AA Battery Drain...just discovered a 3V battery in my camera

Because of the power drain due to the functions you use and the resolution of your pictures, alkaline batteries in digital cameras will drain fairly quickly. The best bet is to get some high capacity rechargeable NiMH AA batteries (at least 2500MAH). This should give you the photo taking life your want.
I would get at least 6 rechargeables (the 15-minute rechargeables) so that you have a couple of changes available and you can quickly recharge them.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Please rate this solution. Thanks.

NiMH tends to have a "memory". What this means is that the batteries will get used to being only charged and discharged a certain amount. What could be happening is that the battery THINKS it is charged when it is not... or.. it THINKS it is discharged when it is not. You can try to recondition them:

1. Charge them
2. reset the charger and charge again
3. put them in your device and drain them
4. let them sit, drain them again
5. recharge them
6. drain them again

Do this a few times. If you don't notice an improvement, you may want to consider getting a new set of batteries - I would recommend lithium rechargeables.

Your camera requires four AA size batteries.There are several factors that contribute to battery life: NiMH: This is the best solution for enjoyment and cost savings. NiMH batteries typically last longer per charge than the average alkaline batteries. NiMH batteries are rechargeable batteries, so they can be used several times and thereby reduce the expense of continually purchasing new batteries. NiMH batteries are typically sold with a power adapter for charging. The life of these batteries can often be determined by the mAh rating, the higher the mAh rating on the battery, the longer that they will last. NiMH batteries do not have the memory effect associated with NiCd batteries, which means that these batteries can be recharged at any time and at your convenience (you do not have to wait for the batteries to completely drain between charges). Lithium: Energizer has introduced a new series of Lithium batteries that provide optimum performance and long life for disposable AA size batteries. Laboratory studies shows that Lithium batteries last more than three times as long as standard Alkaline batteries. This means many more hours of fun and satisfaction with your digital camera. These lithium batteries are not rechargeable, they are long lasting. Alkaline: Using the LCD display, downloading images, playback, zoom and flash all require some battery power to operate and may decrease the number of shots per set of batteries. Performance may also vary based on the Alkaline batteries selected. To significantly increase battery life, be sure to turn off the LCD when it is not in use. The LCD consumes the most amount of battery power. The benefit of being able to use alkaline batteries is that you can find then almost anywhere if needed. Manganese: If you are using manganese batteries, the typical battery life will be about 2 - 5 shots. Then the camera will indicate that battery power is low and may shut-down. To avoid this experience, use either Alkaline or NiMH batteries. Optimum Solution: Use a set of NiMH batteries for longer use and to reduce the expense of continually buying new batteries. It may also be a good idea to keep a spare set of NiMH batteries for other devices that require AA size batteries on a regular basis. Use AA Alkaline batteries when the NiMH batteries need to be recharged and you want to continue enjoying the use of your camera.

Your camera requires four AA size batteries.There are several factors that contribute to battery life: NiMH: This is the best solution for enjoyment and cost savings. NiMH batteries typically last longer per charge than the average alkaline batteries. NiMH batteries are rechargeable batteries, so they can be used several times and thereby reduce the expense of continually purchasing new batteries. NiMH batteries are typically sold with a power adapter for charging. The life of these batteries can often be determined by the mAh rating, the higher the mAh rating on the battery, the longer that they will last. NiMH batteries do not have the memory effect associated with NiCd batteries, which means that these batteries can be recharged at any time and at your convenience (you do not have to wait for the batteries to completely drain between charges). Lithium: Energizer has introduced a new series of Lithium batteries that provide optimum performance and long life for disposable AA size batteries. Laboratory studies shows that Lithium batteries last more than three times as long as standard Alkaline batteries. This means many more hours of fun and satisfaction with your digital camera. These lithium batteries are not rechargeable, they are long lasting. Alkaline: Using the LCD display, downloading images, playback, zoom and flash all require some battery power to operate and may decrease the number of shots per set of batteries. Performance may also vary based on the Alkaline batteries selected. To significantly increase battery life, be sure to turn off the LCD when it is not in use. The LCD consumes the most amount of battery power. The benefit of being able to use alkaline batteries is that you can find then almost anywhere if needed. Manganese: If you are using manganese batteries, the typical battery life will be about 2 - 5 shots. Then the camera will indicate that battery power is low and may shut-down. To avoid this experience, use either Alkaline or NiMH batteries. Optimum Solution: Use a set of NiMH batteries for longer use and to reduce the expense of continually buying new batteries. It may also be a good idea to keep a spare set of NiMH batteries for other devices that require AA size batteries on a regular basis. Use AA Alkaline batteries when the NiMH batteries need to be recharged and you want to continue enjoying the use of your camera.

