Camcorder Battery question

[CUatDL]

I just bought a Sony DCR-HC48 (Mini DV camcorder). I wanted a smaller camcorder and this one looks like it fits the bill, so far so good.

I bought from Amazon, great price and service. I also bought a second battery from an Amazon Marketplace partner. The battery is a NP-FP71, good price the add said it works with “most Sony Camcorders”. Well, upon reading my Camcorder manual, it says use only H series batteries, this is a P series battery.

I looked at the Sony web site and it says that the NP-FH70 is a replacement for the NP-FP71. The H series battery is a 7.2 volt and the P series is a 6.8 volt (that really shouldn’t be a problem as batteries lose voltage as they lose charge while in use.

I’ve been searching and searching to try to find definitive answer about whether the P series battery can or cannot be used with my camcorder.

Anyway, can anyone direct me to information that will let me know for sure whether or not I can or should (or should not) use this battery or just eat the cost and get the recommended battery.

Any help mch appreciated, thanks

CU@DL

Andy

[CUatDL]

Solved! Documentaiton just not as clear as it should have been. Someone found and pointed me to a page on Sony's site.

Update: Batteries are NOT totally compatible. The NP-FH70 can be used in place of the NPF-FP71, but the NP-FP71 cannot be used in place of the NP-FH70. Reason, they are keyed differently. Apparently the H series battery will fit in a slot designed for the P series battery, but the P series battery will not necessarily fit in a slot designed for an H series battery. For me that is $60 down the tubes, not the dumbest thing I've done, and won't be the last dumb thing, just another in life's little lessons.

Thanks,

CU@DL

Andy