I shoot Sony bodies professionally, mostly an A7 IV for stills and an FX3 for video work, and battery anxiety is the single biggest non-creative problem I deal with. Sony’s NP-FZ100 is excellent but pricey, and the third-party market is a mix of brilliant and dangerous. After cycling through more than 15 batteries over the past two years, these five are the ones I actually recommend.
I compared in temperatures from 20 to 95 degrees, ran continuous video recordings to measure real-world endurance, and tracked capacity degradation over six months of cycling.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sony NP-FZ100 Battery | Best overall OEM | 4.8/5 |
| Wasabi Power NP-FZ100 2-Pack | Best third-party value | 4.6/5 |
| Newmowa NP-FZ100 2-Pack | Budget pick | 4.5/5 |
| SmallRig NP-FZ100 Battery | Best for video | 4.7/5 |
| RAVPower NP-FW50 Replacement | Older A6000 series | 4.5/5 |
1. Sony NP-FZ100 Battery - Best Overall OEM
The genuine Sony NP-FZ100 is the gold standard. Roughly 2,280mAh, full InfoLITHIUM percentage display, and zero compatibility issues with firmware updates. If you only carry one spare, make it this one.
2. Wasabi Power NP-FZ100 2-Pack - Best Third-Party Value
Wasabi has been the most reliable third-party brand in my kit. The two-pack with charger is what I hand to second shooters. Percentages display correctly, runtime is within 10 percent of OEM, and I have had zero failures across six units.
3. Newmowa NP-FZ100 2-Pack - Best Budget
Newmowa is the budget pick that does not feel like a budget pick. Slightly lower capacity than Wasabi but at almost half the per-cell price, and the protection circuit has been stable across two seasons of use.
4. SmallRig NP-FZ100 Battery - Best for Video
SmallRig markets these specifically for video creators with USB-C charging built into the battery itself. For run-and-gun shooters who do not want to carry a charger, this is huge. Heat performance during long 4K recording is also above average.
5. RAVPower NP-FW50 Replacement - Best for Older A6000 Series
If you still shoot an A6000, A6300, A6400, or A7 II, you need NP-FW50 batteries. The RAVPower version is the most reliable third-party FW50 I have used. Useful for owners of older bodies who do not want to pay Sony OEM pricing.
What Matters Most
Match the battery to your body first. NP-FZ100 for A7 III and newer, NP-FW50 for older A6000-series and A7 II. Then prioritize a brand with a real warranty and verified protection circuitry. Cheap batteries without proper PCBs can swell or fail.
My Setup
One OEM Sony NP-FZ100 in the camera, two Wasabi Power NP-FZ100 spares in my bag, and a USB-C dual charger. That kit covers a full eight-hour wedding day for me without battery anxiety.
Common Mistakes
Storing batteries at full charge for long periods. Lithium cells degrade faster at 100 percent. Aim for around 50 to 60 percent if a battery will sit unused for more than a month. Also do not buy unbranded packs no matter how cheap.
Final Recommendation
For most Sony shooters, the Sony NP-FZ100 paired with a Wasabi Power 2-Pack is the right combination. You get one reliable OEM in-camera and two affordable spares that have never let me down on a paid shoot.
Frequently asked questions
Are third-party Sony batteries safe?+
The good ones are. Wasabi, Newmowa, and SmallRig have stable QC and I have used them for years without issue. Avoid no-name Amazon listings with no brand and only star ratings as social proof.
How many spare Sony batteries should I carry?+
For a paid shoot, three minimum. The A7 IV is power hungry once you start using IBIS and 4K. For travel, two spares plus one in the camera is usually enough.