Sony Cameras can detect knockoff batteries

I bought a Sony DSC-H10 because it has optical image stabilization and 10X optical zoom. You need image stabilization with a powerful telephoto zoom. As delivered it did not store many images, particularly at 8.1 Megapixels. I bought a 4 GB memory stick on ebay and now it holds over 1500 images (I use 5 Megapixels). I even added some older pictures to this memory so I can show them to friends on the 2.5 x 1.75 inch LCD display.

I was quite happy with the camera. With the optical image stabilization I could get high resolution at maximum zoom. Images blur however when there is less light. I decided to get a spare battery. The lithium ion battery that came with it seems to have a long life (takes many pictures. But just to be safe, I bought one on eBay that was advertised as being compatible with the DSC-H10 for about half what Sony would charge me.

After charging the new battery I installed it and everything worked fine for about a minute but then "for use with compatible batteries only" appeared on the screen and the camera turned off. This always happened. The battery seller was not available and when I complained to paypal they sent another "Fake" battery. After charging it got the same message. Obviously, Sony has packaged an ID tag inside their batteries which the camera is programmed to detect. There are many posts on the internet about this problem, some with ridiculous solutions.

I complained to Sony and got nowhere. They insist that the batteries are not genuine. I told Sony that they should warn buyers, in a prominent place on the package, that there is a battery ID tag required on any battery used in the camera. I hope this review will warn buyers that if they want a spare battery they will have to pay the exorbitant Sony price.