I have a new refurbished kodak easyshare c160 -- the camera will not last but for one or two pictures without completely draining the batteries. i have tried about 4 new sets of photo batteries....is this a camera problem that is known and what do i do?

Solution: As digital cameras become more advanced and include more features, the power needed to keep them functioning has also increased. That means that typical alkaline batteries likely won’t do more than power your camera for a few shots before running out of juice. Sometimes, your digital camera may not power on at all if the inserted alkaline batteries aren’t fully charged or powerful enough. Rather than carry along dozens of alkaline batteries for a single photo shoot, you can save money by purchasing rechargeable NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries. Rechargeable batteries can be purchased with a charger that you plug into a wall outlet, and they fully charge in one to five hours depending on the charger and the type of batteries you’re using.

If you’re already using rechargeable batteries but are experiencing short battery life with your digital camera, it’s likely time to replace your rechargeable batteries with new ones. Depending on the number of charging cycles you perform (how many times you discharge and recharge your batteries), rechargeable batteries typically last for two to three years before they no longer hold a full charge. You may also ensure that you’re charging your rechargeable batteries directly before use. As batteries sit unused for extended periods of time, they automatically lose some of their charge.

There are many ways you can conserve battery life while using your digital camera, too. For starters, if your camera has a viewfinder in addition to an LCD, use the viewfinder to frame your shots and turn the LCD off because LCDs draw a lot of power. If you prefer to use the LCD, you can still conserve battery life if you refrain from looking at each picture on the screen after you take it.