Panasonic locks out 3rd party batteries on some models

[J.R.]

Panasonic, after some careful deliberation, has decided that certain third party batteries fail to meet the required "rigid safety standards [that] Panasonic uses." While it's certainly heartwarming to think that Panasonic only has your best interests at heart, it would be no surprise to find this become standard operating procedure.

The camera manufacturer claims that the third party batteries don't come equipped with standard safety protections that genuine OEM batteries use.  These generics may fail to shut off and suffer from overcharging, heating or short circuit isses.  At worst, use of the alternative energy cells may "lead to an accident causing damage to your camera or personal injury."

So if you use a cheap battery in your new Panasonic camera, it may KILL YOU, YOUR SPOUSE and YOUR LITTLE DOG, TOO*.  If you do install the new firmware, be aware that your camera will flat out refuse to recognize non-Panasonic batteries from this point out; whether buying a new battery is worth the perceived safety gains is a decision only you can make.

Affected camera models	Battery pack model	New firmware
DMC-FX40	DMW-BCF10	Link
DMC-FX48		Link
DMC-FX550		Link
DMC-FX580		Link
DMC-FT1		Link
DMC-TS1		Link
DMC-FS4		Link
DMC-FS6		Link
DMC-FS7		Link
DMC-FS8		Link
DMC-FS15		Link
DMC-FS25		Link
DMC-FS42		Link
DMC-FS62		Link
DMC-TZ7	DMW-BCG10	Link
DMC-ZS3		Link
DMC-TZ6		Link
DMC-ZS1		Link
DMC-TZ65		Link
DMC-G1	DMW-BLB13	Link
DMC-GH1		Link

A link to the press release can be found on Panasonic's Japanese site.

* Outcome not proven.

Related Articles:

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3: Hands-On Preview and Image Gallery
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48, DMC-FX580 update FX line
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15, DMC-FS7 join Lumix FS line
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 Review

[cchenau]

I just found a store who sells batteries that work with the new firmware! I have bought 2 batteries and they work great!

The website is: www.sterlingtek.com

Hope it works for others, too!

[Andy Stanton]

A few points.

First, recent consumer posts about Sterlingteck are not good. See http://www.resellerratings.com/store...g_Technologies

Second, I looked at your hyperlink and could not find a battery for the Panasonic ZS3 or ZS1 (TZ7 or TZ6). After additional search of the website sterlingtek I found a reference to a li-ion battery compatible with the ZS3, for which the website is charging $24.99.

Third, how do we know that the batteries they do have really are compatible with Panasonic's 1.2 firmware? Have people tried them out and discovered that they work? Who are these people? I've read numerous 1st hand accounts that state that 3rd party batteries don't work with the new version 1.2 firmware.

Finally fourth, even if the website does carry version 1.2 compatible batteries, their prices would have to be substantially lower than the prices on the Panasonic brand to warrant trying one one out. I've seen the original available online for $39.99, about $15 more than the one advertised by the sterlingtek website. With such a minor price differential it makes more sense to buy the real thing.

[KCook]

A bit OT, but it's interesting to see that Panny models from the cheapo FS4 to the lux FX580 all use the same DMW-BCF10 batt ...

[jefferypetra]

I have heard a lot about this problem and have set out to find a solution. I don't know where to find the link to download the old firmware but I do know of a company that sells 3rd party batteries that are guaranteed to work with the new firmware despite the restrictions.

www.sterlingtek.com

[Andy Stanton]

guaranteed to work

Kindly explain how this "guaranty" works?