Optio 33LF Battery Problems

I bouth this Camera on Saturday and seem to be having problems with the Batteries - I used the batteries supplied with the Camera- Durcell AA's and before I had figured out how to use the camera (its my first digital), the batteries had run out - I put new batteries in took around 8 pictures & viewed them, then did not use the Camera until I came to work today - I was just trying to figure out how to view them on my PC and the batteries have run out again - I would estimate that I have only had the Camera switched on for around 20-30 mins in total since I put the second lot of batteries in - is this right?? I cannot believe that the batteries should run down this quickly - at this rate, I'll have to carry 4 or 5 spare sets every tmie I take the camera out with me

Not sure if the problem might be with the batteries, or the camera?????

Would be grateful if anyone could advise, as a colleague of mine has the same camera, but does not seem to be having problems with her batteries

thanks. Kay

Kay,
You should always use NiMH rechargeable batteries with digital cameras. Alkalines (even Duracells) just haven't got enough power to keep going. (You can use high capacity NiCad too, but NiMH are so cheap now and more than twice the capacity of NiCad).

You can buy a set of high capacity NiMH AA cells and a charger from several internet sources like Amazon or 7DayShop.
Try this:
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_...
£11.99 - 8 batteries and a charger.
or
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=&products_id=91413
£17.99 - 4 batteries and an intelligent charger.

You should find that with these you will only normally need one set, but best keep a spare set charged up for those important moments

It beats me as to why they supply Duracells with the camera - they're only good for emergency use.

Matt

hanks very much for the advice & the links - will get my order in with Amaxzon today