In article <5gpcno$5us$2@dropit.pgh.net>, rkoziol@pgh.net says...

>I bought this very handy camcorder few years ago, but the
>only batteries I found are very expensive. My original set
>of two NP-500's does not hold charge anymore.
>
>Is there a replacement battery, or some attachment that
>would allow the use of a more standard battery, even if it
>hangs on my belt ?
>
>The original batteries were about $70 each. With the life
>they deliver, I'd like to find another option.

Hmmm, if the camera is in nice shape, and the price right...
(let me know! ;-). Though if you want to work on the battery,
you can make up a pack, using enough high-capacity (4 amp-hour)
Radio Shack NiCads to make up the correct voltage (1.2v each).
Charging takes longer (and it is a good idea to discharge the
cells individually with a 5-ohm or so resister in series with
a diode), and the batteries are not cheap - but there is a lot
of recording time available. If 6v, you can use gel-cels. Fuse
either solution. Power can be connected by cutting the camcorder
AC adapter cord and installing RCA plugs - with one put on the
battery pack.
Hope This Helps