There is a huge chart in the operator's manual which cross-references four different batteries with LCD vs. EVF, HD vs. SD, maximum times vs. typical times. It's too complex to post it here, but all you have to do is download the PDF copy of the XH series operator's manual from Canon. In the North American version, this chart is on page 17. Hope this helps -- Canon AU download link:

http://www.canon.com.au/products/digital_video_cameras/professional/XHA1_support.aspx

cheers mate

thing is i always find that manufacturers are a lil bias when it comes to this, hoping while i read through this that someone might have an opinion as well..

In my experience their times given for the "typical" column are pretty accurate in terms of real-world use.

Hi:

I know, stick with the original is always recommended. But, I find that original battery for the XH-A1 ranges above 200 euros, and OEM compatibles around 60 euros. Does anyone have any experience (bad?) using such batteries?

On a daily basis I don't need an extra battery, but as I am planning a trip where access to recharging batteries may be days a way I was considering an extra battery. More precisely, I am going 3 weeks to Costa Rica and some tours may end up being 2-3 days. I don't know how much recording I will get to do during a day, so I am thinking of bringing a spare, just in case.

After that I really don't need the spare battery any time soon, so a cheap battery that will do for the trip seems to be an attractive option. Question is if any such battery will do?

Thanks, Erik

I am using citi tek batteries them seem to be doing fine cost around £80.00.

I've had acceptable results using Lenmar branded batteries (in the US) with various models of Canon camcorders.

I suspect that the major differences among batteries visible to end users would be uniformity of cell characteristics and quality control, which means some makes/production runs may have a higher failure rate than others. Which names plates are better is anyone's guess.

I suspect that the actual battery cell manufacture takes place in a relatively small number of plants, and these basic cells are than packaged by a variety of companies under different names and with some different features in the internal electronics.

I know, stick with the original is always recommended. But, I find that original battery for the XH-A1 ranges above 200 euros, and OEM compatibles around 60 euros. Does anyone have any experience (bad?) using such batteries?


Hi Erik,

I bought a Lenmar LIC970G high capacity battery last week as a second battery for my XH-A1. I paid 64 euros while the official Canon battery was 269 euros. A pretty easy choice, don't you think?

Even if the life expectancy of the Lenmar is less than the Canon, I can buy a lot of Lenmars for the price of 1 Canon. So I would say, go for it.

As for charging your batteries while on the road, think about buying a small 12V/220V inverter which can be used with the 12V outlet in a car. I used that while I was traveling in Australia a couple of years ago and it worked perfectly.

Best regards, Andre.

Hi Erik,

I agree with Andre. I myself got an extra original Canon battery. I also looked around for a OEM battery, but almost every battery I found was not good. Either some contacts at the bottom were missing or the construction of the battery was looking bad.

One time they tried to sell me a battery which allready was falling apart. Next to that the contacts were looking weird. So after a month I decided to buy an original because I had to have one before we went to London.

A few weeks later I saw the Lenmar and that battery looks very nice compared with others. It also slides in to the A1 like the original battery.
Ofcourse there is a small risk when using battery's from other branches. But hey, look around on the internet and you will see that most of the big names in laptops have recalled all their batteries because they were afraid of big problems with those stuff.

I only can advice to be very carefull with your battery's. Don't drop them and when you have to switch: do it slowly...one wrong move and original or not, it could go wrong in many ways.

My next battery will be a Lenmar by the way.

hi erik i bought this battery from ebay (za182 Battery For Canon BP-970G BP970G GL-1 GL-2 XH-A1) and am using it now it came within a week after the payment was cleared just look on ebay this was from honk kong and it works alright.....

Does anyone know if they are developing a battery that can go outside the camera. I know the little door in the back can come off, and i was thinking they could somehow use the current batter sytle as a conducter and lead to a bigger battery on the outside.

Already done...

See www.antonbauer.com -- note the photo on the splash page there.

Go to http://www.antonbauer.com/elipz.htm for more specific info.

hi erik i bought this battery from ebay (za182 Battery For Canon BP-970G BP970G GL-1 GL-2 XH-A1) and am using it now it came within a week after the payment was cleared just look on ebay this was from honk kong and it works alright.....

Mickey-

That is a 7000mAh 7.4V battery and I found another one on ebay that's a 7200mAh 7.4V battery and I am curious how large the battery you got is. Is it taking up the entire space inside the A1? or does it have a little more room?

