Cybershot Battery Charger

[Swinny]

Hi;

I need to replace my charger - for the G Type lithium Ion battery. The Sony ones are expensive ($100), the generic in store ones are a bit cheaper ($70), but online I've found some for as low as $5. But I was also told by a salesperson, that only the Sony battery charger will charge the battery. So my questions are:
- Is that correct,.....regarding having to buy a Sony product?
- If not, any tips on chargers?
Thanks in advance!

Cheers!

[SmartWombat]

You get what you pay for.
It may be the cheap store ones work, but don't read/write the battery information, treating them as dumb batteries.
I know that Sony have been putting more intelligence in the batteries and cameras, to the point that cameras can now tell if it's a Sony battery or not and refuse to work if it's not an intelligent battery - I got caught by that

[Canuck935]

I wouldn't go with the really cheap ones. They are fire hazards more than anything. Either go with the in-store generic ones (you can return it if it doesn't work), or just go with the real thing.

[godwell]

you go with the original one because that will give life .where as generic are not useful for a long time use.You are just paying once.not every time so go for original.

[Swinny]

Thanks PAul, Canuck935 (why that handle btw? - an ex pat or do you like the hockey team?), and Godwell. I appreciate your advice and am actually taking it, but am looking at getting one off ebay at much less cost than a new one at $100. Worth the gamble at this point. I don't like the after sales ones either,.....much bulkier. Thanks again!!
Cheers!