Third Party GH5 Batteries Tested And Compared DMW-BLF19

The best performing battery we tested is the Newmowa: amzn.to/2pNtGFt
Fstoppers tests several third party batteries alongside Panasonic's battery for the GH5 to compare which has the longest battery life and has the best overall value.
We tested the Newmowa, Wasabi Power, and Dot 1 batteries for the GH5.
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[@codysaunders4941]

I've used Wasabi powers batteries in 5 different cameras over the years and have never had a problem. I definitely recommend them. I also bought the Newmowa for my GH5 and they work fine as well.

[@kristof2507]

In the video you say 50$ Panasonic battery. Here in Europe one cost 100$ ... what a difference

[@leeknight8838]

Same here in Australia but also in our AUD, so $130is USD... welcome to "NOT LIVING IN MURICA!"

[@JustinWoo]

$45 for the official battery? WHERE?

[@lauddp1150]

That could explain why one of my SD Cards got corrupted. Thanks for the video!

[@twosheafilms]

Great video Lee! Thanks for taking the time to make these. I know even a simple video like this takes a lot of time to put together. Cheers man!

[@MiroPhotography]

Don't use the dual charger. It has a really rubbish design flaw. It have only 2 charging pins (+ and - ) and don't check the batterie temperature when it charges the batteries. Thats the reason they die after a couple of months. Use the OEM charger equipped with 4 pins (the T pin is the temperature sensor). Just my 2 Cents ;-)

[@stilmotionpicture]

Miro Nik Interesting.. do you have a source where I can get for info?

[@YoelDiamante]

indeed...interesting... any source?

[@mootpointjones8488]

Miro Nik Always good to have a little science in the discussion. Thanks 🙂

[@zachmumford8536]

The dual chargers don't have a temperature pin since they are only a 5W charger and shouldn't heat up the battery to any real extent.

[@Alexrocks1253]

@@YoelDiamante Here's a source. One of my batteries charged so hot that it fused the batteries to the dual charger.

[@LawkSam]

I had 3 third-party batteries for my Canon T3i and after 4 years of usage, all 3 had barely any battery life left in them, while the original battery was still going strong. I even had a battery swell up and stuck IN my T3i. Had to wiggle it out, but the camera almost broke because of the battery. Lesson learnt...

[@visualsmugglers]

How are the batteries now?

[@davefinn5628]

Thanks for this. I tried a few 3rd party DC dummy adapters & had similar compatibility issues. IndiProTools works for 5-sec, then GH5 shuts down automatically w/ error message. Returned it to Amazon. Then tried a Gonine DC dummy adapter and that works!

[@neddanison9202]

Greetings from the future. In 2022 I am still using the GH5. Wasabi Power batteries are fine until the temperature goes below, say, 39 degrees Fahrenheit. And if you have a big power sucking lens on, like the Panasonic Leica 50-200mm, the camera freaks out. To stop the continuous shutter snapping, monitor flashing freakout, all you can do is pop out the battery. So you look in your bag for a Panasonic branded battery, put it in and voila. It works, no problem. I considered the voltage (7.2 vs. 7.4) and amps (mAh 2000 vs 1860), and it's not relevant. It's just the quality of the battery. You can only reliably use the 3rd party batteries in normal temperatures. I haven't done much in extreme heat, so I can't speak on that. I'd imagine it's not an issue.

[@JamesBenet]

Been using the Wasabis since the GH4 and they last about 20% less than the official Panasonic battery, they also seem to require sometimes dual insertion into the camera after it doesn't register them in some cases, other than that they still work fine after 2 years. Thanks for this great test!

[@JaredIsham]

I had 4 Wasabi batteries for my Canon camera and exactly 2 years after I bought them they all stopped charging...or rather they would say they were charged but when placed in the camera they wouldn't work or would only last about 30sec. My original Canon battery still works fine... basically I will never buy Wasabi batteries, it would have been cheaper to pay more for a battery I know will last longer.

[@kiranmahajabeenkhanum1553]

Jared Isham 7uuuuuuuiuuiuk

[@rupamroy1984]

I think the main difference between the OEM batteries and third party batteries is the software support. Batteries as we know today are smart and just as @fstoppers mentioned the low battery condition is programmed into the software for OEM batteries but for the third party manufacturers, they have no access to the core OS kernel. And thats why the abrupt blackout at the end of the charge cycle.

