Beware! Fake Nikon EN-EL3e Battery!

Today I read about some discussions of fake Nikon EN-EL3e being sold in Malaysia, at price not much different from ORIGINAL!

Here’s the picture comparison of the genuine and fake batteries:

So, how much is fake battery selling in the market IN MALAYSIA? From what I heard, RM150.00. Original new Nikon EN-EL3e is selling at RM175.00 at ShaShinKi:

<strong class='StrictlyAutoTagBold'>Nikon</strong> EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery (for <strong class='StrictlyAutoTagBold'>Nikon</strong> D300 D700 D200 D80 D70S D70 D50 DSLR)” title=” <strong class='StrictlyAutoTagBold'>Nikon</strong> EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery (for <strong class='StrictlyAutoTagBold'>Nikon</strong> D300 D700 D200 D80 D70S D70 D50 DSLR) ” border=”0″ height=”100″ width=”100″ /></a></td></tr></table></td><td class=

Nikon EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery (for Nikon D300 D700 D200 D80 D70S D70 D50 DSLR)

RM175.00

Fake EN-EL3e is not being sold at very low price, the reason is simple. They want you to believe that it is ORIGINAL, but cheaper than what you can get from other dealers who are selling genuine Nikon EN-EL3e.

So, what is the down side of getting a fake battery?

You pay $$$ but not getting the original. Third party EN-EL3e battery is selling at around RM75. You have paid doubled the price.
Third party made EN-El3e might not be compatible with all Nikon DSLRs. Eg. the latest Nikon D90 requires only original Nikon EN-EL3e to work. Some 3rd party maker already modified their chip to make it suitable for D90.
Original Nikon EN-EL3e battery will last longer and have longer life-time.
Warranty of your camera void if the battery leaks or if Nikon found out you are using 3rd party battery.

Not all third party batteries are bad. There are still good third party brands, but if you are paying RM150, make sure you are getting the original Nikon EN-EL3e and not double the price of what you paid for the third party brand.