Restrictive practice at Panasonic?

[Simpo Two]

From www.dpreview.com:

'Panasonic issues 'battery safety' firmware'

'Panasonic has released firmware updates for its latest digital cameras including the GH1, G1, ZS3 and TS1. The new firmware can identify genuine Panasonic batteries and prevents the use of any third party battery packs. The company says it has taken this move to ensure safety of its users against possible injuries because of overcharging, internal heating or short circuit in third-party batteries.'



I think they mean 'The company says it has taken this move to ensure more sales of its expensive branded batteries, thus maximising revenue at the expense of frightened consumers.'


Why not give them the choice, Panasonic? You already have plenty of warnings on the paperwork. If somebody chooses a cheap battery and their camera explodes (like Mr Pluckah's new D70), it's their own risk.

[Elderly]

Fuji have just done exactly the opposite;
I have an S5Pro and they have stopped producing OEM batteries for it,
so forcing people to use 3rd party batteries ...... I better get it insured against 'third party, fire & theft'

[RobDickinson]

Fuji are out of the SLR market and making batteries for an old body isnt going to be cost effective.

Sad thing is they'll all be made in the same factories probably anyhow..

[VxDuncan]

Does sound harsh, but haven't Nikon done similar with the D300 Simpo? I never had issues with 3rd party batteries on the canon, but it's a lottery with EN-EL3e's on the Nikons. The fancy diagnostics just don't work with some 3rd party batteries in my experience. Luckily the Phottix ones seem to be okay.

That said, I don't really blame them. The number of companies that have issued recalls is astonishing! At work we've had dell laptop batteries, Tektronix scope and nokia phone batteries subject to recalls. Li-Ion really isn't as mature as a technology as it should be...

[Nero601]

VxDuncan said:

Does sound harsh, but haven't Nikon done similar with the D300 Simpo? I never had issues with 3rd party batteries on the canon, but it's a lottery with EN-EL3e's on the Nikons. The fancy diagnostics just don't work with some 3rd party batteries in my experience.

hahnel type en-el3e seem to be ok , no issues that i know of , canon have also put fancy tech in the 5d mk2 batts too , i think its greed myself , the reason people use third party batteries is that oem are too expensive

[RobDickinson]

Well IMO its up to people to choose genuine batteries, if they cant justify their extra cost in some what they shouldnt be that price.

If youbuy 3rd party batteries you know there may be issues.

[Simpo Two]

VxDuncan said:

Does sound harsh, but haven't Nikon done similar with the D300 Simpo? I never had issues with 3rd party batteries on the canon, but it's a lottery with EN-EL3e's on the Nikons. The fancy diagnostics just don't work with some 3rd party batteries in my experience. Luckily the Phottix ones seem to be okay.

That said, I don't really blame them. The number of companies that have issued recalls is astonishing! At work we've had dell laptop batteries, Tektronix scope and nokia phone batteries subject to recalls. Li-Ion really isn't as mature as a technology as it should be...

Acutally it started with the D200 - the batteries had three contacts, apparently for the 'fuel gauge'.... I tried generics and they worked fine, but could trip out unexpectedly - seemingly going from fairly full to stone flat instantly.

I think the user should have a choice. A) Buy pukka batteries and we'll fix the camera if it breaks. B) Buy cheap batteries and we won't.

There seems to be a desire to complicate things, when they're already complicated enough. But folk in marketing departments have to get a press release somehow. Ooh look the XYZ-2000 camera now has an A.C.R.O.N.Y.M. processing engine with integrated ZCB infuser! Does it make the image better? No, but it looks good in the features list.

Forgive me, I'm middle aged

Edited by Simpo Two on Wednesday 17th June 22:36