Roosevelt Yang
Olympus offers a wide range of batteries and accessories for its digital cameras, ensuring you never miss a shot due to a dead battery. Their battery offerings include various types, from standard AA and AAA batteries to proprietary lithium-ion batteries like the popular Olympus Li series. However, the incompatibility between different camera models and batteries can be frustrating for users, leading to the question: What's with this Olympus camera battery encoding?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Problem | The camera shows a full battery but after a few pictures, it shows a low battery |
| Solution | Carry a spare battery |
| Problem | Unknown blinking yellow light when charging the battery |
| Solution | Insert the battery again |
| Problem | Dead internal battery |
| Solution | Always reset the personal settings on the camera every time the battery is changed or purchase an AC adapter to be plugged in during battery changes |
| Problem | 'Decoded' batteries not working |
| Solution | Get a refund from the seller |
What You'll Learn
BLS-1, BLS-5 and BLS-50 batteries and their dedicated chargers
The BLS-1, BLS-5, and BLS-50 are batteries used in various Olympus cameras, including the OM-5, E-PM1, E-PL1, E-PL2, E-PL3, E-PL5, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-PL9, E-PL10, OM-D E-M5 III, OM-D E-M10, E-M10 III, and E-M10 IV. These batteries can be charged using dedicated chargers, some of which are manufactured by Olympus, while others are produced by third-party companies.
One example of a third-party charger is the Watson Compact AC/DC Charger, which can charge BLS-1, BLS-5, or BLS-50 lithium-ion batteries via a dedicated battery plate. This charger is compatible with a worldwide voltage range of 100-240 VAC and comes with a foldout US plug, a European plug adapter, and a 12 VDC car charger. It also features a USB-A output for charging devices like MP3 players and phones. Additionally, the interchangeable battery plates allow for charging other types of batteries when used with the appropriate plate.
Another option is the BM BLS-1, BLS-5, BLS-50 Battery Charger, which is a replacement for the BCS-5 charger. This charger is designed for worldwide use with a foldable A/C plug and features a quick charge function with automatic constant current control to prevent overcharging, short circuits, and electronic shock. It also includes a one-year warranty.
The BTBAI Battery Charger is another alternative that can charge a single BLS-1, BLS-5, or BLS-50 battery using either AC or DC power sources. It has a LED indicator that shows the charging status and comes with a main charger and a car charger adapter.
It is important to note that some third-party batteries and chargers may not always meet the specified standards or provide accurate capacity labels. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase from reputable brands or those with positive reviews to ensure quality and compatibility.
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The OM-D E-M1 Mark II and its battery requirements
The OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a digital mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera released by Olympus in December 2016. It features a 20 MP Live MOS sensor, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, a sensitivity range of ISO 100-25600, dual SD card slots, a TruePic VIII processor, and a silent mode that uses only an electronic shutter. It has 121 phase detection autofocus points and can record video in DCI 4K, UHD 4K, or Full HD. The camera can shoot at 60 fps in silent mode and has a Micro Four Thirds lens mount. The body is weather-sealed and made of magnesium alloy, with an electronic viewfinder that offers a resolution of 2,360,000 dots.
The OM-D E-M1 Mark II offers several improvements over its predecessor, the regular E-M1. It includes a High Resolution mode and 4K movie recording, which were not present in the E-M1. The autofocus in the Mark II is six times faster and more accurate, and it has two memory card slots, one of which supports UHS-II. The grip on the Mark II is also slightly larger and differently textured.
In terms of battery requirements, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II uses a BLH-1 lithium-ion rechargeable battery with a capacity of 1720mAh. The battery can be charged using the BCH-1 charger, which takes about 2 hours. The camera also offers a fast-charging option and can display the remaining battery life as a percentage on the screen. Additionally, the optional HLD-9 battery grip can be purchased to double the battery life and provide additional control dials and buttons.
