Brand new AA batteries last only a few minutes, i.e. 5 new pictures. why?

Alkaline batteries just don't have the power for more than a few pictures in today's power hungry digital cameras. Some batteries may also have reached their shelf life at the store, and though brand-new right out of the package may even have problems just powering startup of the camera. The one's that came with your camera are just to show you that the camera works, but as you've discovered, they'll only last for a few pictures. Digital cameras that use AA's for the most part should only be used with modern rechargeable batteries. If you read the camera's instruction manual concerning batteries, you should see the same recommendation.
Modern rechargeable batteries have over 5 times the power density of alkaline batteries (that's right, they last up to 5 times longer than an alkaline battery. And you can recharge them over and over!). Keep in mind rechargeable batteries will save you much 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.

Alkaline batteries just don't have the power for more than a few pictures in today's power hungry digital cameras. Some batteries may also have reached their shelf life at the store, and though brand-new right out of the package may even have problems just powering startup of the camera. The one's that came with your camera are just to show you that the camera works, but as you've discovered, they'll only last for a few pictures. Digital cameras that use AA's for the most part should only be used with modern rechargeable batteries. If you read the camera's instruction manual concerning batteries, you should see the same recommendation.
Modern rechargeable batteries have over 5 times the power density of alkaline batteries (that's right, they last up to 5 times longer than an alkaline battery. And you can recharge them over and over!). Keep in mind rechargeable batteries will save you much 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.

hi, what battery are you using? most of the kodak digital camera using AA battery has a problem if you are not using KODAK BATTERY that specified in the battery cover. try to use duracel,energizer battery it will work after 5 to 10 shots of picture only. if you notice also the height of the said 2 battery are smaller compare to kodak batt.that's why the contact between to batt and pin inside of the camera are not good.
try to use kodak battery.

I am having the same problem with my Zoom-H2. I have 2 2650 mah rechargeables, and the draw is such that 20-30 minutes of record &/or playback kills the batteries. Last night I just turned the power on and did nothing. 5 hours later the batteries were dead...

This isn't a solution. It is a reaffirmation that you aren't crazy!

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 brand new and right out of the package, they 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 batteries. If you read the camera's instruction manual concerning batteries, you may see the same recommendation.

Modern rechargeable batteries (I'm not talking about old NiCad's, those are awful) can hold over five times the amount of power of an old fashioned alkaline battery. Also keep in mind that rechargeable 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.

I have the same problem too. It's just started happening. The camera is about 3 years old. I've cleaned the battery contact points with an eraser and ensured there's contact. All seems fine. I only get about 5 shots out of brand new AA batteries, then a black screen with message 'change the batteries'. Can anyone help?

Hi there.
This is a common problem with just about any digital camera out there (even my own).
After spending loads of money on top named brands and types i found that Duracell Alkaline batteries lasted just about the longest in my camera which is a Samsung S 500. Even so i would advise that you stock on them because the camera's do tend to eat the battery power.


Good luck and thanks for using FixYa!!

You need high-power re-chargeables - 2300 mAH or 2500 mAh

Is it rechargable batteries (orignal for the camera), or are you using standard batteries? (AA/RC6 kind of batteries)

If you use AA batteries (or similar) make sure you use alkaline batteries of a good brand. Cheap batteries ofteh don't have the power to run digital cameras. Especially using the LCD screen drains the batteries.

If you have a new rechargable battery and it last only a short time see if using it and recharging it a few times helps the bettery "getting into it". If not, your camera may need repairs.

is there a reset access hole?