why do my batteries die even though S1 IS Powershot is in bag not being used. I can never count on batteries being ready

I use rechargable batteries in known good condition but if I do not remove them before storing the S1 IS the batteries will be dead when next I need the camera.

For how long time the camera with batteries was stored in the bag? Rechargeable batteries drain empty pretty fast even if they are not in use at all. Regular non-chargeable batteries may stay in the package or in the camera for 10 or more years and they will remain full of power and capacity. But rechargeables need always to be recharged before using them.

I thank you both for your answers. But I have used your examples before with same results. I can fully charge the batteries and install them and then even if I do not use the camera they will be dead in a day or so. Same is true of standard batteries. It is as though the camera puts a drain on the batteries even when not in use.

I have the exact same problems whether its rechargable or regular AA batteries. both my cameras empty them within hours.

One is a Sony DSC P32 and the other is a Konika Minolta Z5. Since they're both very different cameras, I wonder if its a problem with AA batteries in general, or whether I'm using them wrong.

I don't think i'll buy a camera with uses AA batteries again.

Jim -- it's quite possible that the contacts in the battery compartment are corroded. This could result in the symptoms you're seeing, including drain while the camera is turned off. You could probably see if this were the case by looking into the battery compartment with a flashlight or something. Cleaning the contacts is something you should do with care -- a q-tip and a little rubbing alcohol might be a good first step.

In general good quality, new, freshly charged NiMH rechargeable batteries should perform very well when being used. It doesn't matter if they are AA or anything; they should last a reasonably long time. If they don't, there's probably either something wrong with camera or the batteries may have been recharged beyond their lifespan.

I'm having the same problem with a Canon S1 IS. The batteries used to last for weeks or months with occassional use. Now they are dead within a day or so. I've tried a variety of batteries with the same results.

I have the same problem with my energizer rechargables. Even if the batteries are just sitting in my camera case they die! and my family just blames me for not ever having my batteries charged even though I hadn't used them since I had last charged them! It's quite irritating.

is this the end of AA batteries as we know it?

As Ben's answer states, NiMH batteries do not retain their charge (lithiums do better). I keep a charger filled with one or two spare sets of batteries and before I grab my camera, I flop in the charged set and replace with the ones from the camera. This is just the way it is: NiMH is very good under fast/high-drain conditions such as a digital camera; they are not good for low-drain or occasional use.

The question Jim Knight posed may be due to some other issue with the camera; corroded contacts or an internal electronics issue might cause a continual load -- that's a different problem.