Start with the plain answer: the NP-FZ100, NP-FW50 and NP-BX1 are three entirely different, mutually incompatible batteries, each tied to a different tier of Sony bodies. TNP-FZ100 is simply a third-party naming convention for the FZ100 spec, usually at a slightly higher capacity. The common assumption that Sony mirrorless batteries are interchangeable is wrong.
Here is the part that trips people up most: the A6400, A6500, A7, A7 II, A7R II and A7S II run on the NP-FW50 and cannot take an FZ100. The RX100 series uses the NP-BX1 and cannot take either of the others. Check your model against this chart before ordering — one step, easily skipped.
The Four Types in Full
| Model | Type | Rated capacity | Voltage / energy | Representative bodies | Interchangeable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NP-FZ100 | Sony original (high capacity) | 2280mAh class | 7.2V / around 16.4Wh | A7 III, A7R III/IV/V, A7 IV, A7S III, A9 series, A1, A6600, A6700, A7C, A7C II, A7CR, FX3, FX30, ZV-E1 | Within the same model |
| TNP-FZ100 | Third-party name for the FZ100 spec | 2400mAh | 7.2V / around 17.3Wh | Same coverage as NP-FZ100 | Works with FZ100 |
| NP-FW50 | Sony original (lower capacity) | about 1000mAh class | about 7.2V | A6000, A6300, A6400, A6500, A7, A7 II, A7R II, A7S II, A5000, A5100, some NEX bodies | Only among FW50 bodies |
| NP-BX1 | Sony original (compact cameras) | about 1200mAh class | about 3.6V | RX100 series, some compacts and action cams | Only among BX1 bodies |
Physical size, contact layout and voltage all differ, so there is no forcing one into another. Even between FZ100 and TNP-FZ100, which share electrical specs and swap freely, capacity still differs by about 5 percent.
Bodies That Take the NP-FZ100
- Full-frame / flagship: A7 III, A7R III, A7R IV, A7R V, A7 IV, A7S III, A9, A9 II, A9 III, A1
- APS-C / compact: A6600, A6700, A7C, A7C II, A7CR
- Video: FX3, FX30, ZV-E1
These bodies pair higher performance with higher draw, so they need the bigger cell. Our NP-FZ100 compatible battery covers every body above at 2280mAh, 7.2V, around 16.4Wh.
Bodies That Take the NP-FW50
- APS-C: A6000, A6300, A6400, A6500, A5100, A5000
- Early full-frame: A7, A7 II, A7R II, A7S II
- NEX series: several early models also use the FW50
This is where mistakes concentrate. Plenty of A7 II shooters moving to an A7 III expect their old cells to carry over, and they do not fit. Plenty of A6400 owners see “Sony mirrorless battery” in a listing, order an FZ100, and it does not fit either. The fix is simple: read the printing on your original cell. If it says NP-FW50, buy FW50 — do not guess from the camera’s series name.
Bodies That Take the NP-BX1
The RX100 series and select Sony compacts and action cameras use the NP-BX1. It runs at about 3.6V with less capacity even than the FW50, and the bodies share nothing with the interchangeable-lens lineup. If you shoot an RX100, buy BX1 and stop there.
What TNP-FZ100 Means
TNP-FZ100 is how third-party makers label a pack built to the NP-FZ100 spec. The prefix separates their catalog from Sony’s part numbers, while electrical specs and dimensions match, so it fits the same bodies. Our TNP-FZ100 is rated 2400mAh, 7.2V, around 17.3Wh, roughly 5 percent above the 2280mAh standard. The naming logic is unpacked in TNP-FZ100 vs NP-FZ100 naming.
Misconceptions Worth Clearing Up
- “All Sony mirrorless batteries fit.” They do not. FZ100, FW50 and BX1 are separate systems.
- “The A6400 can use an FZ100.” It cannot. The A6400 takes the FW50; only the A6600 and A6700 moved to the FZ100.
- “The A7 II and A7 III share a battery.” They do not. The A7 II uses the FW50, the A7 III uses the FZ100.
- “TNP-FZ100 is a different battery.” No — it is a compatible naming variant and swaps freely.
- “Double the capacity means double the shots.” No. Runtime is capacity divided by body draw, and bodies often differ more than cells do.
- “Third-party cells always get rejected.” Most work fine. Some bodies note the charge readout may be approximate, which does not stop shooting.
Buying Advice by Body
| Your camera | Battery | Suggested kit | Typical spend |
|---|---|---|---|
| A7 III / A7R III / A7 IV / A7R V | NP-FZ100 | 2–3 cells + dual charger | About $36.74 for two with charger |
| A9 / A9 II / A9 III / A1 | NP-FZ100 or TNP-FZ100 | 3–4 cells, favor higher capacity | From about $39.92 for two with charger |
| A7C / A7C II / A7CR | NP-FZ100 | 2 cells keeps the kit light | About $22.93 for one with charger |
| FX3 / FX30 / ZV-E1 | NP-FZ100 + external power | 2 cells minimum + dummy battery or power bank | From about $17.89 per cell |
| A6600 / A6700 | NP-FZ100 | 2–3 cells | About $36.74 for two with charger |
| A6400 / A6500 / A7 II | NP-FW50 — not the FZ100 | 2–3 FW50 cells | We also carry the FW50 spec |
| RX100 series | NP-BX1 | 2 cells | We also carry the BX1 spec |
General Care Guidelines
- Official CIPA numbers generally land between 500 and 700 frames; real use commonly delivers about 60 to 80 percent of that, less for video and bursts.
- Cells hold roughly 80 percent capacity after 300 to 500 cycles. A visible drop after a year is normal; plan to replace around two years.
- Store long-term at 40–60 percent, cool and dry around 59–77°F, recharging every three months.
- Below about 32°F capacity drops noticeably, and near 14°F you may see roughly half. Inside pockets and rotation help.
- Swelling means immediate retirement and proper recycling. Never puncture or burn a cell.
- At around 16.4Wh these fall well under the 100Wh airline threshold: spares go in carry-on only, never checked, with terminals protected.
FAQ
What is the fastest way to identify my battery?
Read the printing on the original pack: NP-FZ100, NP-FW50 or NP-BX1. The body’s specification page works too. Do not infer from series or release year — cross-generation changes are common.
Can the A6400 really not use an FZ100?
Correct. The A6400 takes the NP-FW50, and the two differ in size, contacts and capacity. Buy FW50 for an A6400; only the A6600 and A6700 use the FZ100.
Will the body recognize a TNP-FZ100?
Yes. Same spec, same coverage. Some bodies note that the remaining charge readout may not be precise — expected, and you can keep shooting.
How large is the runtime gap between the three types?
The FZ100 carries clear advantage in high-draw, full-size bodies. But runtime is capacity divided by body draw, so a small body with a small cell can still perform well. Read capacity alongside the camera, not in isolation.
Bottom Line
Work in this order: read the printing on the old cell, confirm FZ100, FW50 or BX1, then let the body and your shooting intensity set the count. If you are in the FZ100 camp, our NP-FZ100 compatible battery at 2280mAh is about $17.89 per cell, about $22.93 with a charger and about $36.74 for two with a charger. Want more margin? The 2400mAh TNP-FZ100 is about $19.66 per cell, about $24.70 with a charger and about $39.92 for two with a charger. The broader decision between genuine and third-party sits at NP-FZ100 genuine vs third-party. Studios, rental houses and resellers buying 100 or more should use our wholesale inquiry page for volume pricing.