Your camera requires four AA size batteries.There are several factors that contribute to battery life: NiMH: This is the best solution for enjoyment and cost savings. NiMH batteries typically last longer per charge than the average alkaline batteries. NiMH batteries are rechargeable batteries, so they can be used several times and thereby reduce the expense of continually purchasing new batteries. NiMH batteries are typically sold with a power adapter for charging. The life of these batteries can often be determined by the mAh rating, the higher the mAh rating on the battery, the longer that they will last. NiMH batteries do not have the memory effect associated with NiCd batteries, which means that these batteries can be recharged at any time and at your convenience (you do not have to wait for the batteries to completely drain between charges). Lithium: Energizer has introduced a new series of Lithium batteries that provide optimum performance and long life for disposable AA size batteries. Laboratory studies shows that Lithium batteries last more than three times as long as standard Alkaline batteries. This means many more hours of fun and satisfaction with your digital camera. These lithium batteries are not rechargeable, they are long lasting. Alkaline: Using the LCD display, downloading images, playback, zoom and flash all require some battery power to operate and may decrease the number of shots per set of batteries. Performance may also vary based on the Alkaline batteries selected. To significantly increase battery life, be sure to turn off the LCD when it is not in use. The LCD consumes the most amount of battery power. The benefit of being able to use alkaline batteries is that you can find then almost anywhere if needed. Manganese: If you are using manganese batteries, the typical battery life will be about 2 - 5 shots. Then the camera will indicate that battery power is low and may shut-down. To avoid this experience, use either Alkaline or NiMH batteries. Optimum Solution: Use a set of NiMH batteries for longer use and to reduce the expense of continually buying new batteries. It may also be a good idea to keep a spare set of NiMH batteries for other devices that require AA size batteries on a regular basis. Use AA Alkaline batteries when the NiMH batteries need to be recharged and you want to continue enjoying the use of your camera.

Your camera requires four AA size batteries.There are several factors that contribute to battery life: NiMH: This is the best solution for enjoyment and cost savings. NiMH batteries typically last longer per charge than the average alkaline batteries. NiMH batteries are rechargeable batteries, so they can be used several times and thereby reduce the expense of continually purchasing new batteries. NiMH batteries are typically sold with a power adapter for charging. The life of these batteries can often be determined by the mAh rating, the higher the mAh rating on the battery, the longer that they will last. NiMH batteries do not have the memory effect associated with NiCd batteries, which means that these batteries can be recharged at any time and at your convenience (you do not have to wait for the batteries to completely drain between charges). Lithium: Energizer has introduced a new series of Lithium batteries that provide optimum performance and long life for disposable AA size batteries. Laboratory studies shows that Lithium batteries last more than three times as long as standard Alkaline batteries. This means many more hours of fun and satisfaction with your digital camera. These lithium batteries are not rechargeable, they are long lasting. Alkaline: Using the LCD display, downloading images, playback, zoom and flash all require some battery power to operate and may decrease the number of shots per set of batteries. Performance may also vary based on the Alkaline batteries selected. To significantly increase battery life, be sure to turn off the LCD when it is not in use. The LCD consumes the most amount of battery power. The benefit of being able to use alkaline batteries is that you can find then almost anywhere if needed. Manganese: If you are using manganese batteries, the typical battery life will be about 2 - 5 shots. Then the camera will indicate that battery power is low and may shut-down. To avoid this experience, use either Alkaline or NiMH batteries. Optimum Solution: Use a set of NiMH batteries for longer use and to reduce the expense of continually buying new batteries. It may also be a good idea to keep a spare set of NiMH batteries for other devices that require AA size batteries on a regular basis. Use AA Alkaline batteries when the NiMH batteries need to be recharged and you want to continue enjoying the use of your camera.

Your camera requires four AA size batteries. There are several factors that contribute to battery life: NiMH: This is the best solution for enjoyment and cost savings. NiMH batteries typically last longer per charge than the average alkaline batteries. NiMH batteries are rechargeable batteries, so they can be used several times and thereby reduce the expense of continually purchasing new batteries. NiMH batteries are typically sold with a power adapter for charging. The life of these batteries can often be determined by the mAh rating, the higher the mAh rating on the battery, the longer that they will last. NiMH batteries do not have the memory effect associated with NiCd batteries, which means that these batteries can be recharged at any time and at your convenience (you do not have to wait for the batteries to completely drain between charges). Lithium: Energizer has introduced a new series of Lithium batteries that provide optimum performance and long life for disposable AA size batteries. Laboratory studies shows that Lithium batteries last more than three times as long as standard Alkaline batteries. This means more hours of fun and satisfaction with your digital camera. These lithium batteries are not rechargeable, they are long lasting. Alkaline: Using the Display, downloading images, playback, zoom and flash all require some battery power to operate and may decrease the number of shots per set of batteries. Performance may vary based on the Alkaline batteries selected. The benefit of being able to use alkaline batteries is that you can find then almost anywhere if needed. Manganese: If you are using manganese batteries, the typical battery life will be about 2 - 5 shots. Then the camera will indicate that battery power is low and may shut-down. To avoid this experience, use either Alkaline or NiMH batteries. Optimum Solution: Use a set of NiMH batteries for longer use and to reduce the expense of continually buying new batteries. It may also be a good idea to keep a spare set of NiMH batteries for other devices that require AA size batteries on a regular basis. Use AA Alkaline batteries when the NiMH batteries need to be recharged and you want to continue enjoying the use of your camera.

