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More than three years ago, I was given a present, a Canon IXUS 860 IS digital camera, in Hong Kong. It was, at the time, a somewhat expensive item.
Recently, the rechargeable battery was not holding its charge and even someone who is not savvy with high tech stuff like me knew that the battery probably had to be replaced. This is what the battery looks like:
When I showed the battery to a very good friend of mine, he told me that the battery is not a Canon original. I told him it came with the camera and it must be original. Well, my friend who is more tech savvy than I am told me firmly that he has quite a few Canon digital cameras and what I showed him was definitely not the real deal. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that this friend is also very rich.
Anyway, I was somewhat upset that my present, although given to me three years ago, probably suffered some monkey business at the hands of some dishonest merchant in Hong Kong!
As you can see from the photo above, the original from Canon, which I bought from Canon's showroom at Vivo City recently looks quite different from the battery that came with my camera. Price: S$89.00.
Dishonest merchants are everywhere. I ought to warn my friend in Hong Kong who bought this camera for me not to buy anything from that shop again, wherever they are.
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6 comments:
AK
I won't yell so loud about dishonest merchant based on the battery issue alone.
Why ?
You said it was a gift. I would assume that the one giving you, may want a better discount. Hence the battery was swapped, for cost down. The OEM battery cost like S$30 whereas you are paying S$89 for the Canon battery (and it will last at least 2-3X longer - trust me).
I bought my Canon S95 from HK last Dec. Was quoted a price with all the "freebies". To a camera hobbyist, these are worthless accessories. I offered not to take it (except for that funny-branded spare battery) and ask for a discount. Yup, the price was down by almost 10%. Then I hanggle a bit and got a screen protector and a small fitting case, at the same price. Deal done. Till now, none of my friends could beat me at that deal. Plus it is with Canon HK warranty.
If you head to those hand phone shops in SG and some of those High Street shops (Mustafa incl), you can see Nokia original batteries for sale in a plastic bag. Where did these came from ? See my explanation above. And yes, I bought of few of them before and thats how I knew about it. Is it a fake ? Well, i took the risk and the batteries are still as strong as ever after 5 years.
Have a good weekend.
SnOOpy168
Hi SnOOpy168,
A friend told me that the original batteries from Canon would last a lot longer as well. It is good to have confirmation from you.
I don't think my friend would bargain down the price. Well, there are certain circumstances surrounding this gift which makes me quite sure that he won't.
Anyway, I'm not paying it much thought anymore. My camera is working again and that's what counts. :)
AK
Sorry that I cast doubts about your friend. However, sometimes - the innocent get short changed.
For batteries - I will stick to the camera manufacturer's, regardless of the price. The quality and lifetime, far far outweighs the saves of a cheapo no-brand. Plus lesser risk of exploding.
Have fun.
SnOOpy168
Hi SnOOpy168,
There could be some truth in what you shared. Almost nothing is for certain in this world, right? I do appreciate the different angle you have come up with. ;)
The camera is still good although it has been much abused. Good stuff. :)
Hi AK71,
I toured CHINA a few times already. And all the things that I bought from China is not satisfactory in one way or another. So i try to avoid touring CHINA. If I have to, I always try to remember not to buy anything from CHINA.
The merchants there will try to squeeze you as much as possible.
O. K. most tourist will have to pay tourist's price anywhere in the world, but the products you get from CHINA's merchants are never satisfactory. Beware!
Hi Temperament,
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I want to tour China in future. I guess I will have to make sure I have my wits about me then. ;)
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