You are truly better off with the Canon batts.

The OEM's that I have tried do not last as long or hold a charge as long.
The contacts on an Impact that I bought acutally rusted. I use that one now on my OC light...which lasts about an hour.

I've also found some OEMS do not "blink" in the canon charger.

I have Canon batts over five years old still operating like new.

Bought a bat on the internet OEM, it works ok, it fits ok and costs 1/5...

Be aware that OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer; i.e., Canon. Thus an OEM battery is a Canon battery. The non-Canon would be more correctly referred to as third party or after-market batteries which should be OEM-compatible, but not OEM.

Wonder who makes the battery cells for Canon?

Be aware that OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer; i.e., Canon. Thus an OEM battery is a Canon battery. The non-Canon would be more correctly referred to as third party or after-market batteries which should be OEM-compatible, but not OEM.

I'm betting that the term "OEM" takes a lot of abuse on eBay.

I bought some refurbished Sony batteries, and have had great success with them. I don't think Canon sells refurbs though.

Just a quick reminder, most of the knockoffs get stuck in the A1/G1. Yesterday, a client came in with a battery that melted when he charged it using the cig adapter in the car......it was not a Canon battery. We have clients that are still using their batteries they got with their XL-1 and XL-1s.

Jim Martin
Birns & Sawyer Inc
"there are places to go cheep and places not to go cheep"

quote from someone somewhere

My Impact BP970 has worked flawlessly in my XH-A1 for six months now.

I found OEM batteries for the XH-A1 at youbatt.com priced at $36 for the 950 and $56 for the 970.

I was just curious to see if anyone has ever bought from them?

Here's the links:
http://www.youbatt.com/Canon_BP_950G_Camcorder_Battery_p/ybbp950g.htm
http://www.youbatt.com/Canon_BP_950G_Camcorder_Battery_p/ybbp970g.htm

Edit:
I can't seem to find any information about them on resellerratings.com, or any complaints on the net for that matter.

I found OEM batteries for the XH-A1 at youbatt.com priced at $36 for the 950 and $56 for the 970.


As Don pointed out, these are not really OEM batteries. The description actually says "100% OEM Compatible" which is not the same thing.

That's not to say they can't be a good value. I have an Impact-brand battery and have been very happy with it. Lasts for hours in the A1 and holds it's charge. However, my experience has been that the third-party batteries have a shorter lifespan (as in the number of recharge cycles) than true OEM batteries. So maybe, as with many things, you get what you pay for.

-Dan

http://stores.ebay.com/battery-source-INC

Good shipping (DHL) and cheap prices... From what I can tell they seem to be a reasonable amount of quality...

Found this on Amazon. Definitely not a good set of reviews: http://www.amazon.com/7-2-Volt-Li-Ion-Camcorder-Battery/dp/B000OTFHUA/ref=sr_1_15/002-1978465-3128815?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1191836601&sr=8-15

Can't understand why one can afford a $3000 over camera and yet is willing to risk it for a 50 dollar battery?

My guess is that you haven't seen a melted battary in a XHA1, well I can tell you it is not a pretty sight. I saw my friends one melted inside the XHA1 and I can tell you the repairs is going to cost you more then you think you ever save on a third party battery.

Even insurance doesn't cover it. So for the piece of mind, I bought the original canon battery. At least I can sleep at night when I charge the battery.

After reading those reviews, I should review the 2nd reviewer :)) I mean, drilling a hole in the battery to get it out? I wonder how long it took to come up with that brilliant idea? :-\

Bill

Well I am just about ready to order the camera but wanted to know if the Impact batteries are any good or if I should stick with Canon batteries. Also what do you use for an on board light with this camera?

Thanks,

Kevin

A number of people have had issues with 3rd party batteries not fitting properly and having a little trouble getting the batteries out. Some have resorted to adding bits of gaffers tape to the battery to give you a tab to pull on. I personally use a Large Power 2000 3rd party battery and have no issues and it ejects just fine without issues.

Ok, I will stick with Canon brand then. Any thoughts on a on board light?

Thanks,

Kevin

Hi Kevin
I use an IDX X3 35watt output for 11 watts in. LED so nice and cool. nice and light as well.
No problems, distributed here in Aus with barn doors and filters. If you don't need a 100watt cook top I recommend it.

I have a mix of impacts and canon batteries. I think the impact lasts a bit longer between charges. Overall I'm very happy with the battery life with the A1. I did have an impact for my HV20 that died within 6 months- I think it's still under warranty though.