[@andrewthorell3194]

I'm curious how the batteries are doing now, nearly a year later. Do they still have the same capacity/performance as they did in April?

[@crooklynx972]

Nemowa still working fine after 2 years!

[@toxictabasco]

Thanks for the review. How about a long term review of those 3rd party batteries with the GH5?

[@PaulHarwood856]

I second this.

[@kenyee88]

FYI, this also happened with the GH4 and third party batteries. got one in a package deal from Adorama. no issues with the oem Panasonic battery...

[@Moreno0101]

I had the the same problem with the dot1 batteries. thanks for making this video.

[@EdLau]

I use nothing but third party batteries (Wasabi, Patona, STK) in my cameras (X-T2, GH4, 5D3) and have never had any issues with any of them. Photography isn't my day job, but I do shoot professionally. It's not a matter of being cheap, it's about value. For the cost of a single OEM battery, you can get 6-10 third party batteries. If you need quite a few batteries, then it's pretty much a no brainer for me. You're absolutely right if you think third party batteries aren't as good as OEM ones but are OEM batteries 900% better? Because they cost 900% more for about 10% more "performance". As for people that find their batteries stop charging...I've never had that happen to any battery whether it's OEM or third party. I think you're just doing it wrong.

[@binghamtondocumentary1966]

Thank you for this video! Straight to the point and your test is dead on!

[@whatmattersmost6725]

1 point that you did not say, the Wasabi comes with 2 or 3 year warranty! I had an issue and I just called Blue Nook the USA seller of Wasabi to Amazon and they sent a replacement. They won't last 3 years but good to know it has a USA seller for warranty.

[@sutv6754]

I find it odd. Why can't I see the date of this video? Please let me know. I want to know the date?

[@AnaloguePhoto]

Had a similar problem with my Panasonic GH4, which uses the same type of battery. What happened was that I got a message that prompted me to turn my camera off and then on again. The same would happen just about every time I hit the trigger. Then I noticed it only happened with my 45-200mm lens. And then I noticed it only happened with the extra batteries that I bought. These extra batteries looks like the originals. But were quite a bit cheaper, so probably not the real thing. The thing is, that an original DMW-BLF19 battery is about $100 in Sweden. So I really had a good reason to find a useful replacement.

[@nic53188]

Any update on the battery testing and which batteries are still working?

[@murziusrokas]

Is there any difference between BLF19 and BLF19E?

[@Renaldo868]

i think the e only work in the GH4 and under. the GH5 use the 19PP

[@PardeMalas]

Thank you man!

[@gixxerboy555]

Test the Peter Hadley battery..real top-quality..even better than the original..

[@1dentitas]

Now keep all those batteries and see how much they can hold their charge in a couple of weeks. I'm sure the genuine panasonic one will be the best one.

[@puddytat62]

Well after a year and a bit what is the verdict?

[@dunnymonster]

If you shoot professionally always use the OEM batteries. If you are a hobbyist then battery failure is likely to be less of an issue ( although it's still annoying ) and 3rd party options will save you some money. The biggest issue is if a battery were to swell and get stuck inside the body or even leak. You can kiss your warranty goodbye unless you were using the approved OEM battery at the time 😯

[@latinoladino1048]

dunnymonster I have used both original and 3rd party. No problems so far except for 3rd party typically lasting a shorter time but no swelling or sudden shutdown. Depends on camera and 3rd party battery.

[@YoelDiamante]

4 years using 3 batteries (good 3rd part batteries). costs 1/4 of oem value. never a problem. dont apreciate difference neither. canon profesional user. You sound a lil bit like dont know pretty much about the matter.

[@PlacesToVisit]

Their is a Promaster battery as well that I got off Hunts Photo Video. If only the Panasonic branded batteries were no more than $40.

[@benjamincrozat]

I like this kind of video. It's always interesting. But I learnt that being cheap on the gear is generally not a good idea. I never bought third party batteries and I never will. I hear too much bad stories about 'em. The consequences are not the same as if you bought a cheap version of something else.

[@Blizzier666]

But you lost all of the footage from card or one single file which was still recording while battery died?

