FZ8 - Extra battery?

[kevmarshall]

Just about to buy a Panasonic FZ8. As I am stepping up from a little Konica Revio KD-400Z so I have a lot of learning to do.

I was looking for a cheap/reasonable spare battery.

There are quite a few out there so I wondered if anyone had bought one and could recommend it? I think it is the same CGA S006 battery that fits the FZ7 and a few other models.

I found THIS ONE (http://www.digital-batteries.co.uk/PANASONIC-BATTERY/CGA-S006.HTM#) and it seems to have a much higher MAH rating (950 against 720) and slightly higher voltage (7.4 against 7.2) than the actual Panasonic one supplied with the camera.

Any comments or advice would be much appreciated.

[genece]

I own 3rd party batteries, but keep in mind while IMHO they are worth what you pay for them they are not woth anymore than that.
All my 3rd party batteries over 3 years old have died, while I have original equiptment batteries that are 7 years old and still function.

And I would not put much faith in what a 3rd party mfg claims as the power rating of the battery.....I have not found any of them to have more mah than the Panasonic batteries.

I have decided not to purchase anymore 3rd party batteries......but not everyone shares my opinion.

[tim11]

I have 2 extra 3rd party batteries that I'm happy with/ they are HAHNEL batteries. Both have more power than my original one - they do last longer (for each charge). But whether they will die soon when their 3 years life expectancy is over, I will have to see.

[kevmarshall]

Funnily enough that is the brand I have gone with.

Digitalcameras.co.uk pricematched the FZ8 for me at £169.99 + £6.99 next day delivery. With a Two year warranty.

They tried to sell me a Hahnel battery to go with it saying they would reduce from normal price £24.95 to £20.00. I offered £15.00 and we settled at £16.95 including next day delivery and Two year warranty.

It is a third party battery I know, but at least it has a brand name that I have heard of. German I believe.

I also found a great deal at Play.com for a SanDisk Ultra II SD 2GB card at £12.99 delivered so I am quite pleased with all that kit coming tomorrow for less than £207:p

Thanks to both of you for your replies. I'm sure I will be back on here at regular intervals for advice on how to use the FZ8 for best results.

[tim11]

...

They tried to sell me a Hahnel battery .....Two year warranty.[/B]

It is a third party battery I know, but at least it has a brand name that I have heard of. German I believe.


They do offer 2 year warranty but I think they are Taiwanese? I'm not sure... maybe I can find the wrapping to confirm.

[camerauser123456]

I also found a great deal at Play.com for a SanDisk Ultra II SD 2GB card at £12.99 delivered...


I actually think the Maxell SD HC 4GB Class 4 card for £17.99 (also from Play.com) is a better bargain especially if you're using it with the FZ8.

[kevmarshall]

They do offer 2 year warranty but I think they are Taiwanese? I'm not sure... maybe I can find the wrapping to confirm.

Definitely German according to THIS. (http://www.hahnel.ie/index.cfm?action=comprofile)

[tim11]

Definitely German according to THIS. (http://www.hahnel.ie/index.cfm?action=comprofile)

I just found same web site address on the battery wrap. Yes you are right.

[kevmarshall]

I actually think the Maxell SD HC 4GB Class 4 card for £17.99 (also from Play.com) is a better bargain especially if you're using it with the FZ8.

Thanks for the advice but can you clarify the advantage (apart from the obvious double capacity)?

Is it a better Brand or Type of card?