Here at the office we use a Sony Cybershot DSC-S85 to take pictures of products from time to time. We decided to use one of
Synergy's Sony replacement batteries -- the NP-FM50, to be precise. What we found was a bit interesting.
First off, Sony's exclusivity practices are really annoying, especially when it comes to compatibility.
*stepping off of soapbox*
Once turned on, it takes the camera only seconds to realize that a "counterfeit" battery is being used. The screen quickly flashes the message "For InfoLITHIUM Battery Only" and proceeds to shut down, effectively concluding any picture-taking for the day.
Don't panic.
It turns out that there is a second or two of full functionality before the camera realizes you haven't overpaid for a Sony battery and shuts you down. In that brief window, take a picture of anything. Once the picture saves and the screen refreshes, take another one. Don't hesitate. After taking three or four back-to-back pictures in this manner, the camera should forget to check on the battery at all and work normally until you shut it down again. At least that's what it did for me.
Happy shooting!
Additional Note: Since writing this, I have tried to use the "trick" again, and found that I had to take as many as 8 pictures in some cases to get the camera to accept the off-brand battery. This can be annoying if your memory card is full, but it's worth it to me.
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