Your camera requires four AA size batteries.There are several factors that contribute to battery life: NiMH: This is the best solution for enjoyment and cost savings. NiMH batteries typically last longer per charge than the average alkaline batteries. NiMH batteries are rechargeable batteries, so they can be used several times and thereby reduce the expense of continually purchasing new batteries. NiMH batteries are typically sold with a power adapter for charging. The life of these batteries can often be determined by the mAh rating, the higher the mAh rating on the battery, the longer that they will last. NiMH batteries do not have the memory effect associated with NiCd batteries, which means that these batteries can be recharged at any time and at your convenience (you do not have to wait for the batteries to completely drain between charges). Lithium: Energizer has introduced a new series of Lithium batteries that provide optimum performance and long life for disposable AA size batteries. Laboratory studies shows that Lithium batteries last more than three times as long as standard Alkaline batteries. This means many more hours of fun and satisfaction with your digital camera. These lithium batteries are not rechargeable, they are long lasting. Alkaline: Using the LCD display, downloading images, playback, zoom and flash all require some battery power to operate and may decrease the number of shots per set of batteries. Performance may also vary based on the Alkaline batteries selected. To significantly increase battery life, be sure to turn off the LCD when it is not in use. The LCD consumes the most amount of battery power. The benefit of being able to use alkaline batteries is that you can find then almost anywhere if needed. Manganese: If you are using manganese batteries, the typical battery life will be about 2 - 5 shots. Then the camera will indicate that battery power is low and may shut-down. To avoid this experience, use either Alkaline or NiMH batteries. Optimum Solution: Use a set of NiMH batteries for longer use and to reduce the expense of continually buying new batteries. It may also be a good idea to keep a spare set of NiMH batteries for other devices that require AA size batteries on a regular basis. Use AA Alkaline batteries when the NiMH batteries need to be recharged and you want to continue enjoying the use of your camera.

The battery life of AA alkaline batteries varies according to the manufacturer and power rating. Alkaline batteries can provide up to 100 shots with typical usage. Olympus NiMH batteries (B-01 4PE) provide approximately 250 shots per charge and can be recharged 300 to 500 times. Olympus recommends the use of CR-3V batteries or NiMH batteries. Olympus sells an NiMH Battery set which includes a charger and set of 4-NiMH batteries. You can purchase this through Olympus dealers or through the Olympus Emporium (www.olympusamerica.com/store).

AA batteries are available in four basic varieties: Alkaline Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) Photo Lithium (Li-FeS2) Alkaline and photo lithium are non-rechargeable, while NiMH and NiCad are rechargeable. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Non-Rechargeable vs. Rechargeable: Rechargeable batteries are desirable from an environmental standpoint because they are reusable. Self-discharge refers to the fact that batteries lose energy when unused and even when not in a camera or other device. Rechargeable batteries tend to have relatively high self-discharge rates, approximately 1-2% per day for nickel-based batteries. Non-rechargeable batteries generally have very long shelf lives and extremely slow self-discharge rates. This makes non-rechargeable batteries a better choice for infrequent usage. Non-rechargeable batteries are available fully charged in stores all over the world, which makes them a convenient choice for travelers or customers who have dead rechargeable batteries and no time to recharge. Photo Lithium Batteries (Li-FeS2) (non-rechargeable): Photo lithium batteries will yield the longest battery life of any AA battery, surpassing NiMH by 50-100% and surpassing alkaline by 100-500%, depending on the load. While they are more expensive than alkaline batteries, their additional energy capacity makes the cost the same or less per shot than alkaline batteries. Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries (NiMH) (rechargeable): NiMH batteries are the lowest cost overall solution for users that take a lot of pictures (more than the equivalent of a roll of film per month) or use a lot of high-power features. The largest disadvantage to NiMH batteries is their fast self-discharge rate of 1-2% per day whether the batteries are in a camera or not. NOTE: NiMH batteries need to be completely charged and discharged a few times when new to achieve their full capacity. Rechargeable batteries will eventually fail. If you have been getting acceptable battery life and then see a decrease in life, either quickly or slowly over time, a worn-out battery may be the cause. Storing or charging the batteries in high temperature conditions will accelerate this potential failure. Alkaline Batteries (non-rechargeable): Although the cheapest and easiest to find, alkaline batteries yield the worst performance of all the chemistries in a digital camera. They lose capacity at high power drains and at low temperatures. Skiers and other winter outdoor enthusiasts may find them unsatisfactory. Alkaline batteries are frequently available in two types: High drain (ultra, titanium, maximum etc.) Regular The high drain versions are a premium product designed to operate better under heavy loads than the standard product. However, there is a trend of major brands to increase the performance of their standard battery to b