High Prices of OEM Camera Accessories -- the G1 Charger

Last time I whined about the high price of the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 pancake lens.  This time, it's the G1 charger.

I have not shot with the G1 for more than a month, why?  Well, this is an embarrassing question to answer.  For the life of me, I can not find the charger for the G1.  It's at home somewhere, but it's just nowhere to be found.

About a week ago, I decided to buy a replacement charger.

First, of course, was to check out the prices of the OEM Panasonic charger.  $95CAD plus taxes ($107.35CAD) at Vistek.  A small shock not unlike the time I wanted to buy the charger for my Canon 1Ds, which was $600CAD + taxes.  Personally, I think it's rediculous. A more reasonable price for the G1 charger would be something like $30 to $50.  I would buy one at that price.  Since I am cheap, and don't want to be ripped off, off to eBay.

Not looking very hard, I found one charger + a spare battery for $18.99USD, plus $2.00 shipping to Canada from USA.  OK, so they don't have the "Panasonic" name printed on the items, and the battery probably won't last as long as the OEM version, but by Joe, look at the price differences! 

The charger and battery is still on the way to me but I just can't help but think, who in their right mind will spend 5 times the amount of money to buy an OEM charger?  I have used cheap, generic camera battery chargers before, and never had any problems.  I have used generic camera batteries for my Canon G1, 5D, 1D/1D II/1Ds and never a problem.  In fact, the generic batteries lasted longer than the Canon equivalent.

Is there an advantage buying an OEM charger?  Sure.  Warranty, possibly better made and possibly safer.  You would have to weigh the pros and cons and decide.

In the meantime, I will have to play with my 5D until the charger arrives.   Will update on the charger/battery once I get to use it a bit.

Junk Food -- 5D & EF 85mm f1.2L @ f1.2.