S7000 drains batteries very quickly

Make sure you are using fresh alkaline batteries, NOT rechargeable batteries. If you are using rechargeable batteries, you are starting with about 20% of the charge already missing, and the bright flash will use this lower voltage up quickly by draining current from the batteries, Good batteries should last 2 0r 3 times as long, which still is not great, but better.

Because of the power drain due to the functions you use and the resolution of your pictures, alkaline batteries in digital cameras will drain fairly quickly. The best bet is to get some high capacity rechargeable NiMH AA batteries (at least 2500MAH). This should give you the photo taking life your want.
I would get at least 6 rechargeables (the 15-minute rechargeables) so that you have a couple of changes available and you can quickly recharge them.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
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Carry spare alkaline batteries - just in case...
Does the same symptom happen with alkaline batteries?
Lithium Ion batteries are 1.2volts
Alkaline are are 1.5volts
Rechargeable Alkaline batteries are 1.5volts

Perhaps you should switch to Rechargeable Alkaline batteries if the symptom goes away when you use alkaline batts...

New camera?...take it back.

No sorry to say this is normal for this camera! you may want to look for rechargable lithium batterys (they will last longer in a high drain device such as your camera!
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"It shouldn't do that." But you already know that. Even with everything "on" in the camera it still shouldn't do that.

I think you need to try a) alkaline batteries and b) new NiMh batteries. If it still persists then your camera has a deeper problem and needs to be sent in for repair.

Using the LCD viewfinder to compose images drains the power capacity of alkaline batteries very quickly. Instead, use the Optical viewfinder to compose your images. Under normal operating conditions using the Optical viewfinder, a set of AA-size alkaline batteries should last for about 35 images. Additional tips for extending battery life: * Use the AC adapter to review images on the LCD. * Use the AC adapter to review images on your TV. * Disable Quick Review mode. * For longer battery life, use one of the following types of batteries: o High capacity alkaline (a new product on the market as of Jan 2000) o Lithium o NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable. o NiCd (Nickel-Cadium)

1) Rechargable batteries have a finite life. At some point they'll no longer hold their charge. This may be the case with your camera. 2) Alkaline AA batteries do not perform well with digital cameras or other high drain devices. They can not maintain a voltage level these devices require. It is unlikely you'll get much use out of alkaline AA's with your camera. The solution? Buy a new rechargable battery for the camera.

AA batteries are available in four basic varieties: Alkaline Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) Photo Lithium (Li-FeS2) Alkaline and photo lithium are non-rechargeable, while NiMH and NiCad are rechargeable. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Non-Rechargeable vs. Rechargeable: Rechargeable batteries are desirable from an environmental standpoint because they are reusable. Self-discharge refers to the fact that batteries lose energy when unused and even when not in a camera or other device. Rechargeable batteries tend to have relatively high self-discharge rates, approximately 1-2% per day for nickel-based batteries. Non-rechargeable batteries generally have very long shelf lives and extremely slow self-discharge rates. This makes non-rechargeable batteries a better choice for infrequent usage. Non-rechargeable batteries are available fully charged in stores all over the world, which makes them a convenient choice for travelers or customers who have dead rechargeable batteries and no time to recharge. Photo Lithium Batteries (Li-FeS2) (non-rechargeable): Photo lithium batteries will yield the longest battery life of any AA battery, surpassing NiMH by 50-100% and surpassing alkaline by 100-500%, depending on the load. While they are more expensive than alkaline batteries, their additional energy capacity makes the cost the same or less per shot than alkaline batteries. Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries (NiMH) (rechargeable): NiMH batteries are the lowest cost overall solution for users that take a lot of pictures (more than the equivalent of a roll of film per month) or use a lot of high-power features. The largest disadvantage to NiMH batteries is their fast self-discharge rate of 1-2% per day whether the batteries are in a camera or not. NOTE: NiMH batteries need to be completely charged and discharged a few times when new to achieve their full capacity. Rechargeable batteries will eventually fail. If you have been getting acceptable battery life and then see a decrease in life, either quickly or slowly over time, a worn-out battery may be the cause. Storing or charging the batteries in high temperature conditions will accelerate this potential failure. Alkaline Batteries (non-rechargeable): Although the cheapest and easiest to find, alkaline batteries yield the worst performance of all the chemistries in a digital camera. They lose capacity at high power drains and at low temperatures. Skiers and other winter outdoor enthusiasts may find them unsatisfactory. Alkaline batteries are frequently available in two types: High drain (ultra, titanium, maximum etc.) Regular The high drain versions are a premium product designed to operate better under heavy loads than the standard product. However, there is a trend of major brands to increase the performance of their standard battery to b