L18 exhaust batteries even when camera is turned off. Have used both alkaline and NiMH. Only way to "save" batteries is to open the battery compartment when not in use. Is there a problem with this camera?

Depending of what you use, always be sure all batteries are the same, charged and suited for your camera. Most of the time even new Ni-CD rechargeable batteries won't work, because the voltage is to low, according to Ni-MH or alkaline batteries.
Do not use alkaline batteries unless it is absolutely necessary. In some cases, alkaline batteries may have a shorter service life than NiMH. Alkaline battery performance is limited, especially at low temperatures. The use of NiMH batteries is recommended.

Never use manganese (Zinc-Carbon) batteries in your camera.
Also make sure all contacts on batteries and in the camera are clean and shiny. Only use dry cloth or cotton swabs if you want to clean contacts.

Depending of what you use, always be sure all batteries are the same, charged and suited for your camera. Most of the time even new Ni-CD rechargeable batteries won't work, because the voltage is to low, according to NiMH or alkaline batteries.
Always charge NiMH batteries before using them for the first time, or if they have not been used for a long period. 3 months is a very long period.
Always charge sets of batteries (2 or 4) together.
Do not use alkaline batteries unless it is absolutely necessary. In some cases, alkaline batteries may have a shorter service life than NiMH. Alkaline battery performance is limited, especially at low temperatures. The use of NiMH batteries is recommended.
Never use manganese (Zinc-Carbon) batteries in your camera.

no you didn't. Buy high alkaline batteries like energizer. i have the same camera and it done the same thing. the cheaper brand batteries will not work. you will get a flashing battery sign every time

Well, alkaline batteries don't last long in a power-draining camera like the Coolpix. Try some rechargeables and keep spares fully charged.

Are you still using alkaline batteries? If so, alkaline batteries just don't have the power for more than a few pictures in a digital camera. Some may also have reached their shelf life at the store, and though right out of the package may even have problems just powering startup of the camera. Digital cameras that use AA's for the most part should only be used with rechargeable NiMH batteries. If you read the camera's instruction manual concerning batteries, you may see the same recommendation.

Keep in mind rechargeable NiMH batteries will save you money in the long run over alkalines, AND they'll last for at least 100 pictures per charge (and probably many many more). You'll be very pleased with their performance, and may be angry with yourself for not buying them sooner. When at the store, look on the package for a power rating of at least 2500 mah.

Are you still using alkaline batteries? If so, alkaline batteries just don't have the power for more than a few pictures in a digital camera. Some may also have reached their shelf life, and though right out of the package may even have problems just powering startup of the camera. Digital cameras for the most part should only be used with rechargeable NiMH batteries. If you read the camera's instruction manual concerning batteries, you may see the same recommendation.

Keep in mind rechargeable NiMH batteries will save you money in the long run over alkalines, AND they'll last for at least 100 pictures per charge (and probably many many more). You'll be very pleased with their performance, and may be angry with yourself for not buying them sooner. When at the store, look on the package for a power rating of at least 2500 mah.

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.