Just got an AC-130, have a buzzing battery issue

[Nektonic]

I just recently purchased an AC-130 to replace my Canon XH-A1. So far I'm liking this camera. It is kind of a beast, but I like that. I've never been into dinky winky little cameras, even though DSLR's have their advantages for stealth and fitting in tight spaces.

Anyways, I ordered a couple extra Panasonic VW VBG6 batteries. One of the VW VBG6 units is emitting a buzzing sound. Not too loud, but if I am within about two feet of it, I can faintly hear the buzz. I put the battery up to my ear and it was easily audible. About 15 minutes after inspecting this buzzing issue, I actually felt kind of ill. A bit dizzy and nauseous. It lasted only for about five minutes, but this makes me think the battery is possibly emitting EMFs or something on that order. I am afraid to put this battery on my camera, or keep it near my SD card case in my gear bag.

I figured I'd see if this is a common issue with this particular battery or not. I googled the issue and came up with nothing, so I figured DVXUSER was the place to ask about it.

So anyone have an issue like this with the Panasonic VW VBG6 battery? Also, these batteries feel really light, as if they are hollow. The one that came with my AC-130, which is technically a different model Panasonic battery, feels much sturdier and a bit heftier too. Or maybe the VW VBG6 is just supposed to be lighter weight? I have a shoot coming up this weekend, and hope that I didn't get ripped off with some grey market batteries. The packaging the batteries came in says Panasonic on it, and looks official to me.

Luckily I have the battery that came packaged with the camera, as well as one more VBG6 that is not buzzing at me. So I should be good for power this weekend on my event shoot. I suppose I'll have to send back the one unit that is buzzing. I am just too paranoid to put that sucker on the camera. Both for the sake of the camera, and for the worry that some EMF mumbo jumbo will mess with the SD cards while they are recording. Especially on a paying job.

[kwkeirstead]

My Panasonic battery that came with my 160 camera is CGA-E/625 and the spare the dealer sold me is a Pro Series ssl-vbg50.

They both weigh about the same. No buzzing with the spare, the only noticeable difference is the spare is about 1/2 inch deeper.

The Panasonic battery lasts a fair bit longer.

I would return the one you bought.

[NoahK]

Definitely return- that sounds no only annoying but potentially dangerous.

-Noah

[LanceOregon]

I only bought one extra VW-VBG6 for my AC130, and it works great. No problems with it, or the smaller included battery.

[Mike Warren]

It won't be emitting any dangerous RF, but it definitely should not be making a buzzing sound when not connected to a charger. This indicates a current flow and will result in at best poor performance, and at worst it may catch fire.

Batteries can, on rare occasions "sing" a little during charging due to the fact that most modern chargers work by generation a series of pulses.