My Canon S2 IS keeps saying 'change the battery' even if I put the new batteries in. Why...? Thanks.

replace the CR 1220 Circle battery located close to the AA Battery

Check that your battery terminals are clean and that none of them are loose. You may also need to change an internal battery, the one that saves the date & time.

try cleaning any gunk off the metal parts that touch the battery rubbing alcohol normally does it but water will do if your careful if that doesn't do it i'd take the camera to a shop

Try cleaning the battery compartment contacts with a cotton swab "dampened" in rubbing alcohol. Also clean the battery contacts and the charging station the same way. Thanks, Dana

Hi, Has anyone resolved this issue yet, I have a powershot s2 IS with the same issue - i replace the batteries with brand new duracell's and it says replace batteries i reseat the batteries and it works for a few pics if im lucky then says replace batteries again - any help would be appreciated - Canon offers no solution.

Try to clean and adjust the battery springs.see more details here
Why my camera keeps saying ‘change battery’ even with new batteries?

The solution is to change the small 'date/time' battery. You can have the regular batteries as charged as you like, it won't make any difference. The tiny date/time battery is in the same compartment as the regular batteries, on the opposite side of the hinge. Extract it with a fingernail, it is situated on the left hand wall of the battery compartment (when the camera is inverted and the compartment open).

Are you still using alkaline batteries? If so, alkaline batteries just don't have the power for more than a few pictures in a digital camera. Some may also have reached their shelf life at the store, and though right out of the package may even have problems just powering startup of the camera. Digital cameras that use AA's for the most part should only be used with rechargeable NiMH batteries. If you read the camera's instruction manual concerning batteries, you may see the same recommendation.

Keep in mind rechargeable NiMH batteries will save you money 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 be angry with yourself for not buying them sooner. When at the store, look on the package for a power rating of at least 2500 mah.

Call Canon tech support. It's free support and you may end up coming out cheaper by upgrading your camera through their Canon Loyalty program than having it repaired.

You need to use 2100 mAH or 2300 mAh rechargeable batteries - alkaline batteries will not maintain the high level of power required.