Good to know, thanks Fatpig. We only need to find some retailers since the sellers you linked only sell large quantities.
the word we have to search for is decoded- then the batt indicator will work. this site claims to have a decoded battery: http://www.ecvv.com/product/3141676.html
edit, also found it here: http://www.diytrade.com/china/4/products/9005220/New_decoded_for_DMW-BLC12_replaceable_batteries.html and here: http://www.ecplaza.net/trade-leads-seller/new-decoded-for-dmw-blc12--7668109.html
Darn! That took me by surprise as well. I wrote the seller asking about it but he pointed me to other batteries they sell that don't declare to have such feature. I replied that I was looking for that special feature. And that was it.
I was not able to snag this battery as they all sold out immediately. If anyone has one, please report.
hah, I didn't even see his post in all my excitement.. where the dunce hat at ?
I think we should wait for DrDave's tests about them. In his post above he says he wants to try one. The price is worth a try.
From user @lsf2000 in a different thread: http://www.ebay.com/itm/280798897859?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 "Now This Battery Can show Battery level In Your Camera" Has anyone tried these?
Problem: Because the GH-2 won't shut off to indicate battery is low. The battery just discharges below operating voltage. Internally the battery has a safeguard that turns off the output voltage when it drops to a certain voltage. Here is the problem. The stock charger reads the battery as zero volts. It can be charged. you will get the blinking green light. Charge for a while. remove, charge again. then your seemingly dead chinese battery will be fully charged. I have two and they are fine. Other option is to switch out batteries after some shooting so you never drop the voltage too far.
@wangc try wasabi battery for your HF100, fully decoded and accurate battery metering in cam. Wasabi have GH2 but NOT decoded, probably the quality is good. http://www.amazon.com/Wasabi-Power-Panasonic-DMW-BLC12E-DMW-BLC12PP/dp/B0051PLPM6 This one claims to be decoded but is only 1200 mah http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/427356289/Camera_battery_for_For_Panasonic_DMW.html
And (are you sick of battery) this claims 1600 mah (!!!) plus decoded (!) OK I will buy one http://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-DSTE-1600mAh-DMW-BLC12-BLC12-Battery-Panasonic-DMC-GH2-GH2-Free-shipping-/280798897859?pt=Batteries_Chargers&hash=item4160eb26c3
I am a bit concerned about these 3rd party batteries damaging my GH2. Vitaliy says they should be ok. Thanks for you info Sohus, do you have any links where i can read these reports of batteries killing GH2's ?
Vitaliy_Kiselev May 2011 : " You can damage your camera with some bad battery, yes. Probability is very low, but you can. I think it happens due extreme discharge and very high temperature of the battery elements. I do not think that it will be happening with GH2."
I am pretty sure third party batteries killed my first GH2. I am not using them anymore. No indicator when you shoot video is also killing. It breaks the AVCHD index, you miss footage... too many reasons not to do it. I have read multiple reports of broken GH2's and most of them were using third party batteries. Just my thoughts.
today i receive this 2 batteries http://www.ebay.com/itm/130542457807?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649. Almost 90 minutes of recording HBR mode 25p PAL with one battery. Very satisfied and for maximum safety i will use the non genuine batteries for half an hour each and the genuine for long term!
the battery indicator is not depending on GH2 but is a battery issue. If it has something called "chip" inside or not. Many sellers in the description include this information.
@Vitaliy Any chance to enable (with the hack) the battery life indicator for 3rd party batteries in this new 1.1 firmware for the Gh2? Thank you Mike
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