The most recent firmware updates for the Nikon D3100, D3200, D5100, D5200 and P7700 appear to have caused some third-party batteries to stop working in these cameras. All of the cameras use the Nikon EN-EL14 and EN-EL14a batteries; however, there are many third-party batteries that match the EN-EL14’s design that are available for these cameras (often at reduced prices) as well.
There is no mention of the firmware’s effect on third-party batteries in Nikon’s change log. In fact, the firmware is supposed to improve the ability to accurately detect the charge of the EN-EL14a battery.
Some users have reported that they have downgraded their firmware to a prior version. If you are a heavy user of third party batteries, you might want to think twice about upgrading to the latest firmware if you haven’t done so yet.
[via Nikon Rumors]
Sounds like Nikon doesn’t like the fact that its batteries are far and away the most expensive alternative for the DX series of cameras. Here, in Canada, Nikon batteries sell for over $60 from the Nikon store. The same battery via the web is only $20.