Sony NP-QM71D InfoLITHIUM Rechargeable Battery Best Buy

Sony QM71D is bulky on DCR-PC330 - 04 May 2004

24 out of 26 found this review helpful.

I'm using the battery on a Sony DCR-PC330 Handycam. This is an upright unit that is a little bulkier with slightly more weight than the average camcorder. I take a camera/camcorder on virtually all-family outings/events, so I use the device regularly but I'm not an amateur moviemaker. What I want/need is a minimum of bulk and equipment to lug around!

In looking for an appropriate battery I short-listed two candidates the NP-FM50 and this battery the QM71D. Between the two there is no contest on value for money, the QM71D has 240% more power than the FM 50 (which itself adds only marginally more recording time over the FM30) for only 25% more cost.

On to the bulk of this unit, it doesn't just stick out the side of the PC330 a little; it sticks out 125% of the width of the original NP-FM30! To get an idea of what this means in daily use, leave your original FM30 in the camera imagine another FM30 stuck to that one and then another 25% of a FM30 and your just about there. Maybe on other cameras this is not a problem but on the already overweight PC330 this additional weight is unhelpful. Equally unhelpful is the fact the camcorder no longer fits into a slim carry case. This bulk does however have a positive use it adds such a large footprint to the PC330 that if you need to stand it on a flat surface to be in your own video or picture, there is no chance of it falling over!

I'm not disputing the functionality or quality of the QM 71D, it does what it says on the tin (or should I say blister pack), and its value for money proposition is compelling, however make no mistake, it is heavy (in comparison to the FM 30/50) and bulky (when used on a DCR PC330). For my type of use it is not a particularly good solution.

NP-QM71D - 30 Mar 2004

7 out of 10 found this review helpful.

Not great. Good battery but not great.
Best getting the QM91D It does waight a little more but its alot better and with the fast charger it soon proves its worth.
The higher version although bigger rests nicely on your cheek while you film providing you dont use the mini lcd screen ;)
But for what this is its a good battery if your budget dont stretch further

Very Powerful Battery - 10 Jan 2004

26 out of 26 found this review helpful.

This is the best battery in the range, with a good balance of weight vs power. I recently took a trip to New York, and took plenty of footage on only one charge with this battery. Not only does your camcorder feedback how long is left, but you can also see at a glance how much juice is left on the battery by pressing the button on its body. Does feel a little heavy if I had to be picky, but good value all the same.

Essential; Best Sony Camcorder Battery - 09 Dec 2003

70 out of 70 found this review helpful.

An additional large capacity battery is an essential purchase to replace the inadequate batteries supplied with most mini-DV camcorders. This battery is the best of the bunch, providing great battery life without being too bulky or pricey. Sony's other batteries are either too large (e.g. the QM91D) or don't last long enough to be worth the additional expense (e.g. the FM30 or FM50).

Moreover, if you are willing to pay an additional £98 for the Sony AC-SQ950 Quick Charger, this battery can be charged in under an hour! Highly recommended.

Notes: (1) Don't confuse this with the older QM71. The "D" is important (no on-battery power indication or Quick Charge without it). (2) Be sure your device takes an "M Series" battery. Sony has several lettered infoLithium battery "series" (e.g., the super small "C Series" for compact digital cameras) that all tend to look alike in unscaled online product photos, but batteries from different series are NOT interchangeable.

Sony NP-QM71D InfoLITHIUM Rechargeable Battery - 09 Dec 2003

17 out of 20 found this review helpful.

You need one of these genuine Sony batteries if you own the Sony PC330 digital camcorder. Battery life is excellent, well over 3 hours of use, but it does stick out about an inch from the camera.