Why do the batteries not last very long in digital cameras?

I have two digital cameras by Kodak, and the batteries don't last an entire day. Am I doing something wong or what?

I would suggest that you use your flash feature and LCD viewer as little as possible.

They DO use a LOT of energy. Are you leaving the camera on the whole time?

One other thing that you might also consider is not buying run-of-the-mill alkaline batteries for your digital camera. Lithium batteries like the Energizer Ultra are designed to deliver their electricity in a way that's ideal for high-drain electronic devices like digital cameras, and while they are a little pricier than conventional alkalines, they tend to last longer.

You might also consider investing in rechargeable batteries.

If you use the eyepiece to compose shots instead of the screen, and wait till you're home to review shots, the battery should last all day.

Even high-end rechargables are sapped in fairly short time. It's the LCD, as the guy said. And use of Zoom. I doubt you're doing anything wrong.

Maybe Kodak just doesn't spend money into decent batteries. The batteries that ship with most Nikon and Sony cameras are extremely good. Even better if you have the discipline to turn off the LCD whenever you don't really need it.

My Nikon D50 can shoot over 600 frames with no flash and with the LCD turned on, and the battery won't drop to the 75% mark. Every Sony I have owned could shoot at least 200 pictures with flash and the LCD turned on without draining the battery 100%.

How many shots are you shooting in one day? What about flash usage? If you are shooting over 200 then that is reasonable performance and maybe it is time to buy a spare battery.