Hi I have had this camera for a short while, its been working fine, lately i put new batteries in, and it only last for and it tells me low batteries only after a short while, has there being an issue with this model with batteries that you heard of. Suggestions would be greatful

It is due to some kind of electrical contact failure.
For more details and common causes of Err 99 read the following article:
http://www.lensrentals.com/news/2008.12.31/canon-err99

HI there you need to charged minimum 8 to 12 hours the new battery before use. Otherwise it will show you low batteries. Please confirm me that. Thanks.

Some cameras, even the expensive Nikon professional cameras have the same problem. Sometimes turning it on and off fixes it, sometimes removing and reinserting the battery works. Sometimes, going into the menu and finding "reset" works.

dang I thought it was just me. I put so many brand new batteries in the camera,all kinds, no matter what it completely dead in about 2 minutes.. its frustrating b/c I got the camera last year as a xmas gift, so I really thought I was just an idiot when it came to operating the camera.. glad to know its just a crappy product; I still don't have a resolution though... sorry

Is your batteris are comply with the specs described at the users manual?
If so, check the opreation temperature range if its fits your situation. Some devices can act abnormal below or above specified temperature ranges.
Out of those possibilities, another reason could be the internal circuitry resistance problem. Excessive resistance can eat up your batteries quickly, lower ampere batteries are tend to last very short time when they compared to higher ampere ones. Especially on cameras.

Many Kodak brand cameras have this problem, and when I say many I mean almost all. The only solution is to try different types/brands of batteries until you find one that lasts.

You will probably need a new battery as NiCd dont' last forever. However, before buying one, try out the camera on the mains adaptor. This will tell you if there is a problem with the camera.

Good luck

Some of The Canon Powershot A530 and A540 cameras are subject to an advisory recall. Seems that a small spring on the battery compartment door can short out the batteries. Suspect this of yours, in that you mention that your batteries aren't lasting long. If your camera is on the list, Canon should fix this for you for free, including free shipping both ways. This is regardless of your camera's warranty status. Please check the following link for more info:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/canon-a530-a540-with-short-battery-life.html

Sorry for the late response (don't know how I missed this post?). Some of The Canon Powershot A530 and A540 cameras are subject to an advisory recall. Seems that a small spring on the battery compartment door can short out the batteries. Suspect this of yours, in that you mention that your camera's battery icon is flashing. If your camera is on the list, Canon should fix this for you for free, including free shipping both ways. This is regardless of your camera's warranty status. Please check the following link for more info:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/canon-a530-a540-with-short-battery-life.html

You have either a faulty charger, a faulty battery or a fault in your camera. I purchased 2 batteries for my Sony 505v and from new one of them kept flashing an empty battery sign right in the middle of the display. Actually it was fully charged but Sony batteries have a little circuit inside them which tell you how long the batteries will last. In my case I could continue to use the battery but put up with that flashing icon. I returned it to where I purchased it and it was replaced Immediately. Please ,next time give us a little more information as to what battery type it is and which camera it goes in. Some cameras can develop a natural short circuit over time. BMW