Batteries for Panasonic. Specifically for the FZ2500 and possibly other FZ's?

[Fishrman]

Can anyone recommend a less expensive battery to replace the model DMW-BLC12PP 7.2v 1200mah 8.7Wh li-on, or do you recommend spending the extra money for the OEM battery?

 

[Jas South]

I have had decent luck with PowerTrust 7.2V 1500mAh Li-ion batteries. I have two of those and the original Lumix one. I believe the Lumix is better, but also twice as expensive.
There is no model number, only "For Pan. DWC-BLC12"

 

[John McCormack]

B&H photo recommends the Watson battery. Check here I think Watson is the only 3rd party battery maker that B&H recommends. Wasabi batteries are also good in my experience.

 

[Michael Meissner]

B&H photo recommends the Watson battery. Check here I think Watson is the only 3rd party battery maker that B&H recommends. Wasabi batteries are also good in my experience.

I agree with Watson's being pretty good. I've used Watson BLS-50, BLN-1, BLM-1, BLM-5, and DMW-BCL12 clone batteries over the years (maybe also BLS-5/1 and LI-90B). I no longer have the G85, but back in the day, I used do long sessions and Watsons were in the mix (but not the only clone battery, as the FZ300 that I bought also used the BCL12 battery and it had other clone batteries).

Over time, I tend to have most batteries swell up (including OEM Olympus/Panasonic batteries BTW). You have to watch for swelling, and replace the battery when it starts to swell up. I don't keep track of the numbers, but for BLN-1 clones, Watsons last about 5 years (the Olympus BLN-1's might last somewhat longer) before swelling. This is a lot longer run time compared to other clone batteries (like Wasabi) that have swelled up within a year.

Since the main place to buy Watson batteries is B&H, I've always wondered if the Watson brand is the B&H store brand. If so, I might anticipate that might (note I said, might, not did) influence things down in terms of the store recommendation.

I recall a few years ago, we were discussing BLN-1 clones over at dpreview. One poster (IIRC, airmel) did a tear down of various clone batteries, and his/her/their conclusion was they were better made than most of the clone batteries (but not to the level of the OEM batteries). She/he/they figured they would give about 80% of the run time compared to the OEM batteries, at something like 50% of the cost.