Topic: Panasonic patches cameras to block rivals' batteries

[Nemesis]

Link to full article

Panasonic has used a firmware update to prevent punters using batteries bought from other suppliers in its digital cameras.

The update, which applies to 16 cameras which between them use three models of Panasonic battery, was posted this week.

"Some of these aftermarket batteries are not equipped with internal protective devices to guard against overcharging, internal heating and short circuit. If these aftermarket battery packs were used, it could lead to an accident causing damage to your camera or personal injury."

The owner of the device should be able to choose what to use with it.  What are they going to do next restrict the use of 3rd party memory cards?

[Wraith 413]

 I can see Panasonic's point though. If a person chooses to use a battery that doesn't conform to their spec's and then something bad happens, Panasonic should not be held liable. Of course, going to court to several times to point out the fact that the 3rd party batteries did not meet Pana's spec's would be an unnecessary financial burden to the Company in the long run.

[Nemesis]

Then pop up a warning stating that a non Panasonic battery used in the camera may be dangerous and is not covered by your warranty.

Just as Panasonic may want to avoid the cost of these lawsuits so can a customer want to avoid being gouged on buying a replacement battery with only one source.  Also what happens when you the customer want to buy a battery and Panasonic says "We discontinued that model"?

I've seen similar things in the computer field where a manufacturer uses a non standard component and when you need to buy more they gouge you compared to the standard variant.

I do my best to buy electronic devices that use standard batteries, that was one of the features I demanded when purchasing each of my cameras.  The lack of standard batteries is to me one of the greatest weaknesses of laptops and PDAs.

[knightstorm]

What are they going to do next restrict the use of 3rd party memory cards?

Doesn't Sony make all of their portable devices use that proprietary memory stick?

[Nemesis]

What are they going to do next restrict the use of 3rd party memory cards?

Doesn't Sony make all of their portable devices use that proprietary memory stick?

Sony does however license others to produce memory sticks.

I do always recommend against buying Sony products that use "sticks" in favour of non proprietary standards.  I use SD cards (and previously compact flash) cards myself in my camera and my PDA.