Are brand-name camcorder batteries better than generic camcorder batteries?

Are brand-name camcorder batteries better than generic camcorder batteries?

Tim Smith (Camcorder Training Specialist) gives expert video advice on: Should I get an extra battery for my camcorder?; How do I make my camcorder's battery last longer?; Are brand-name camcorder batteries better than generic camcorder batteries? and more...

You're going to find obviously that every manufacturer has their own labeled batteries, and you're going to find some off-brands or what we call third party brands. Third party can tend to save you a lot of money on batteries, but with batteries, I don't know if I want to recommend it. If you buy the manufacturer's battery, no matter who it is, you're gauranteed that that battery is the right battery for that camera. There has been cases in the past where in buying third party products batteries tend to leak depending on the manufacturer of the battery. They may not be made of the right stadnards. If it's a brand you don't recognize, stay away from it. It might damage your camera.