Why does my digital camera drain my batteries?

I don't have rechargeable batteries but as soon as I start using my camera the batteries die. I suppose the manufacturer does it on purpose so you spend money on rechargeable batteries and the charger. Does this happen to anyone else? Should I take my camera back?

The most cost effective method (if your camera uses AA size batteries) is to actually buy rechargeable NiMh batteries and a charger.
It seems silly to use a battery once and then throw it away...especially on a power hungry device such as a digital camera (the flash and LCD screen chew through battery power).
Work it out.....you buy your batteries and charger once (they should last a very long time).
You buy non rechargeable batteries and throw them away when they die...time and time again (money down the drain).
The only other option is to buy one of the small compact cameras which use a built in lithium battery.

The LED screen and zoom lens are the two big battery hogs. Limit the use of these two features and your batteries will last longer. Turn off the LED screen and just use the viewfinder. Don't zoom, instead walk closer to your subject.

my batteries don't last long at all after i take a few pics...it really sucks

Try the new LITHIUM batteries. I had the same problem and the new batteries are really great. They aren't rechargable but they last a lot longer. I think energizer makes them.

They shouldn't drain that fast, some cameras want you to take out the batteries after you use it, or they will drain.

If you use you view finder it'll save the life of your batteries by about 75%. If you use the photo viewer on the back, it drains your batteries really fast. Best thing to do is use your view finder, then go back and preview the pics. And even better for your batteries, take the pics, then view them on your computer, either way, you'll be able to delete all that you don't want.

you need to get lithium batteries, circuit city has a a charger and it comes with 4 batteries (lithium) for like 20 bucks, it's well worth it. but the main thing is whatever batteries you get MUST be lithium.

I had the same problem.
My camera-HP Photosmart E327-would drain the batteries dead within ten seconds of putting them in.
I just bought rechargable batteries, they work great.
I haven't bought batteries since.

Biggest battery zapper: FLASH. Next biggest: LCD preview/review display. Next biggest: zoom lens. Next biggest: flash memory.Turn the LCD off unless you need to see/adjust settings. Don't let the flash fire in full daylight unless you're using it for fill/portraits. Turn the setting off where every picture is shown for several seconds after its taken.

Rechargable batteries give more current than alkalines. This means they last longer in high current uses like cameras (less so for things like remote controls which are low current). If your camera uses AAs, get some NiMH rechargables and a battery charger for about $20-$30, they'll last for years. Keep a spare set charged at all times.

Large LCD screens, constant zooming, and cheaper models all contribute to poor battery life. It is important to read reviews before purchasing to find these hidden annoyances.

The best sollution for anyone stuck wtih a digital camera with an extra large appetitie for energy is to buy rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. You can find off-name brand chargers for about $15-20 that come with 4 AA batteries. I think a 4 pack of Lithiums go for about $10 for one use! Look here for a decent deal http://www.buy.com/prod/Lenmar_PRO712_90...

Taking the camera back will probably involve restocking fees and such. Better to deal with this now and purchase your next camera with a rechargeable lithium ion battery.