Rechargeable Battery Problems

[happyscrapper]

I have the Canon S2 IS, and have duracell rechargeable NiMH batteries. I am finding that I am only getting a week or so from a charge...is that normal. I had a Kodak before, and it seemed like the charges lasted a lot longer. These are brand new batteries, bought 2 sets of 4. Also, I find, by the time I see any low battery warning...the camera is already dead...is that common. Thanks
Carolyn

[Sintares]

NiMh batteries discharge even when not being used something like 1-2% a day.

Also they need a couple of charge-discharge-charge cycles to reach their full peak and take the most charge, so if the batteries are new just use them and recharge then use them again and they will soon reach peak.

[GaryS]

And yes, the S2 gives almost no warning that the batteries are about to die.... The battery light flashes, and then you are done.

[XaiLo]

Get an extra set of batteries and never leave home without them. While the S2/S3 are not hogs they do a decent job under heavy usage I get like two to three days out of my batteries - 2100mah Sony - 2500mah PowerX. both do well... no complaints and they consume more if your constantly using the LCD in general.

when I first got my S2 I threw in the alkalines out of curiosity, they did not last an hour. don't even think I took a picture I was getting aquainted with it and the manual.