Sony NPFZ100.CE Z Series Rechargeable Battery Pack - Black

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After the first test, I realised a couple of things which limited the usefulness of my observations. These were:

Lithium ion technology so there is no memory effect, you can recharge it at any point without having to discharge it first. One of the biggest criticisms of early Sony mirrorless cameras was the fact the NP-FW50 battery did not have enough capacity for professional wedding photographers and videographers. I remember the early days when we filmed weddings using the Sony A6300 & A6500's. We would literally carry a bag full of NP-FW50 batteries and constantly be stressing over which camera needed to have a new battery soon. Battery life was massively improved when Sony released the A9 with the new NP-FZ100. Since then this has become the new battery for all modern Sony mirrorless cameras. It has been confirmed that when attached and used with the camera, counterfeit batteries can lead to issues such as: After fully charging both batteries using the Sony charger, I repeated the test. This time noting down the times each dropped 10% charge. Here are the results. PercentageHowever, where the SmallRig version excels is in its higher 2400mAh capacity, compared to the 2280mAh found in Sony’s own NP-FZ100, offering extra minutes for both video and stills. The big feature here, however, is the Direct USB Type-C charging—simply plug in a cable into the battery, and you can expect a full charge in around 2 and a half hours. The SmallRig NP-FZ100 is one of the best third-party replacements for the Sony’s NP-FZ100 that I have looked at, not only matching but bettering the capacity. The 2400mAh capacity, slightly higher than the Sony original, helps to extend shooting capabilities, allowing a few extra shots or minutes of video. Out of the box, the SmallRig NP-FZ100 feels robust and well-made, a match to the quality you’d expect from Sony’s batteries. It slots into the camera, in this case, a Sony A7 III, as you’d expect, with the dimensions and designs exactly matching that of the branded version. A point to note is that, unlike some other third-party batteries, you won’t get the warning messages that can often plague other brands.

The Powerextra batteries perform adequately. But is 'OK' good enough for you when you are working in a high pressure environment such as a wedding? Using the Powerextra, I would clearly have to swap batteries earlier. I'd be nervously looking at the meter and fretting during groups and couples portraits about the remaining capacity. This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items.I think it is clear that the original Sony battery is without a doubt superior. Which is as it should be given it does cost 2x more than the Powerextra. This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items. To return faulty items see our Returning Faulty Items policy.

Having grown up in Yorkshire, I always have the urge to save money! Sometimes I have to remind myself of the adage, "Buy Cheap, Buy Twice!" and "You get what you pay for."For a full day of filming, we used to average out at going through three NP-FZ100's per Sony A7iii. With 25% less power per battery, we'd have to now use 4 batteries. An extra change on paper. But the shorter the battery life is, the more I would be stressing about the time to change. Over the course of a wedding day, videographers would need to carry less batteries, charge less and swap less if using genuine Sony batteries.