[@ryanshannon7703]

He probably lost the footage from the file being recorded since it was writing to cache, then to the card probably due to not having a footer to properly close/save the file. Hence, the file was corrupt and couldn't be recovered. However, I could imagine a scenario where the card itself could be corrupted after being improperly shut-down/powered off while in use. This is why you shouldn't let your phone just die without being shut-down. I'm sure the manufacturers probably have the battery charge level monitored to help prevent this sort of thing, though.

[@TylerHansenVideo]

I'm fairly positive Newmowa and Wasabi batteries are identical.

[@matthiasBdot]

Ii own the newmowa with the usb charger no problems there. i can even power the charger form a battery bank or my laptop on the go

[@davidp158]

I have had great battery life with Wasabi and Kastar batteries for my GH3 and GH4. However, NONE of my batteries (Panasonic OEM, Wasbi, Kastar and others) have given me more than 75 minutes of recording time. I have two brand new Panasonic batteries, and they are no better than the 3rd party batteries I am using. I presume battery life is shortened with using the internal image stabilization, but wonder if there are other settings that impede battery life. BTW, I have continuous AF and WiFi disabled. Any suggestions on what may be depleting my batteries so quickly?

[@jl7676]

What is the mAH rating on these batteries?

[@ShallShallShall]

Both OEM & Newmowa are at 1860 mAh. The only difference is the Wh - OEM:14Wh / Newmowa: 13.4Wh

[@guillermoetc]

Newmowa batteries had started causing my GH5 Screen to glitch in random situations, leding me to think my sensor was dead. Nor even turning on/off the camera worked, so I had to manually extract the battery and put it inside again. This is after 3 years of profesional use. I don't know if I'd buy it again.

[@KarrGalaxyStudios]

The problem i've been having now with the wasabi battery now is that as of Firmware version 2.2 on the GH5, the camera now shuts down at random now saying the battery isn't accepted by the camera. More than likely a voltage issue. its unfortunate because Panasonic batteries are expensive.

[@philemotion8876]

Top comparison !!! Thanks !

[@RickyisHere]

Lithium ion batteries should not be discharged completely (thats the worst thing to do to damage the life of the bettery), do not keep them stored fully charged for a long period, also do not store them fully charged in a hot enviroment (interior of a car in summer) Lithium Polimer (most drone batteries) are even more unstable and dangerous.

[@ohshowproductionsllc]

Hello thanks for the video...would you recommend a usb powered supply to use with a dummer coupler for long term battery life?

[@peakreach1751]

don't use Newmoa - if you use with a monitor, shooting HLG, it will cut out and change aspect ratio midshoot as the battery can't handle powering both

[@ZohairHabssaya]

What you mean "camera die" are you lost the camera forever? it's damaged or what?

[@RileyBanksWho]

Zohair Habssaya lmao

[@MarkJosephMedia]

My wasabi's failed after a year.

[@ArcticGator]

Works for the g9?

[@michaelstevens1479]

Can anybody tell me why there are no more panasonic or even watson batteries available? Its like I am the only person on the internet who thinks its insane that they are "backordered" until October on Adorama, BH, and Amazon. Hopefully someone has an inside scoop on what is going on. Not to mention I cannot find the NewMowa batteries that you recommend Lee. What Gives?

[@AvalancheAudioVideo]

What video resolution were you using for these tests?

[@ishudshutup]

I would avoid 3rd party batteries, never had good experiences with them. Not only do they run hotter, they definitely don't last as long. All the DSTE batteries I've bought degraded to the point they're almost useless within 1yr, regardless of i only used them 10 times or 50. Please provide an update as that's the most important part of this video, thanks!

[@christheofanopoulos9128]

what is the difference between blf19 ..... blf19e ...... and blf19pp ? does anyone know?

[@UnknownPerson-pt7oj]

you said two of the batteries cut off, other than 1Dot did the other battery corrupt the file?

[@ExploreTravelTV]

crap, I had just bought the 3 pack Dot 01's :-( hope they work ok for me

[@samueltcwhite701]

I have just ordered a battery off eBay from a company called VHBW-tec. It was a battery for an old Panasonic NV-R11 which I am restoring. Is VHBW legit? Also does anyone know if Panasonic still make batteries for cameras from the late 80s early 90s. Thank you.

