Batteries discharge in 5 shots

Hi,
If the camera has a lens that extends when you power-on, it may have failed to park completely when power went off, due to the weak battery.

Gently press on the front of the lens barrel to attempt to seat the lens.
Then (with a good battery) turn-on the camera.

If you are currently using the NiMH AA rechargeable batteries, I would suggest you try standard Alkaline AA batteries. They have a bit more voltage than the NiMH and it might make a difference in this case.

If that does not work, you should phone Canon Service and see if they have any suggestions.
I am sure they have encountered this problem before.

Hope this helps,

Try cleaning the battery contacts in the camera first with a pencil eraser and then with a cotton swab lightly dampened with rubbing alcohol.

Strange as this solution might sound,m it works; clean the battery contacts in the camera, as well as the battery itself with alcohol. Even a small bit of oxidation, at the current level the camera requires, drops quite a few mvolts, enough for the camera to think your battery is running low.

Anand

Hi,
For the best results, I recommend you to use Canon rechargeable (NiMH) batteries. Rechargeable batteries provide the best performance and are the most economical choice.
Else......
AA alkaline batteries such as those from Energizer or Duracell will provide the best performance for non-rechargeable batteries.

Which EXACT make and model of batteries are you using?

There are batteries which will fit, and there are those which actually work. If you're using cheap zinc carbon batteries, market/boot sale fakes, or generic pound store/dollar store batteries then you'll have this problem.

Your camera must use two AA size batteries, either alkaline cells (e.g. Duracell) or NiMH rechargeables. Fully charged NiMH cells will far last longer in your camera than non-rechargeable alkaline cells; according to Canon it's approximately 220 shots for alkalines and 500 for NiMH.

If you're using the correct batteries then the next thing to do is to check that the battery contacts in the camera are clean, bright and grease free, and that the same is true of the batteries. If you're using NiMH's then bear in mind that like all rechargeables the performance drops over time and eventually they need replacing, but they're widely available and not expensive.

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.

I decided to send you this from the Canon website to see if this helps: 
Issue: What are the specifications for batteries that I can use in my camera?
Solution: Recommended AA batteries for your camera.

What types of AA batteries can I use? Canon rechargeable (NiMH) batteries For the best results, we recommend using Canon rechargeable (NiMH) batteries. Rechargeable batteries provide the best performance and are the most economical choice.
The Canon Battery & Charger Kit includes a battery charger and four rechargeable AA-size NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries. The battery kit can be purchase from the Canon eStore.
AA alkaline batteries AA alkaline batteries such as those from Energizer or Duracell will provide the best performance for non-rechargeable batteries.

• ALL AA-based PowerShot digital cameras (including A Series and S5 IS / SX100 IS-type):"Never use manganese (non-alkaline) batteries."
• Since the performance of alkaline batteries may differ according to brand, the operating time of the batteries you purchase may not be as long as the batteries that came with the camera.

Precautions:

• Camera operating time may shorten at low temperatures when alkaline batteries are used. Also due to their specifications, alkaline batteries may expire faster than NiMH batteries. If you are using the camera in cold areas or for a long time, we recommend using Canon AA-size NiMH Battery Kit (a four piece set).
• While it is possible to use AA-size nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries, performance is unreliable and their use is not recommended.
• Never mix unused and partially used batteries. Always load two or four (depending on camera model) fresh (or fully recharged) batteries at the same time.
• Be careful to load the batteries with their positive (+) and negative (-) ends in the right direction.
• Never mix batteries of different types or from different manufacturers. All batteries should be identical.
• Before inserting the batteries, wipe the battery terminals well with a dry cloth. Oil from ones skin or other dirt may cause a considerable reduction in the number of recordable images or reduced usage time.
• Battery performance deteriorates at low temperatures (especially with alkaline batteries). If you are using the camera in cold areas and batteries are running down faster than they should, you may be able to restore performance by placing batteries in an inner pocket to warm them up prior to use. But be careful that you don't put the batteries into a pocket together with a metal key chain or other metallic objects, as these objects may cause batteries to short-circuit.
• If you do not plan to use the camera for a long time, remove the batteries from the camera and store them in a safe place. Batteries may leak and damage the camera if left installed during prolonged periods of non-use.

WARNING
Never use damaged batteries or batteries whose outer seal is completely or partially missing or peeled off, as there is risk that such batteries may leak, overheat, or burst. Always check the seals on store-bought batteries before loading them, as some batteries may come with defective seals. Do not use batteries with defective seals.

Alkaline batteries just don't have the power for more than a few pics in a digital camera. Some may have reached their shelf life, and though brand new may even have problems just powering startup of the camera. Digital cameras for the most part should only be used with rechargeable NiMH batteries. Retailers sell these for around $7 for a package of four (about $15-19 for the batteries with charger). Keep in mind they'll save you big bucks 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 slap yourself for not buying them sooner. When at the store, look on the package for a power rating of at least 2500 mah.

Use alkaline batteries like duracell. Digital cameras support only extra duty batteries.

Are you using alkaline batteries? If so, consider rechargeable NiMH AA batteries instead. Digital cameras are notorious alkaline battery eaters. By comparison, modern NiMH rechargeable batteries will last much longer per use/charge than ANY alkaline battery (up to 5 times longer). If you don't have them, get them, you won't regret it. Look for a power rating on the package of at least 2,500 mah.