5D battery

I'm just getting a 5D and as I live out of the US I want to get all the bits I'll need in one go. I read that there are two different batteries available, one good for 2 hours' use and one for 5. Is the 5 hour battery a good buy? Does it fit inside the camera's battery compartment?

Is the battery charged on the camera or is there a separate charger? In other words, when the battery is being charged is the camera tied up?

Also, can anyone explain what the battery grip is and what its benefits are?

There are 2 different batteries. I always buy the longer-lasting one. Not sure if it lasts 5 hours or what.

The battery charges in its own charger--not in the camera. But I have 5 batteries, so it's not really a problem.

The battery grip holds more than one battery (I don't have one so I don't know the actual number). In addition to providing more battery power, the grip has a shutter release and an adjustment wheel on it, so you can shoot a vertical shot and not have to reach up over the camera to shoot.

I'm not sure what exact batteries your talking about but the "standard" battery that comes with the 5D is quite impressive IMO. Unless you're wanting the grip, the standard battery and a single back up would provide you with many hours of fun

Thanks. That tells me what I need to know.

my canon 5d battery is good for well over 500 shots. the stirlingtek ones are good for 30% more use. i have a grip which has 2 stirlingtek - good for about 1500 shots i say. i recharge few and far between with moderate useage. just for your info.

5 hrs - maybe if u keep shutter down and review every shot for 5hrs straight

peterbj7,
I believe the two batteries are the BP-511 and the BP-511a and the only difference is the mAh ex. the BP-511 from Canon is 1100mAh where the BP511a from Canon is 1390mAh
Most 3rd party batteries are usually stronger then the one Canon sends with there cameras. ex my cheap 3rd party batteries (which cost less then $15 (the Canon cost $39+) is 1500mAh and because of the higher mAh lasts longer then either of the Canon batteries