What batteries are you using? I use NiMH rechargeables in my flashes and p&s cameras and they're great. They're more expensive up front, but will save a lot of hassle along the way. Wal-Mart has Energizer brand, with a 15-minute quick charger that runs on AC or a car outlet. From Canon (see below) just changing they type of batteries from Alkaline to NiMH rechargeables almost triples your estimated shooting capacity.
From Canon USA:
| Shooting Capacity | Still Image: approx. 140 shots (AA-size Alkaline Battery), approx. 400 shots (AA-size Ni-MH Battery) * |
Ideally you'd use a higher end charger that charges each individual battery separately (Maha makes some nice ones), as quick chargers aren't great for the longevity of your batteries, but worst-case-scenario you'll have to replace them like once a year if you do a lot of recharges.
As far as power saving goes, are you taking a lot of flash shots? That will eat up batteries much quicker than daylight shots. Spend as little time as possible going back through your shots and admiring them on the camera. The LCD is a big battery eater as well (as previously mentioned). You may be able to turn down the review time that the camera displays photos after you take them as well. Lets say it's on 5 seconds and you change it to 2 seconds.... that's a savings of over 2.5x right there. You can also have the camera sleep quicker if you happen to leave the power switch ON. I usually set mine to 1 minute. They usually wake up with a quick tap of the shutter button, so you probably won't miss anything by doing this.