For a light I the Varizoom Swift S-2010 which can be purchased with the canon adaptor so you can use a standard Canon camera battery to run. The adaptor mounts on the camera handle. Light has a dimmer and 4 way barn door, filter, diffuser. Here's the B&H link but I don't see the canon adaptor, only the sony.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=search&A=search&Q=&sb=bs%2Cupper%28ds%29&sq=asc&ac=&bsi=&ci=2026&shs=&at=Brand_Varizoom

Impact battery do lasts longer than the canon since it's a higher capacity bat, costs alot cheaper, and works like a charm (no issues whatsoever like the ones mentioned above). I got the Impact IMBP970 BP-970 Battery Pack - 7.2v, 7200mAh for $99.95 @ bhphotovideo.com.

If you are looking for the bang for the buck set of lights then go for the Anton Bauer ANUL26 UL2-6 Ultralight w/ ANULSB UL-SB SoftBox. I got these from the same place as well. As recommended from other threads, use this with 35w bulbs.

Impact batteries are a gamble as are some of the other after market brands. I have one for my A1 that works great and I have some for my Canon still cameras that work great too. However, I also have 2 Impacts that don't work because they don't fit right. It's a hard choice because when they work, the Impacts are a lot cheaper.

I have used Lenmar after market batteries over the years with success. No noticeable difference between them and similar rated Canon in XL1 or GL1. However, be aware that some older Lenmar models (e.g., the LIC941) may not fit the A1 because they are a hair too large for the compartment. The LIC950 fits, and I hear the LIC970 fits, and appear to work OK in the A1.

If you are looking for the bang for the buck set of lights then go for the Anton Bauer ANUL26 UL2-6 Ultralight w/ ANULSB UL-SB SoftBox. I got these from the same place as well. As recommended from other threads, use this with 35w bulbs.

John, the UL2-6 is a 12volt light and has a powertap connector, the XHA1 is 7volt and no PT out, how are you powering that light?

John, the UL2-6 is a 12volt light and has a powertap connector, the XHA1 is 7volt and no PT out, how are you powering that light?

Scott, this is what i use to power up the ultralight2:

Anton Bauer Digital DIONIC 90 Lithium Ion Battery 14.4V 90 WH. I've been using this battery before at work so I didn't have to put up with the cash.

Can you use batteries from a GL2 in an XH A1? I see that they fit, but the specs are a little different, and BH doesn't cross reference them.

No problem using them.

If you're using after-market batteries, they can become stuck in the compartment though, so be sure to fix some tape around it to use as a handle to remove.

If they fit easily, you are OK.

As noted some after market batteries are a too tight fit, my experience is this applies to some batches of the Lenmar LIC941.

Try batteries carefully before a shoot. It wilt be no fun having a battery stuck and not replaceable during a shoot.

Not sure how this happened, but somehow over the Christmas Chaos, I lost my battery charger in the mess. I've looked high and low and there are no signs of it anywhere. So I figured I'd just buy a replacement.... HOLY CRAP!! They're how much!!!?? Cheapest I've seen is $120 plus shipping. Guess I should have taken better care of that little black box. So I was just considering getting one of the off brand chargers for $30. Has anyone had any experience with these? I'm thinking I cannot use these to power the camera directly though. Any chance they might destroy my batteries or worse, my camera?
Thanks everyone.
-Tracy Smith

You can try these links:

http://www.sabahoceanic.com/epages/sabahoceanic.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/sabahoceanic/Products/06009009

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/AC-DC-Battery-Charger-for-Canon-BP-914-BP-911-BP-930_W0QQitemZ200186941297QQihZ010QQcategoryZ50481QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/Charger-For-CANON-BP-970-BP-970G-Elura-Optura-Ultura_W0QQitemZ230200188834QQihZ013QQcategoryZ50512QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1 638.m118


From 3$ to 26$ (sabaoceanic sells very great products, including Japan cell BP-970 7500mah at 67$

Bye

Not sure how this happened, but somehow over the Christmas Chaos, I lost my battery charger in the mess. I've looked high and low and there are no signs of it anywhere. So I figured I'd just buy a replacement.... HOLY CRAP!! They're how much!!!?? Cheapest I've seen is $120 plus shipping. Guess I should have taken better care of that little black box. So I was just considering getting one of the off brand chargers for $30. Has anyone had any experience with these? I'm thinking I cannot use these to power the camera directly though. Any chance they might destroy my batteries or worse, my camera?
Thanks everyone.
-Tracy Smith
hav u retraced u steps... i sometimes lose chargers because I go to events (parties, christmas...) with low batteries and I plug into the friends house to charge. i hav not used a non-oem charger for this camera but i have for my hv20 and others cameras without any issue.

