Just some observations here - not really complaining, nor do I have a problem. At least a year ago, perhaps 18 months - I finally broke down and picked up some spare batteries. Up till then the OEM battery was doing fine, but I started getting low more often than not. I shoot a K5, and I do have to say that for ambient low light shooting, I have been using liveview up on the tripod as just a matter of habit. When I had my K20, a single battery held me for 3 years. I never really ran out on a shoot - but I was not really using liveview all that much. Also, when not in use, I do keep the spares in their little bags rubber banded together, so that they don't roll around in my backpack shorting out.
Anyway, after doing some research I picked up two Wasabi Power battery units along with a charger - the price was right, and a battery is a battery (in most respects). Everything works fine, I am happy, they work first time, all the time, everything is pretty dependable.
So, why the post here. Well, in terms of usage - I have been noticing that the Wasabi units tend to probably get 50% to 75% of the shots/time that Pentax OEM unit supports (but I have no real quantitative measurements either). Now, with using liveview - you do have the rear monitor on a lot more (depleting energy) as opposed to using the viewfinder. I use the liveview's level (horizontal and vertical) - actually its pretty handy. I really doubt that usage between battery types/brands is any different.
It is starting to occur to me that I need some additional power capacity when out shooting. The other night, I was done and happened to see that the third battery was done too - as in flat depleted. That is probably the fifth or sixth time that I have run through all three batteries in a single shooting. I have not really lost any shots, but I would like to have some reserve margin. Thus, some additional batteries are in order. Either an additional one or two - which brings me to which brand.
- Wasabi - $12 plus $5 shipping from Amazon or 2 for $34
- Pentax OEM - $45 with free shippnig from Adorama
I am inclined to go with 2 more from Wasabi. The lower cost and even their performance appears to be less, its still somewhat reasonable. If I were backpacking a lot, where weight and volume are a bit more important, I would go with the Pentax.
Does anyone have any better suggestions?
Last edited by interested_observer; 05-03-2014 at 10:36 AM.