcity. For $13+ shipping, plus the Canon original backup, that should be fine for me. Thank you for passing on this supplier to us.

Regards,

Kerry
G3 on the way

[kolyarez]

this is a good site for info on rechargeable batteries:
http://www.greenbatteries.com

[ThomasL]

Does any of you battery gurus know if and how it would be possible to revive a LI-Ion battery that has been discharged too low, and will not charge anymore. Is there any way to revive it... or is it ready for recycling...

[Ralser]

I'm a little confused. Up higher its sated that Canon's battery is rated 7.1v. But on the battery it states 7.4v. what gives?

Steve

[G3guro]

Actually the original Canon battery says 7.4v! Some people here are testing the 7.1 and 7.2v.

G3guro.

[coryz2000]

Saw a mention on kowen's website that Canon says that Canon is the only authorized repair center for G cameras; thus, Kowen says he won't bother with an extended warranty; personally, I used to shy away from them; but, nowadays, one can usually purchase one for appx. $100.00 for an x-tra 4 or 5 years; thus, when buying electronics that cost $500.00 - $1,000.00 or more, I usually spring for it, esp. if I'm able to negotiate the actual price of the unit.

Even if Canon says that Canon is the only authorized repair center, I'm trying to understand why that should deter me from buying an extended warranty?

If the unit fails during Canon's warranty period, the owner can just send the unit to Canon, as per their warranty.

If/when the extended warranty comes into play, the owner would be sending the camera to the warranty company and/or its designated repair center.

By that time, the Canon warranty will be expired and Canon would be unwilling to do anything to address a problem anyway.

So, dealing with a third-party will be of no risk re: the validity of Canon's original warranty.

And, at least the owner will have an opportunity to get the camera repaired.

Am I missing something here? Thanks. -- Cory

[PacAce]

Alpha,

How's the Power2000 battery working out for you? Have you had a chance to compare it against the original Canon BP-511?

Thanks.

[kowen]

coryz2000,

After thinking about it and reading the coverage of the Mack warranty, I went ahead and bought it-for $49, not bad for peace of mind for 5 years. I am using the battery from eforcity right now-so far so good. Charged up my Canon and have it in the camera bag. I must have taken over 300 shots total including the ones I deleted, always use the LCD-and usually review what I've taken on the LCD-so I think I'm getting good charge life in my battery. Will see how long the Eforcity battery lasts.

Kerry

[coryz2000]

Kerry - Thanks for the response. Where did you get the Mack Warranty for only $49.00? The cheapest I've seen is appx. 79 - 99. Also, is that Viking 256 mb card "fast" enough? i.e., can you take shots (one after another) as quickly as you'd like? Do you have experience with and/or recommend any other cards as "faster?"

[kowen]

Cory,

Since I got my camera at B&H, I called back (on the way to work Tuesday) and ordered it, along with some printer ink for my Epson 1280. I ordered it on 2/16/03, so I have to get it mailed in by that date, will probably get that in today or tomorrow, and send it off.

If I may have mentioned a Viking 256mb in a previous post, what I did go for was the extra memory in the Lexar 512mb 12x. I shoot in RAW mode, and it is plenty fast for me. Also purchased through B&H,
hhttp://www.bhphotovideo.com/bh3.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__Aproductlist _html___228249___LECFJS12X512___REG___CatID=1097__ _SID=F3FC81B3FE0

at $149 vs. $99 for a Lexar 256mb 24x, I opted for double the memory. Writing time? I haven't really tried in the continuous shooting mode-though I should have when taking a series of bird shots one day-(did not think to preset that at the time) but will try it. I do find that it takes about 3-5 seconds to write a RAW file, sometimes faster-from start to re-shoot mode, but as I've said, not continuous shooting mode. This is daylight shooting, (overcast, as I've mentioned lately) with fast shutter speeds).

I use Breezebrowser-bought the download after I saw the latest Beta version with the custom white balance fixes and the RAW (?? something?) fix. I like the way it organizes my folders, and I do keep the EXIF information in the notepad file in the corresponding downloaded folder. I need all the organization I can get.

Kerry

[coryz2000]

I know what you mean about needing all the organization you can get! I must say, you are a bit over my head with most of the lingo you are using. I haven't even purchased the G3 yet. I have decided to do so (I think), but I don't have a particular need to buy it ASAP and would like to buy it at the lowest price possible. It seems to drop 5 bucks, almost every day!

I have been researching this camera for over a month. I have read tons on all the review websites and have checked out the comparisons on imaging-resource.com. (VERY USEFUL) I have come to the conclusion that (with the possible exception of digital SLR's) the G3 produces the sharpest images, with best color and is also most consistent, although it seems to be questionable when used indoors with a flash.

The major hurdle I am still grappling with is whether or not the G3 (or any digital camera) take photos as good as (or better than) film cameras. In other words, can I really expect to be able to buy a G3 and ditch my film cameras altogether?

In the meantime, I'm also trying to figure out which accessories work best, so I can figure out all the things I want to buy, and then get the best deal I can put together, when I pull the trigger.

In that regard, 2 more questions, if you don't mind:

1) did you find the 12x lexar to be as fast or faster than the viking?

2) more importantly, does the G3 produce prints as good as (or better than) film cameras (i.e., decent point and shoot and/or even SLR)???

Thanks for all the info. -- Cory