Hi there,

As I was looking for some extra equipment for my XH-A1, I discovered some extreme cheap batteries on ebay. These no-name batteries are being sold as ok-quality with all the necessary features (received a CE-mark for having protection against overheating, shortcircuiting en overcharging). I wonder if anyone has ever tested one of those. They are being sold for under $20,- in Germany.

'7,2V/7,4V Li-ion Power ErsatzAkku BP-930'

As there must be some policy preventing links to such sites I won't include it in my post.
I know I should be very very sceptic about such things and I would be very willing to test such a battery, but I would regret it when it would destruct my camera. So I hope anyone has some experience using those no-name batteries!

I have buyed some other Brand Batteries a years a go for my XM1. Even four Mark Batteries from Duracell - and no one of them did the work more than one and half year.
I have looking "into" my Sony, Duracell and Canon Batteries - all of them (Sony too) uses Panasonic LiIon Cells. With identical Cells should it not be a difference - but my Canon Batt buyed with XM1 is still working good in my XHA1 and two 7 years old BP 930 too. I have 4 dead Duracells and 3 dead NoNames.
Because Cells in Canon Batteries are selected to build a good battery, because Canon batteries have better electronic to balance the Voltage of the cells by Charging.
If you buy something others - its cheaper, but its everytime a lottery.

... I would be very willing to test such a battery, but I would regret it when it would destruct my camera.You have answered your own question. If you buy "cheap" it could turn out to be very expensive.

Yeah I know it's kinda ignorant to asume the cheap batteries offer the same as the more expensive ones. However, sometimes ppl pay just for the name, for example in the inkjetprinter cardridge sector. Some tests proved that other no-name cardridges had the same or even better quality. And according to some miniDVtape-discussions on this board, expensive doesn't always mean the best quality or the best choice.
So Im just curious if the price for Canon batteries is name-based or quality based. Ivan makes me think it's all about quality.

Hello Thomas,

If you're looking for a good and cheap solution:

http://www.koopdigitaal.nl/product_details.php?id_product=24545

This adres is pretty much close to Enschede too. I can tell, because I have been there many times.

But still, it may seem silly to buy an original BP970 but they are VERY good.
You can film up to eight hours on one battery!

I have two: the original 950 and a original 970.

The battery is the main powersource of your camera. It brings your camera to life! If something bad happens to that battery the same thing could happen to your camera. Just think of it.....

I know the A1 is a pretty nice and expensive camera. It's good. Very good. So choose the right hardware for your camera: batteries, cables, tapes etc.

I believe that most users have found that recognized brand name after market batteries will provide decent service and return on investment equal to or perhaps better than OEM batteries. However, as with all mass produced items there is variation among samples.

The truly generic (no name) batteries would tend to be more of a gamble, in part because there are no market forces to keep them "honest" in the interest of protection their name/reputation. Some of the reduced cost is thanks to less allowance for distribution channels, advertising, quality control, packaging, and warranty service.

Ultimately you pay your money and take your chances.

Has anyone tried these?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=489615&is=REG

I guess you haven't seen a melt down on your camera yet. I can tell you it is not a pretty sight. My friend had a battery from china (ebay) and his 3000 euros camera when in for repair after it melt down inside the battery compartment. The fake batteris tend to get stuck in the compartment too. And with the bp 970 , there is no room at all to move, so when that gets stuck, you have a handful trying to get it out.

Sometimes you get lucky but I"m not willing to risk my 3000 euro camera for anything less. If anything happens, you are not covered.

Spend the extra money and you can sleep at night or even during a shoot.It is a great investment. The original batteries last a long time, I still have some batteries that are from an XL1.

I have two original BP 970 and many extra original XL1 batteries and one original BP 950 that came with the camera.

Has anyone tried these?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=489615&is=REG

Based on the size of those batteries in the photo, & with that adapter needed, I don't see how the battery compartment door could even close.

"This plate attaches to the camcorder via the battery mount allowing a Series 7 SL-50 to power the camcorder. "

That is strange. There is no battery mount--it's inside. I don't see how this could work at all.