Compatible batteries for Lumix TZ7

fwor

Hmmm... Did you notice the warning on the Panasonic page that you linked to?

The one that says this about the firmware that your camera has:

"after this firmware update your Panasonic Digital Camera cannot be operated by unauthorised 3rd party batteries.
(Currently there is no authorised 3rd party battery available in the market.)"

Inactive

But; 7dayshop.com states;

" Panasonic Compatible Battery DMW-BCG10, DMW-BCG10E for TZ6 / TZ7/ (v1.1, v1.2, v1.3 Compatible "

fwor

Agreed - the two do not match up. So what is it - an error by 7DS? Scare tactics by Panasonic?

Hopefully we'll find out from Pollycat when the batteries turn up.

I too use 7dayshop on a regular basis and have never had a problem with the few returns I've had to make.

Pollycat

Hi fwor

Thanks yes, I did notice that on the page - but then again, Panasonic would say that, wouldn't they.
They're not likely to encourage people to buy compatible batteries when they're selling originals for around one-sixth of the cost of the camera. :eek:

That was posted back in 2009 and my gut feel is that compatible battery manufacturers have worked around this Panasonic 'fix'.

I've read loads of reviews on Amazon and 7dayshop and the majority of people with TZ7 cameras and firmware 1.2 who've bought compatible batteries have had no problem, especially the newer reviews.

One particular battery has 9 (out of 45) reviews where they get the message 'battery cannot be used'.
Of those 9 reviews, 3 have the TZ7 camera and firmware 1.2.
However, those 3 reviews were between July & Sept 2009.
The most recent is June 2010 but that reviewer has a TZ8.

The reviews on 7dayshop (5 reviews all with 5/5 marks) date between April & June 2010.

So, given that 7dayshop will accept a return if it doesn't work as they state the battery WILL work with V1.1, V1.2, V1.3, I'm satisfied that I've done the very best I can to buy a battery that I think will work backed up with the confidence that I'll get my money back if it doesn't.

Thanks again.

Pollycat

fwor wrote: »

Agreed - the two do not match up. So what is it - an error by 7DS? Scare tactics by Panasonic?

Hopefully we'll find out from Pollycat when the batteries turn up.

I too use 7dayshop on a regular basis and have never had a problem with the few returns I've had to make.

There's quite a lot of different companies selling cDMW-BCG10, DMW-BCG10E compatible batteries so I don't think it's an error by 7dayshop - more likely scare tactics by Panasonic (Hey! But what do I know? It's only taken me 24 hours to find out what firmware I've got. :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:)

I'll definitely post again when my batteries turn up.

Fingers crossed.

Pollycat

OK guys, here's an update on my compatible batteries saga.
They arrived today fom 7DayShop and .....

wait for it........

........ they......

WORK! :j

They must have been part charged as they took less than 30 minutes each to charge up.
No idea how they perform for battery-life against the original (yet), but at least I have 4 batteries to go at without having to re-mortgage my house to buy spares.

They seem to take photos OK, at least I don't get the message that some users get "battery cannot be used".

So once again, thanks to fwor & Inactive who helped me get my head round this, and in true MSE style saved me over £80. :T

Inactive

Great news, Thanks for the update..;):T

katies_mum

Wish I`d thought about batteries before I bought the TZ9 and cut the box up to get the £25 cashback from Panasonic..got no chance of returning it now!! oh well lets hope the battery that came with it lasts at least a day for photo`s and some videoing.

burnsguitarman

If the batteries in these newer TZ cameras, are anything like the TZ3 they last for ages, even with long (months) gaps between use!
We have a spare, but don't really need it.