[@imawildman]

thanks!

[@seabassmorris]

Anyone know if the Kastar battery is a good choice?

[@1OSMVision]

nice one

[@larryleisuresuit9584]

I was watching this to see about heat, i have two running right now - exact same type though, one seems to be heating up and the other is not. ii do not know what causes this and there fore do not know if I am going have trouble with one or the other of these, seems to me though that heat is not good. Would have been cool to confirm this, I will keep checking around , maybe someone else has done that part of the test.

[@DanielMendes-ch]

and Patona batteries ?

[@kokoloko12398]

They are very good ;)

[@mopkrayz]

These batteries tested in the video are mostly found in USA. Patona are more available in Europe. Just got a few of the Standard (yellow) ones and Premium (green) and going to test as soon as they arrive

[@Vasthraastudios]

what about gh5s?

[@ISMAILOMAR_ISH3000]

Camera rig with external power bank???

[@nicolasch2]

g9

[@powdersuber]

I've used wasabi's for years in my gh4's and never had any issues. they all seemed equal over time to the originals. Their chargers also charge the originals.

[@Zegeebwah]

update pls?

[@FRANKRICECOLD209]

is it Bad to Charge the GH5 Batteries when they are only and 1/4 or 1/2 Charge left in them or should they be totally Drained before recharging them ? thanks

[@markus8282]

Any news about these batteries after 1 year of use?

[@FStoppers]

Still using them and they work great.

[@autobotsNdecepticons]

Third-party batteries are disappointingly short-lived, and OEM batteries are disappointingly expensive.

[@sutv6754]

I don't trust this channel f stoppers. Not only is the date oddly missing but it never answers any comments or questions. Not my kind of channel.

[@americananalyticsinc.6413]

LOL now $70 Dollar battery

[@mdturnerinoz]

I do not understand why one buys a reasonably expensive camera and then cheaps out on the batteries! I only use Canon LP-E6N batteries in my (Canon) cameras. To have thousands of dollars of gear and then worry about a few bucks saved on batteries to me is just nuts; note, I am an amateur and will not disappoint anyone but me if a shoot gets trashed.

[@josh885]

I agree completely. Especially if you use the camera professionally to make money.

[@latinoladino1048]

Marty Turner I know plenty of people that do that. They are just cheap. Simple.

[@trevorpinnocky]

complete nonsense. if you are someone that needs 6 or 7 batteries, the savings is substantial. if the product is demonstrably reliable there's absolutely no reason not to save money. That's like saying every piece of gear on a Canon should be canon, canon flash, canon trigger, canon battery grip. Just as ridiculous. 7 Panasonic batteries will set you back the cost of a lens. Wanting to put your capital somewhere else, like say, a lens, is not 'cheaping' out.

[@EdLau]

The difference is you probably have one or two batteries. If you have 10, then that would cost you about $650...vs ~$100 for 10 third party batteries. That's an extra lens...or really, just $500 in your pocket. If you think about the number of batteries sold compared to the number of unfavorable reviews, you'll realize the chance of something happening to your camera with third party batteries in it is extremely slim. If a 1% possibility worries you, then you might not want to drive a car or fly in a plane or generally do anything.

[@AcuraAddicted]

Because I don't want to overpay for the original battery. The original battery cost is way high for a Li-On battery this capacity. It is a simple design and very limited capacity battery. No way it costs $80 they sell it for. Even if the third party batteries provide 1/4 of the original battery capacity (which they aren't at all), it's still cheaper to use those, because they typically are 1/9 of the original battery cost.

[@yes4no351]

BLA BLA BLA

[@hawg427]

Not worth going cheap with a non brand battery. For the 2 commenters that said they could buy a lens for about $500 dollars I don't know what kind of glass your getting. It's not professional Nikon or Canon lenses :-)

[@dronesouth9098]

www.amazon.com/Canon-Standard-Medium-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B00009XVCZ/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1541195695&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=canon+1.7+50+mm

[@dronesouth9098]

www.amazon.com/Canon-85mm-Medium-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B00007GQLU/ref=sr_1_8?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1541195773&sr=1-8&keywords=canon+lens