Battery grip questions

[flame angel]

Hi Guys,
I intend to get an extra battery for the A2, as am still deciding to get just a single BP-400 or might as well go into a battery grip.
2) Is it worthwhile to have the battery grip, how much does it cost?
3) How much is an original minolta BP-400 battery?
Pls advice, thks in advance!

 

[pai]

battery grip... last i checked it's about $168 new, including gst. you can try to get one second hand for around $100 maybe?

worth it or not... it's really up to you. here are the things it does:

1) allows you to use 2 bp-400s at once, means u can keep shooting for very long
2) comes with an adapter that lets you use 6 AA batteries instead, good for when u travel in places without electricity
3) gives you a way to comfortably hold the camera in portrait orientation.
4) makes the camera a fair bit bigger. this can be good or bad. some people think it makes the camera look more like an slr, so nicer to hold and others take them more seriously cos camera looks "pro"
5) has a nice comfortable hand-strap
6) shifts the tripod hole to the centre of the lens

suggest you go to a shop and try one, see if you like the feel of it. also remember that you may need to change to a bigger camera bag if you buy one.

can't remember how much original bp-400s cost, $80-$90??? actually you could just get a third party one for a fraction of the price. i'm using two, and never had problems with either. battery life is comparable too.

 

[synapseman]

To me, an A2 without the BP-400 is just like going out without pants.

Gotta have'em!

 

[Agetan]

To me, an A2 without the BP-400 is just like going out without pants.

Gotta have'em!

I love using the BP-400 with the A2... A2 alone is a bit too small for me, so I use the BP-400 for that reason... I don't need the "look" as you know A2 is a very capable camera.

Also when you use 2x NP400 batt, you can shoot 1.5gb at highest res without changing batt.

For me, yes, definately worth it...

Go and try one...

Hart

 

[Drudkh]

When I was using my A1 with the grip, going out with a group of CSers for shoot, some were using the Nikon D70. They were so surprised that even my tiny A1 had a grip, and initially they thought what a small DSLR I was using. That's more than a year ago.

 

[TME]

For $168 and the convenience and ergonomics improvement, it's a steal!

 

[flame angel]

Thks for the reply Guys! Look like the battery grip is a good buy.

Hi pai,
Is a battery included with this price of $168? Plan to shop around funan area, so which shop is better? U mention about the BP 400 "third party" battery, so is it an imitation item?

 

[TME]

Thks for the reply Guys! Look like the battery grip is a good buy.

Hi pai,
Is a battery included with this price of $168? Plan to shop around funan area, so which shop is better? U mention about the BP 400 "third party" battery, so is it an imitation item?

Nope! Just the grip. U can get the EastGear version of the battery. I think u are using the NP-400? If so it costs $35 at EastGear 2nd level at Peninsular Plaza.

 

[Agetan]

Nope! Just the grip. U can get the EastGear version of the battery. I think u are using the NP-400? If so it costs $35 at EastGear 2nd level at Peninsular Plaza.

Yeah... I got the eastgear NP-400... use it for more than 1 year now.. no problem whatsoever... matter of fact.. I got 3 east gear NP-400... hehehe...

Hart

 

[pai]

no battery included in the grip. yah i guess the cheaper ones are "imitation", but cost less than $40, and also work fine. since ur going to be in funan area, can ask for the battery at the shops there and see what prices they give u, or go to eastgear, which is in peninsular, just next door to funan...

shops for grip... can try asking at cathay (in peninsular), alan photo and john 3:16 (in funan), not sure if they will have stock though, may have to order in. if you live near ang mo kio, try a shop called mscolour, call first and check if they have stock.

happy shopping.

 

[flame angel]

i will check out those shop that u guys mentioned. thks ver much!

 

[LifeWorld]

i will check out those shop that u guys mentioned. thks ver much!

Quoted by MSColor today:
2. KonicaMinolta Battery Pack BP400 - $165(inc.gst)

3. KonicaMinolta HS3600D flash - $245(inc.gst) free 4 X AA alkaline battery


Bought 3rd party battery at EastGear today - $34.95. It's 1700mAH 7.4V. Compatible with A1, A2, and 7D.

 

[flame angel]

Quoted by MSColor today:
2. KonicaMinolta Battery Pack BP400 - $165(inc.gst)

3. KonicaMinolta HS3600D flash - $245(inc.gst) free 4 X AA alkaline battery


Bought 3rd party battery at EastGear today - $34.95. It's 1700mAH 7.4V. Compatible with A1, A2, and 7D.

I bought the Batt yesterdy, have to do away with the grip cos can't chip out anymore cents. Btw i'm also looking into flash, heard tat this flash u mention can't bounce, is it true? Is MS color at AMK central?

 

[LifeWorld]

I bought the Batt yesterdy, have to do away with the grip cos can't chip out anymore cents. Btw i'm also looking into flash, heard tat this flash u mention can't bounce, is it true? Is MS color at AMK central?

Not sure of it. I am new to Minolta. Only know it could do wireless flash.

 

[sniperj]

Not sure of it. I am new to Minolta. Only know it could do wireless flash.

think the 36oo flash can bounce but cannot turn left or right.
think you can consider sigma 500 flash which is ard $300++.
Can do almost everything of the top minolta flash 5600 wis is ard $500+
Why pay so much where u will hardly use it.
Just my 2cts

 

[flame angel]

think the 36oo flash can bounce but cannot turn left or right.
think you can consider sigma 500 flash which is ard $300++.
Can do almost everything of the top minolta flash 5600 wis is ard $500+
Why pay so much where u will hardly use it.
Just my 2cts

Ok,got it. i saw the sigma flash at that day i bought the batt. So quite tempting to buy the sigma flash actually & din buy the grip instead.
The price is good too.

 

[TME]

Flash should be of higher priority since u will need it low light conditions... the grip u can really do without although it's a useful aid for portrait pics....

 

[Flare]

Hmmm... I use my flash a lot... hahhaa..

Well, do note that the last time I checked, the Sigma doesn't work fully with the 7D, could be a problem if you plan to upgrade your camera in the future.

5600 and EP-2 rocks... But I'm also thinking of getting the Sigma for wireless purpose...

 

[flame angel]

Hmmm... I use my flash a lot... hahhaa..

Well, do note that the last time I checked, the Sigma doesn't work fully with the 7D, could be a problem if you plan to upgrade your camera in the future.

5600 and EP-2 rocks... But I'm also thinking of getting the Sigma for wireless purpose...

I'm in line with what u said, though Sigma is a good buy but might have problem for future compatibility issue. Look like minolta isn't have any
upcoming new flashes on the list, any idea?

 

[TME]

I'm in line with what u said, though Sigma is a good buy but might have problem for future compatibility issue. Look like minolta isn't have any
upcoming new flashes on the list, any idea?

No idea really... Minolta likes to play it close to their chest... the 5600HS(D) would be the best if u can afford it... it's a brilliant flash...