It seems there's a new trend by manufacturers to save themselves $0.50 on a $2,000 camera by not including a charger. People weren't happy when the A7-IV was released without one, and it led to the normal discussions about whether to get a Sony or aftermarket for those who don't want to charge in-camera. That of course led to Sony vs. aftermarket batteries, Sony cameras not recognizing aftermarket batteries, number of shots from each, etc.
I do not like to charge in-camera, and being thoroughly pissed with Sony for shorting the charger I figured they didn't deserve any more of my money, so I bought a Wasabi set consisting of 2 batteries and a USB charger. This gave me three batteries, one Sony and two Wasabi. Subsequently, I purchased a used A7R-III that came with two Sony batteries, which brought me up to five in total. Since that time I have shot thousands and thousands of photos using both Sony and Wasabi. My conclusion is that there isn't any difference in practical use, or if there is it's so minimal it isn't worth worrying over.
Before anyone posts about the different pin configuration, lack of sensors, swelling, quality, lifespan, or whatever, it is irrelevant if you don't charge in-camera. I would not recommend charging an aftermarket battery in-camera, use a charger only. If the battery were to swell in-camera you'd be screwed, if it were to swell outside the camera it's not a big deal, it just won't go in.
Wasabi is a viable option, moreso when you break the cost down. Sony batteries are $78 each and the single battery charger is another $98 US, from B&H for a total of $254, the Wasabi kit cost me $47.00 and includes a dual charger.
I do not like to charge in-camera, and being thoroughly pissed with Sony for shorting the charger I figured they didn't deserve any more of my money, so I bought a Wasabi set consisting of 2 batteries and a USB charger. This gave me three batteries, one Sony and two Wasabi. Subsequently, I purchased a used A7R-III that came with two Sony batteries, which brought me up to five in total. Since that time I have shot thousands and thousands of photos using both Sony and Wasabi. My conclusion is that there isn't any difference in practical use, or if there is it's so minimal it isn't worth worrying over.
- There is no difference in charge time between the two
- Any difference in the number of shots is negligible, I've never even noticed it
- The cameras don't care which battery is installed, no warning messages
- The cameras' meters are accurate and scale the same using both
Before anyone posts about the different pin configuration, lack of sensors, swelling, quality, lifespan, or whatever, it is irrelevant if you don't charge in-camera. I would not recommend charging an aftermarket battery in-camera, use a charger only. If the battery were to swell in-camera you'd be screwed, if it were to swell outside the camera it's not a big deal, it just won't go in.
Wasabi is a viable option, moreso when you break the cost down. Sony batteries are $78 each and the single battery charger is another $98 US, from B&H for a total of $254, the Wasabi kit cost me $47.00 and includes a dual charger.
