Canon powershot a300

yes, The Flash mode consumes LOT of power, thats why it needs lot of batteries, use " rechargable batteries", or use camera without FLASH, and use GOOD QUALITY battaries

I hate to ask, but did you insert them the right way? Test the batteries in a flashlight. Test the camera with Alkaline batteries. That will isolate the problem. The other possibilities are dirty or corroded contacts.

go to canon retailer and buy a new battery

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/digital_cameras/powershot_a_series/powershot_a720_is#ServiceAndSupport

Check to make sure the batteries are inserted correctly.

The PowerShot A720 IS requires service.

Clean battery contacts and other troubleshooting tips.

Batteries may need to be recharged or replaced.

1. Most likely is discharged or improperly inserted batteries. Make sure to use freshly charged AA batteries that are inserted with the correct polarity. The Inner 2 have the minus side up and the outer 2 batteries have the + side facing up.

2. Close the battery door fully because the battery cover pushes on a small sensor that has to be closed before the camera will turn on. The battery cover slides and clicks into place. If the battery cover sensor is bent or damaged then the camera would not turn on. The battery cover sensor is tiny, and out of the way and probably not obvious that is has one.

3. Insert the proper memory card and close the memory card cover securely. If it's left open or not seated fully the camera may not turn on. I

4. Also remove the memory card and re-seat it, then close the cover again in case it was not fully closed.

5. Remove the batteries and check that the battery terminals are clean and they appear to be intact. For example, corrosion from leaking batteries could cause a poor connection.

6. Was the camera dropped? If it was dropped that can bend the metal battery contacts, then when you put the batteries in it doesn't really contact the battery properly.

7. If it still won't turn on have an electronics guy check it over, or at the local college electronics teacher. I've fixed these before and the main DC circuits are not too complicated. These camera's can even be powered up using a regulated 6V DC power supply connected properly to the battery terminals, (just for testing) and in that case you don't need batteries to tell that the camera works or not. These draw about 300mA of current when ran from 5V to 6V DC.

I attached a JPG photo showing a similar Canon A60 running via a DC power supply and no batteries. This one was apart at the time to fix a stuck zoom lens, and when it's apart there is no where to put the batteries so I have to power it this way.

You do not have to take it apart or use this method. I just mentioned this so it's clear that all it needs to run is 5 -6V DC from properly charged and inserted batteries (or an external source). Don't try connecting anything if you are not familiar with electronics because connecting it up wrong can damage the camera. Try the suggestions mentioned early and it will probably work since these are pretty reliable cameras.

This happened with my Canon Powershot A470. I sent it back to he manufacturer and they said I was using the wrong batteries. Even though the camera is supplied with two alkaline batteries, they recommend using AA NimH rechargable batteries.

Check for battery current ratings, Canon cameras need AA batteries with current rating above 1200 mAh, I use Energizer rechargeable batteries for my Canon Powershot SX110 IS. The batteries last more if we use the flash option wisely.

If it's a short, not much that you can do other than try to track down the short location with a voltmeter. But I do have doubts that a short is causing this. The A300 is a notoriously power hungry camera. It's the first digital Canon to use two AA batteries. It takes great pictures, but unfortunately Canon didn't spend much time focusing on battery efficiency in getting the new two battery design out the door. As a work-around, try taking pictures by shutting off the display (press the DISP button) and using the optical viewfinder. Also the camera works best with high power rechargeable NiMH batteries rated 2500mah or better. Very inexpensive NiMH batteries are generally weak, and if no rating is shown on the package or battery, should be avoided.

I am not sure if this will address your problem but it is worth trying.

Make sure the record/playback mode switch is not in an intermediate position. Push it firmly all the way up. Also ensure that the mode button is not between clickstops. Then try to operate the camera

If that does not help, try the following. Take all the batteries out, including the lithium battery which keeps the clock going. Also take the SD memory card out. Leave the camera sit overnight.

Obtain new batteries - conventional alkaline AAs and a lithium type CR1220.

Next day, clean all the contacts for the AA batteries with a cotton-bud and contact cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Let dry. Then insert the new lithium battery. Next insert the new AAs and try to turn the camera on.

If it works, insert the SD card. If it does not work then there is probably an internal problem and it should be serviced.

have same problem with canon sd10. bought new battery and new charger, THIS IS A CANON HARDWARE PROBLEM I assure you