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The PEN E-PL9 and its battery requirements
The PEN E-PL9 is a stylish, compact mirrorless camera that is targeted towards the entry-level market, particularly smartphone users who want better image output and performance without carrying bulkier DSLR cameras. It features a 16MP Live MOS sensor and an updated Truepic VIII processor, delivering sharp and detailed results with beautiful colours and optimised high ISO noise handling.
Battery Requirements:
The PEN E-PL9 uses the BLS-50 battery, which is a lithium-ion battery specifically designed for this camera model. This battery provides power and performance optimised for the PEN E-PL9, ensuring it can capture images and videos without interruption.
The BLS-50 battery has a voltage of 7.4V and a capacity of 1100mAh. It is a rechargeable battery, allowing users to reuse it multiple times. When purchasing a replacement battery, ensure it is specifically the BLS-50 model to guarantee compatibility and optimal performance.
Additionally, the camera's low power consumption Bluetooth feature allows for tagged photos to be transferred to mobile devices even when the camera is turned off, helping to preserve battery life during image transfer.
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The Olympus Li series of batteries
When purchasing Olympus Li series batteries, it is important to be cautious of generic or counterfeit batteries that may not perform as expected. While some users have reported success with third-party batteries, others have experienced issues with reduced capacity, faulty chargers, and batteries that do not work with the original Olympus charger. It is recommended to purchase batteries from reputable sources and to be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
Some Olympus Li series batteries have been reported to provide close to their stated capacity, while others fall short. It is worth noting that battery life can vary depending on factors such as camera settings, environmental conditions, and the age of the battery. To maximize battery life, it is advisable to follow power-saving tips, such as turning off the camera when not in use and avoiding excessive use of features that consume more power, like the flash.
Additionally, proper battery care and maintenance can help extend the life of Olympus Li series batteries. This includes practices such as storing batteries in a cool, dry place and avoiding extreme temperatures during use or charging. It is also recommended to use the original Olympus charger or a reputable third-party charger to ensure safe and effective charging.
In conclusion, the Olympus Li series of batteries offers a range of rechargeable power options for Olympus digital cameras. While some users have encountered issues with third-party batteries, others have found them to be a cost-effective alternative. By following best practices for battery care and usage, photographers can maximize the performance and longevity of their Olympus Li series batteries.
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The Olympus BLS series of batteries
The BLS series of batteries by Olympus are lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. The BLS series includes the BLS-1, BLS-5, and BLS-50 batteries. These batteries are used in various Olympus OM-D and PEN series cameras, such as the OM-D E-M10, E-M5, and Pen E-PL2.
The BLS-1 battery has a capacity of 1150mAh and a voltage of 7.4V. The BLS-50 battery has a capacity of 1210mAh and is also a lithium-ion battery.
There have been some issues reported with the BLS series batteries. Some users have found that the camera shows a full battery by mistake when powered on, and after taking a few pictures, the battery indicator shows low battery. Another issue is a blinking yellow light when charging the battery, which indicates an error without providing a reason or solution.
Some photographers have expressed frustration with the short battery life of Olympus cameras and have resorted to carrying multiple spare batteries. Third-party batteries are also available, but the quality and performance can vary, and some may not work with the original Olympus charger.
Overall, while the BLS series batteries have had some issues, many customers have found them to be reliable and of good quality, although some find the price to be high for the cycle life.
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Frequently asked questions
Olympus camera batteries have specific encoding, which ensures that only compatible batteries are used with their cameras. This is to guarantee optimal performance and avoid any potential issues that may arise from using incorrect or inferior batteries.
Different Olympus camera models require different batteries. For example, the OM-D E-M1 Mark II uses the BLH-1 lithium-ion battery, while the PEN E-PL9 uses the BLS-50. Using the wrong battery could impact performance and may even damage your camera.
You can refer to the compatibility table provided by Olympus, which outlines the specific batteries and chargers compatible with their camera models. Additionally, always buy from reputable sources and check customer reviews to ensure you're getting a genuine product.
Yes, there are third-party manufacturers, such as Wasabi Power and Kastar, that produce compatible batteries for Olympus cameras. These options tend to be more affordable, but it's important to ensure they are from a reputable source to avoid any potential issues.
