Nikon D300s Battery

bob.phillips · #1 (**permalink**) 02-11-2010, 08:37 PM

My recent post 'upgrade for my Nikon D80' shows that I have now taken the plunge and bought a Nikon D300s to replace my D80.

I now appear to have a problem with batteries.

The battery supplied with the camera works perfectly, but when I try to use my batteries that work with the D80, they don't work with the D300s. These batteries are not Nikon made, but the cheap ones made by various other manufacturers. Closer examination shows there is a metal plate of some sort on the new battery supplied with the D300s and this is missing from the cheap batteries that work with the D80. However, both batteries have the same number EN-EL3E.

Now, I have to say that I have been very impressed with the cheap batteries on the D80. They have outlasted the original Nikon D80 battery ( which failed and would not recharge ) and generally go for longer between recharges.

It's always good to have spare batteries, but if I buy 'cheap ones' will they lack this apparently essential plate needed for the D300s??

A rather detailed and complicated question, but if anyone has any views then I would really appreciate some help.

Best regards,

Bob P.

MJM · #2 (**permalink**) 02-11-2010, 10:46 PM

Hi Bob
The D300S certainly needs the EN-EL3e battery. The “e” means it has a third contact, which I believe should also have been necessary for the D80, so I am surprised your batteries worked properly if they are missing the extra contact. Anyway, I bought a cheap alternative from a well-known auction site and it works perfectly and seems to be every bit as good as Nikon's own. It was advertised as being for the D300 and has the extra contact.
I have been really pleased with my D300S and I am sure you will love yours.
Martin

Tringa · #3 (**permalink**) 03-11-2010, 04:42 AM

Bob,

I don't know your camera so don't know if the battery here is good value or not, but the photo may let you tell if it would work with your D300s

Dave

Nikon Digital SLR D300S Digital Camera Batteries and Chargers - Camera Grip Lithium ion 9F73XV, Cam

bob.phillips · #4 (**permalink**) 04-11-2010, 06:35 PM

Thanks for your inputs. I think I will buy one of the cheapies from that well known auction site and with a bit of luck it should work. It seems such a vast price difference between a genuine Nikon battery ( £50+ ) and a cheapie (£10-£15 ). The pevious ones I bought for my D80 worked as good, if not better than, the original that came with the camera.

Thanks again,

Bob P.