Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

Hey Everyone,

Just got my HMC80 and is new to Panasonic cameras. Has anyone had any experience with generic batteries for the HMC80? I've been researching online and there are mixed feelings about other cameras but not specifically for the HMC80.

Here are some of the things I've gathered (whether true or not):
1) Generics doesn't "speak" to the camera;therefore, doesn't tell the actual time left.
2) Generics doesn't work at all because Panasonic cameras only detect batteries that has a chip installed in them to ensure they are authentic.
3) Generic 5400 mAh doesn't actually run 5 hours, some say only 3 hours but that is still good for the price.

I've used many generics for Canon cameras for my XL2 and XHA1 with no problems at all. Sometimes I feel as if they out last my original ones! Thanks in advance.

Re: Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

Hi Tony

I have my orginal batteries that came with my cams plus 4 x Generics (4500mah ones) Yes they work fine and yes, you are correct, they won't last 5 hours ...mine show 268 minutes.
Now, you MUST make sure that the seller specifies that the battery is for either the HMC40, 80 or 150 because they have the decoding chip built in the base that talks to the camera.

After around 12 months they will probably be no good and have little life left BUT bear in mind that where I am the Panny battery costs $315.00 and the generic costs $34.00 ... so toss them in the garbage after a year and buy a few more.

BTW: try to get the ones that specific they use "japanese cells" in them.

Chris

Re: Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

Thanks Chris! Just the answer I'm looking for. Got a few on the way.

Re: Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

Hi Tony

They work well but will eventually start dying after 12 months of use...Just make sure you replace them earlier sooner than later!!

When I started using the generics on my HMC70's they refused to communicate the first time the cam was turned on. If that does happen, don't panic!! Just leave the battery in place and turn the cam off and on again and they will communicate and be fine. I must admit that on my HMC80's they work first time everytime and there was no need to cycle the power switch off and on. Even if your brand does that, it's a small price to pay for the much lower cost!! The time left will appear in about 30 seconds and seems accurate...mine all seem to indicate 268 minutes when full and to be honest I have shot many weddings with them and have never got to exhausting them!! The 12 month +++ pair I have seem to run fine but after shooting about an hour or more the time drops down a bit faster so you might end up with the battery telling you 70 mins left and you have only used it for just under 2 hours. I use the older pair for Realty shoots which take about 2 hours and a flat battery isn't an issue like a wedding where you just cannot have a battery die during the groom's speech!!!

Chris

Re: Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

bump to this thread...

i just got my HMC80 today, and the Panasonic VBG6 is backordered by a couple months at B&H, so i noticed that Adorama has the Flashpoint VBG6 for $29.95. Item description says it's fully decoded.

is that what i should be looking for?

Re: Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

Hi Michael

As long as the battery says it's decoded then it's likely to work!! At $30 I would certainly take the risk.

Just remember that the cells themselves are nowhere hear as good as genuine Panny ones so if the battery says 236 minutes don't expect the battery to actually last that long...However for a mere $30 a shorter run time is a small price to pay...they will certainly run the camera for a couple of hours at least!!

I use generics at wedding receptions so the cameras work on and off from 6pm to midnight and there is still enough left in the batteries at the end!

Chris

Re: Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

thanks for the reassurance, Chris... i can live with a couple hours for now as i dont do long continuous filming... the 30 bux should hold me over until B&H gets the Panasonics in stock...

Re: Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

I don't know what the VB6 batteries cost on your side of the pond but here they retail for $399!!! I can get 10 generic batteries for that price and although their life is not as good as the genuine I'm still shooting on two batteries that I bought in 2010...if I have to lash out $80 every two years I'm more than happy with that!!
I'll probably ditch the 2010 pair early next year and buy another ...seriously it will be quite a while before they equal the cost of a Panny VB6 and by that time I might have even changed cameras!!!

The original batteries are still pretty good (the 2400mah ones) but those are less than a year old!! My 2010 generics I used to use with my pair of HMC70's that I bought in late 2009 and they are still going well!! I bought the second pair of generics in February when I changed from HMC70 to HMC80

My thinking is keep the genuine cam battery and then backup with a couple of generics and you can't go wrong!! With the money you save you can buy more goodies for your camera!!

Chris

Re: Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

that makes total sense...

over here, im finding the Panny battery for around $150 USD

since i still need to find a camera bag for this beast, the Panny batt will have to wait... the Kata for my Sony FX7 is way too small...

Re: Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

We have the VW-VBG6 decoded version at an affordable price

VW-VBG6 Panasonic Compatible Li-Ion Battery | L.A. Color Online

Re: Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

good info, Taky... are you guys brick and mortar or just online?

Re: Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

Thanks! We are an online store. But I have a wedding studio in Pasadena that we can meet up to check things out.

Re: Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

good to know... i gotta wait until after the holidays for anymore goodies... haha

Re: Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

i got the Adorama battery today, in time for this weekend's trip and it won't mount on the camera...

FML...

hahaha...

Re: Generic HMC80 Batteries
 

Hi Michael

Won't mount like how??? It certainly should fit into the battery compartment as the 80 has a huge one and if it's a VBG6 compatible it should have the identical base as the panny battery?? All my have and just clip right in without any issues at all!!

Maybe enlighten us a bit??

Chris