BP 511 vs BP 511A

[Nilo Arribas Jr.]

Hi Guys,

Can someone tell us what's the difference between these two batteries?

1. Can we interchange these batteries on a 40D?
2. Can we safely use the same chargers for both?
3. If we are to buy new set of batteries, which one should be ideal for 40D?

Thanks.

Nilo

[Romy Ocon]

Hi Nilo,

Can someone tell us what's the difference between these two batteries?

The BP-511A has a bigger mAH rating, hence it will last longer (and charge a bit longer too) than the BP-511.


1. Can we interchange these batteries on a 40D?

Yes, both are designed to work on the 300D, 20D, 30D, 40D and 5D, even with the grip.


2. Can we safely use the same chargers for both?

Yes, both are safe to charge in the original Canon-supplied charger, though BP-511A will charge a bit longer.


3. If we are to buy new set of batteries, which one should be ideal for 40D?

Original Canon-511As are very costly. I buy and use generic 511 batteries (interestingly, these have even more capacity than the Canons).

There are generally two kinds of generic 511s in the local market - the one available in Hidalgo (made in China) for about PHP 900-1100. The other is the CDR King in-house brand, sold at a very cheap PHP 480.

Though I still use some CDR King 511s, I recommend the one sold in Hidalgo, for which none has failed me yet in the last three years (4 out of 4 are good). I have 2 CDR King failures out of 6 so far (the battery started out ok, but after a couple of months, it ran out of charge after only several days of non-use).

Congrats on the 40D!

Romy

[Reyno Rosete]

The only Canon batteries I have are the ones the came with the bodies and the rest are generic. And over the last two years I haven't have any problems with the non-EOMs. And I haven't had any problem mixing both on the grip.