Sony battery trick?

[Derek Smith]

I have used a Sony camcorder for three years and recently it went wrong just after I had bought two NP-FH50 batteries for it. The cost of just checking it for repair was prodigeous, all but £100 plus the cost of any repair, and no refund available if it was beyond help. Obviously not worth the risk.

As a replacement I bought a Sony CX130, in the expectation that the batteries would fit by I find that they don't. The new ones are marked NP-FV50.

All that is required for the FH ones to fit is a little trimming of the middle locating pin. Further I find that the FV battery fits the old camcorder.

So my question is simple: after suitable, and minor, modification, can I fit the old NP-FH50 batteries to my new CX130 camcorder?

Seems like a con to me but is it?

[Skodaku]

Check that the electrical specs of both batteries are the same. Ditto for connections and overall sizes. If all that matches then the "pin" you refer to almost certainly is a location-only device and can safely be modified............provided that the battery without it doesn't come loose etc. Sounds like a bit of cynical design by Sony to me. Never have understood why the 2011 version of a bit of kit has to have a battery of a minutely different design - but identical performance specs - than the 2009 version. Other than to generate cash down the road as the "new" battery is probably more expensive than the old one.

I'd try it. If it all fails, just dump the proper battery back in head back for a warranty claim. Yes, I know, not terribly ethical but is the way some manufacturers build-in obsolescence.

Unless you can find a tame techie then you'll have to make the decision. Or wander into a Sony dealer in another town and ask the question. Or find a Sony forum and ask the question.

Just my two-pennorth.