Panasonic Batteries.
 

Hi All, does anyone know of a UK source for a Panasonic VW-VBK180 Battery and charger for a HDC-SD900. I am looking for an original Panasonic as the instruction manual states that any other make of battery could cause problems IE not all functions working properly. Also does the panasonic battery charger charge the provided battery as well as the VBK180.

Re: Panasonic Batteries.
 

Hi Peter

All Panny batteries have a decode/encode chip in them to "talk" to the camera to make sure you are using a genuine Panasonic battery. Aftermarket manufacturers have now replicated this chip in their own batteries so you can use aftermarket batteries (that are a fraction of the cost) in your camera...!! No 7.2v battery will ever damage your camera ..you will simply get a message on the LCD saying "This battery cannot be used" ...(if you snapped in an older GS style battery.) However the new ones have the chip built-in so they work fine!!

Just bear in mind that these work perfectly but tend to die on you after a year, however at the price they are worthwhile using as a 2nd battery!! My VP006 batteries are $300 for the genuine and $35 for the aftermarket so I keep the cheaper ones as standby units!

Chris