Short battery life with AAs or camera won't even power up on new batteries?

This camera takes AA size batteries, which can be rechargeable or just disposable Alkaline cells. You would have got a set of alkaline AAs with the camera, and when these expire, you just put in a fresh set, that you can buy anywhere. They don't need to be Samsung. DON'T use cheap zinc or "long life" AAs, though. They are not up to the task, and can leak and corrode your camera.

NiMH batteries with a capacity of 2700mAH are available, and these will last longer, per charge, than name brand alkalines, as well as being rechargeable. You can buy these with a charger fairly cheaply now (though they obviously cost more than disposables). You will probably want two sets, one to be on charge while you use the other.

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.

For digital cameras you should use either Rechargeable(whith high Ampere) or high performance alkaline batteries (ie. Lithium Duracel or Enegizer) normal alkaline batteries will not be able to charge the Flash. If you are useing high performance batteries then it is sadly your camera which is faulty. repairing it you could but it is cheaper to get a new camera.

Good luck!
/SciPhinx

you need to check that you have put in the correct type of battery. Some cameras will only work with alkaline batteries.. I had this problem with my samsung when i inserted zinc batteries instead of alkaline, I use duracell cause they are pretty good for taking lots of shots before running out.

if your having battery problems then i suggest recharables...i got energizer AA rechargeable set and it works perfectly for me...hope this helps :D