My camera gives the low-power sign as soon as I turn it on, then immediately turns off. What should I do?

Some of The Canon Powershot A530 and A540 cameras are subject to an advisory recall. Seems that a small spring on the battery compartment door can short out the batteries. Suspect this of yours, in that you mention that your batteries aren't lasting long. If your camera is on the list, Canon should fix this for you for free, including free shipping both ways. This is regardless of your camera's warranty status. Please check the following link for more info:

http://camerarepair.blogspot.com/2007/12/canon-a53...

Oh, and always use rechargeable NiMH batteries. Alkaline batteries just won't hack it for digital camera use.

You are discovering one of the worst things about a digital point and shoot camera... battery life! The problem can be helped a lot though. First of all, FORGET about using alkalines, they are almost worthless for this usage. You need high capacity rechargables or use the Energizer Lithium AA. The Lithiums are expensive but last much longer.

No matter what batteries you use, the monitor is the KILLER of battery life. The Canon has a viewfinder, use it to take your pictures. Do not be reviewing photos over and over again on the monitor or showing them off. It is not a display unit. Think of the monitor as a quick device to help you determine proper exposure and for setting certain menu options. Use it as little as possible. Set it up in the menus so it does NOT display a photo everytime you take one.

I get LONG life out of batteries simply by not using the monitor. If you feel you HAVE to use it to take your photos, better get used to carrying around plenty of spare batteries.

Steve

http://www.pbase.com/s_parrott

I would use Durcell NiMH rechargeable (2650 mAh). They are good for 50-100 shots in my Sony DSC-W1.