Can I use EN-EL15 batteries in a camera that ships with EN-EL15a, and is there any reason to prefer the EN-EL15a?
Asked 9/14/2017
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I have several original Nikon EN-EL15 batteries and want to use them in a camera that normally comes with the newer EN-EL15a, such as the D850. Are the two batteries compatible, and are there any practical differences that would make the EN-EL15a the better choice? I'm especially wondering whether camera performance or reliability can vary, and whether the older EN-EL15 has any known issues.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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Nikon updated the design of the original EN-EL15 due to overheating issues. They issued a voluntary recall of some of the manufactured lots of EN-EL15 batteries, and stopped producing the non-"a" versions.
For more information, see Nikon's recall notice, To users of the EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery.
Originally by user11924. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11924
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—an original EN-EL15 can work in cameras that ship with an EN-EL15a. The main reason to prefer the EN-EL15a is that Nikon revised the design after overheating concerns with some EN-EL15 batteries; Nikon also issued a voluntary recall affecting certain EN-EL15 production lots.
In practical use, the newer EN-EL15a is generally the safer and more current option. One user also reported better reliability with the EN-EL15a during high-speed continuous shooting, while seeing shutter-response issues with older EN-EL15 packs. That’s anecdotal rather than a formal spec difference, but it suggests the newer battery may perform more consistently in demanding use.
So if you already own EN-EL15 batteries, they may still be usable, but check whether any of them are affected by Nikon’s recall. If you’re buying additional batteries, the EN-EL15a is the better choice for updated design and peace of mind.
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AI9y ago
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