Pentax Optio S50 battery life

[menitas]

Has anyone encountered problems with their S50 battery life? I have tried two different types of AA rechargeable batteries with my S50 (powerex and Sony) and in each circumstance my camera seems to drain the batteries rapidly. At first I thought it was the batteries but now I am beginning to think it is definitely the camera. For example, after taking approximately 8-10 pics I have already lost half of the battery power....any suggestions?

[Night Fire]

I have this camera, and I don't think it does last long. Although, the power indicator seems to go up and down alot, ie if I leave it off for a while, it shows more charge on it.

[ju4dy]

I have an Optio S40. Alkaline batteries died so fast they were useless. I have a Nikon Coolpix 950 that takes 4 AAs and i used rechargeables with it, and a charge did not last long on those either, so when I bought rechargeables for the S40, I got the CR-V3 and am extremely happy with it.
The rating says you can take 500 photos on a charge. I haven't had it that long yet but i've been using it a few days and the battery icon still shows "full."