What type of rechargable batteries do you prefer for a digital camera?

I am looking for rechargable batteries for my digital camera and they range in price from $15.00 to $70.00. I have no idea what specifics to look for or what this "mah" means. Can anyone give me some guidance. My camera is a Canon A570IS. I take a lot of pictures with it. I got it yesterday and have already went through four sets of alkaline batteries.

You may have noticed that the recommended batteries for your camera are the rechargeable ... NiMH are recommended by Canon. The best are the ones with the highest mA-h you can find (at least 2300).

When I first saw the question, I was thinking you had yet to buy a camera and were going to purchase one based on our answers.

In the future, look for cameras that use Li-ion rechargeable's. These batteries are long lasting and very light weight. All the pro cameras use them.

get a ton of cheap ones and always have some charging

NIMH rechargeables with a suitable charger. Even Costco sells them. Yes, alkaline batteries don't work too wel for digital cameras.

Mah = micro amp hours. In theory the higher the better, but amp/ and voltage stability is more important esp for digital cameras. Just buy a major name brand and you'll be fine.

NIHM

The higher the number the longer they last. I usually get about 120+ photos on my camera with these.

You should not bother to use ordinary alkaline batteries. They are just a waste of money (as you have already found out).
A more cost effective method of using batteries is to instead, use high capacity, rechargeable NiMH batteries (2700-3000mAh), or non rechargeable lithium batteries, such as Energizer e2.

Your camera uses 2 AA size batteries, so make sure you buy a charger which can charge at least 4 batteries at a time (so you always have a spare set as a back up). Energizer (or similar) are a good brand.
These batteries need to be charged, used and then recharged a few times till they attain their full capacity...and always make sure you charge them at least one day before or on the day that you need them, because their power will drain when not used.

The Energizer e2 lithium are quite expensive, but perfect as a backup battery or if you're a casual user. The good thing about them is that they hold their charge when not used for any length of time.

good luck...and have fun with your new camera

I have the a570.
don't you just love it ?
you must use rechargeable batteries.
any kind will do - make sure they say 2500 or 2700 on the side of the battery.
if you email me - I will tell you what kind and where I buy mine