Non-OEM Batteries?

There are lots of inexpensive non-OEM batteries available on EBay. Do you think they are okay or are they going to explode some day in my 30D?

Thanks,
Brent

The most recommended source here on POTN is www.Sterlingtek.com

I work at a mobile manufacturer and while discussing batteries in another thread, I went to chat with one of the engineers who’s job it is to design and implement the power sources and chargers for mobile phones. I learned a lot, more than I wanted to and some of it has changed the way I charge and store my batteries. It seems that Lithium-ion batteries, though a great source of energy do have a dark side. They are capable of generating tremendous amounts of heat when shorted, when manufactured improperly, or when charged improperly mainly due to impurities within the battery. They won’t explode like dynamite, but they can overheat causing the case to energetically burst open causing damage to anything that they are currently in and in the process generate enough heat to melt anything near by.
As the recent recalls show, OEM is not always safe either but much more so than Billy-Joe Bob’s house of Lithium-ion batteries would be. Is saving a few bucks worth it? I guess that’s your call, but I would advise either buying OEM, or from a manufacturer well known for it’s quality goods.

Az2Africa wrote in post #2025542
The most recommended source here on POTN is www.Sterlingtek.com

Personally, I'd steer away from the random and unknown quality of ebay and head straight to sterlingtek as Az2Africa mentions. I've purchased cheap batteries there for my XT as well as my 30D and have nothing but high praises for the product, price and customer service.

Excellent company!

I can vouch for SterlingTek's as well. I had 'em for my XT and have 'em for my 30D. No problems thus far. I wouldn't go with eBay though. Too random for me.

I went with Sterlingtec through EBAY, $26 for 2 batteries which are stronger vs $50 for the canon version for 1. I have no problems thus far. I have a wedding coming up so I will put them to the test. I have 2 canons and 2 sterlingtecs so I should be alright.

I have two Sterlingtek batteries for my XT. I have had no problems with them. They have a little more power than the OEM batteries, so I actually get a little longer life out of them. I generally keep the Sterlingtek batteries in the camera and the OEM batteries in the bag for a backup.