I bought a Cannon 590is and am having a lousy time because of the battery life. Even with new alkaline batteries, they don't last to long. I returned the camera until I find out if this a common problem, and if a set of NiMH batteries will do the trick. Has any else had this problem? What woud be the best batteries to use? Thanks, curlycuejoyce.

Alkaline batteries are the worst type of battery to use because they don't hold enough charge to run a power hungry device such as a digital camera, for very long. Use them and you're just throwing money down the drain (or adding to landfill).

Ni-MH recharegeable batteries are much more cost effective. You charge them, they drain…so you just recharge them again. Buying high capacity Ni-MH are best (something like 2500-2700mAh).

They will need to be charged, used and recharged a few times before they reach their maximum charge capacity. Also, they do drain when not used (at the rate of up to 1/2 -1% per day). So, always make sure you charge them at least a day before (or on the day) that you need to use your camera.

BTW…Using 2500 mAh rechargeable Ni-MH with the A590 IS, will allow up to 450 shots. That's excellent battery life. And, turning off the LCD (which uses most of your battery power) as much as you can (in-between shots). Or, using the viewfinder instead, to compose your shots and limiting your use of the flash…will allow a whole lot more than 450 shots.