Any answer we give here on the dv show never contradicts or goes beyond the manufactureres recommendations. If they say use a JVC battery- we say use a JVC battery. We don't always agree with what the manufacturer recommends but we never go beyond it. Manufacturers make a recommendation or warning for a reason.

Today, there are basically two types of batteries mostly nickel metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium ion (Li-Ion) there are other kinds like NICAD (nickel cadmium) and lead based but those are primarily the batteries for today's camcorders. Now lets say JVC camcorders require metal hydride based batteries to work properly and you purchase a lower priced lithium ion battery?yes, its less expensive and the same size and while both are batteries, they are electrochemically different.. you just waisted your money and put your camcorder at risk by flowing the wrong juice through it.
If the lower price is worth the risk to you, that's your choice. The worst that could happen is that the JVC camcorder rejects the battery and shuts itself off- and your out $40.00.

In my opinion generic batteries, as long as the voltage is OK, can't cause any damage If in doubt about the voltage, do a check before putting it in.
In any case, stay away from any battery that claim to be 1400 milliamp hours or 1500 milliamp hours. These don't really last any longer than the JVC battery (800 milliamp hour). It is recommended when placing batteries in a digital camcorder that their mAh (or milliamp hour) values match.

Last update: 06:30 PM Saturday, May 6, 2006