Smart LCD Display and Dual USB Charging Define This Olympus Battery Solution
This BLS-50 replacement kit stands out with its integrated LCD display that provides real-time charging status and battery health metrics. Unlike basic chargers, this dual-USB design allows simultaneous charging of the battery and another device, addressing a common photographer's need for efficient power management during shoots.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- The LCD display shows precise percentage charging progress and battery temperature, crucial for maintaining Olympus BLS-5/BLS-50 battery longevity in demanding shooting conditions.
- Dual USB outputs (5V/2.1A and 5V/1A) enable charging your phone or tablet alongside the camera battery, making this particularly valuable for travel photographers using Olympus OM-D E-M10 or Pen series cameras.
- Compatibility extends beyond the listed models to any Olympus camera using BLS-5/BLS-50 batteries, but verify your specific camera's battery compartment dimensions as third-party batteries sometimes have slight size variations.
What Our Analysts Recommend
Quality third-party Olympus battery kits should maintain the original BLS-50's 7.6V/1175mAh specifications while adding features like this charger's smart circuitry that prevents overcharging. Check for clear compatibility listings with your specific Olympus model, as the E-PL series has subtle variations between generations.
Camera Battery & Charger Sets Market Context
Market Overview
The Olympus third-party battery market is dominated by basic replacement cells, making this LCD-equipped charger combination a premium offering in the accessory segment. Most competitors offer either batteries alone or simple LED-indicator chargers without detailed status displays.
Common Issues
Generic Olympus battery replacements frequently suffer from inaccurate capacity reporting, causing cameras like the E-PL7 to display incorrect battery levels. Some chargers lack proper voltage regulation, potentially affecting the sensitive electronics in OM-D series cameras.
Quality Indicators
Superior Olympus-compatible kits include thermal protection circuits, authentic-looking battery contacts matching OEM specifications, and chargers with CE/FCC certifications. The smart LCD display on this model represents a higher-tier feature typically found only in OEM accessories.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A Grade B authenticity rating with 11% estimated fake reviews indicates generally reliable feedback, though approximately 1 in 9 reviews may be artificially positive. The 4.50 adjusted rating (down from 4.78) suggests genuine satisfaction sits between 'very good' and 'excellent' for this specific kit.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on reviews mentioning specific Olympus models like the E-PL5 or E-M10, as these demonstrate actual usage rather than generic praise. The verified purchaser reviews show particular appreciation for the LCD display's accuracy compared to standard LED indicators.
Tips for Reading Reviews
Look for reviews discussing actual battery life comparisons to original Olympus BLS-50 batteries during continuous shooting with Pen series cameras. Authentic reviews often mention the dual-USB feature's practicality for charging accessories during photo sessions.
Expert Perspective
This kit represents a thoughtful upgrade over standard replacements, with the LCD display providing valuable battery health data that most third-party options lack. The 4.50 adjusted rating from verified users suggests reliable performance across multiple Olympus camera generations. The dual-USB functionality addresses a genuine pain point for photographers who need to keep multiple devices powered during shoots, making this more than just a battery replacement solution.
Purchase Considerations
Weigh the LCD display's value against your shooting habits—if you frequently monitor battery usage during extended sessions with your Olympus OM-D or Pen camera, this feature justifies the premium over basic kits. Consider whether the dual-USB charging aligns with your workflow needs, particularly if you use your smartphone for photography apps or GPS tracking.
Comparing Alternatives
Compare this kit's smart features against basic BLS-50 replacements and OEM Olympus options, considering both price differentials and the specific charging capabilities each offers.