Nikon D70s explode from knockoff batteries

We've all heard the nightmarish tales of some poor sap's cellphone exploding (either from a defective battery or by blowing up a gas station), and now it seems digital camera manufacturers are getting some of that unwanted PR as well. According to a Nikon service center, they have recently seen several instances of knockoff batteries causing D70 cameras to explode inside the user's bag. Since non-certified batteries often lack the safety features of their certified counterparts, photogs looking for a sweet deal may end up risking life and limb (and eye) if the batteries happen to blow during usage. Nikon seems to be aware of this growing problem, and have begun printing holograms on batteries (just like Nokia) that are guaranteed to be the real deal.

[Kevin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

A friend of mine wanted to start by cheap batteries, i told him it was a bad idea and this is why. While it may not happen with every camera every time. I would never buy a knock of battery. Even if it doesn't blow up, it might give the wrong rated power. So you are running more or less power to the camera which can cause irregular functioning. Case in point: Don't buy cheap batteries to save money.

[gorkon @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I wonder if Nikon and others have circuits in thier devices that if the required battery does not have a certain chip in it, that it blows them up??

Batteries are frickin getting as bad as ink jet carts. For my Amateur Radio HT, the Yaseu battery costs like 80 bucks, but if you crack it open, it just has 3-4 Li-Ion AA sized cells in it. Is Li-Ion that expensive?? Somehow, I doubt it.

[Samuel McConnell @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

LG prints holograms on their batteries as well.

[Rob Meyer @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

And knock-offs usually don't work either. I bought a too-good-to-be-true battery from eBay, and it stopped holding a charge after about 10 cycles. It was a -very- good looking counterfit though; you're best off probably only buying from reputable vendors.

[steve D. @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I having been buying cheaper batterys for camcorders cellphones and my 4 digicams for years i wouldnt call them knockoffs though since they state on ebay they are not oem. I have never had an issue at all with any of them they work as good as the oem parts. Now someone should ask nikon how many oem batterys have exploded i bet its the same percentage rate. Batterys are batterys if it makes u feel better buying OEM fine but they are probably all made in the same place.

[steve D. @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I having been buying cheaper batterys for camcorders cellphones and my 4 digicams for years i wouldnt call them knockoffs though since they state on ebay they are not oem. I have never had an issue at all with any of them they work as good as the oem parts. Now someone should ask nikon how many oem batterys have exploded i bet its the same percentage rate. Batterys are batterys if it makes u feel better buying OEM fine but they are probably all made in the same place.

[Chris K @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

So, Nikon claims that if you buy someone else's batteries, they'll explode and mutilate you. And Nikon charges up to twice as much for "official" batteries.

Does anyone see what's happening here? FUD.

Some batteries explode. I'm betting that even some Nikon batteries explode.

[Doug @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

LiIon batteries with faulty or non-existent protection ICs are ticking timebombs, and when that bomb is an inch from your face you should consider the risk. When they do go *poof*, it's a chemical fire that's near impossible to extinguish. Since the batteries will work without a protection IC (until such time as they go out of voltage spec and ignite), the chances of getting a knockoff product without such a circuit is possible, however likely.

FWIW this photo is of a damaged CR2 lithium adapter, which ships with the D70 but not the D70s. It lets you use 3 standard off the shelf CR2 batteries in a pinch. These batteries, unlike the proprietary LiIon, are available from many reputable manufacturers and are standard batteries on most cameras. They have their own issues: never insert them backwards or try to charge them! That could be what happened in this photo.

Anyway, consider your face and your camera investment when going on the cheap.

-Doug (D70 owner)

[John @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

The claim that the COULD explode because the cheap knock offs are missing some saftey circuitry to prevent it.

[Nogami @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I don't really see the need for an extra battery for my D70 right now anyway. I was shooting photos like crazy at my sister's wedding and the battery indicator remained full the entire time (over 500 photos). I'm sure I could've got over 1,000 without any problem at all.

I was using an external flash though, which likely helped.

[Jeff Purcell @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

This is strange, I was planning on purchasing a D70s later this week. Coincidence?

[alpha-sphere @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

You can snap arounf 2000 pics with the D70 before it runs out of juice. D70 Rulez! I have a spare no name EN-EL3 lying around that works just fine. Only used it once though :)

[Tom Lynch @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I'd like to comment on a few comments like the following:
"I don't really see the need for an extra battery"
"You can snap around 2000 pics with the D70 before it runs out of juice."
Battery life will depend greatly on how you shoot and the hardware you use.
If you use auto focus, you use additional batter power.
If you use a tele lens, it may require more batter power for auto focus than a non-tele lens.
If you ever use modes (like sports mode on the D70) where continuous auto focus in engaged you can count on your battery being drained much faster.
There are also many people using I/S (image stabilization) and V/R (vibration reduction) lenses these days.
Most of these lenses achieve this process with gyrating components, and yup, you guessed it... They're not solar powered either.
Your storage media can make a big difference as well. While flash storage has no moving components, micro drives do.
Also, what format do shoot in? When you are taking photos that you deem important or will be digitally editing, RAW is the way to go.
NEF files are almost twice the size of the D70's fine JPEG files so writing and reading them requires more battery power.
When you are on shooting in the field, out camping or on vacation there is nothing more disappointing than running out of power.
This is why many people will be torn when faced with the decision of purchasing a Nikon battery for $50 or generic for less than one tenth of the price...
I have one genuine Nikon battery and nine generics. I must admit, the possibility of an exploding battery scares me. $50+/- per battery also scares me! I purchased my generics on ebay for $4.90 each with shipping. I've probably taken close to fifty thousand shots since buying the generics and haven't had any problems. So far I haven't noticed any difference between them and the genuine Nikon battery. Having said that, the next time I use my D70 I'll probably end up with shrapnel from the camera body lodged in my face and my eyes will be burned out of my head from sizzling battery acid. Too bad I won't be able to get a picture of it...
I am in no way advocating purchasing non-Nikon batteries if the rumored risk is legitimate.

[Paul @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

I also purchased some Nikon batteries on ebay. At least I though they were Nikon batteries. They came in the nikon box with the nikon instructions but only took about three charges. Upon closer inspection the printing on the label was slightly off and the batteries weighed slightly less as well. Good job on the knockoffs if I do say so myself

[Ray Henry @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

It's an urban legend. No documentation from Nikon can be provided to validate this claim. JATO on a Chevy Impala, anyone?

[Anton Clarke @ Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

$50 for a battery is cheap. The cheap no name batteries cost this much in Europe! If I can get a spare for $50 in the US then its time to go into the import business!