I have a Samsung Digimax A6 that will deplete new batteries after 5 pictures. Does it need to be fixed?? HELP!

The camera will use a fresh set of batteries after 5 pics. it doesnt matter what batteries i use. i have had the camera for 4 years. Does it need to be serviced??

i have had the camera for 4 years and just recently it has started to go thru batteries after 5 pics. i use the Energizer CRV-3 lithium batteries but it goes through them also. any other battery will barely turn the camera on. I thought the Memory cards was the reason (2GB, 1 GB and 256mb) but it also does it when i use the cameras 16mb memory. I usually use the camera on the lowest resolution and dont use the video often. it has never been dropped or mishandled.

if they are AA batteries use the Energizer Lithium.. they are in the blue package!

I had a camera years ago that took 4AA. Batteries were dead within 15 mins of playing around with the camera. Switched to the Lithium's and they lasted for well over 200 shots.

4pk will cost you around $10

You can also go with rechargeable.. which won't last you as long per charge as the Lithium's, but will definitely last longer than standard NiCads

Edit: the only thing that concerns me about this is that you have had it for 4 years. It hasn't been like that the whole time has it? Maybe it does need to be serviced.. or at this point replaced.

Edit2: That sudden drop in productivity makes me think it must be the camera. By any chance have you used it in a really cold environment? I took my old HP to Yosemite in April in some sleet and cold, and it was never the same.

You may want to take it to a camera shop like a Wolf or Ritz (if you have those in your area). Maybe see if you can email one of those types of specialty shops just to see if maybe they have run into the problem and if it's worth fixing (don't bother with an electronics store.. chances of getting someone that knows something THAT technical is slim.. use to work in one :) ).

I wish you luck with this.. or hopefully someone else here has an exact answer.