Just wondering whats best, my camera takes 4 AAs, would it be best to use normal batteries or rechargeables?

Rechargeables are a bit expensive aren't they?

Yes, but you don't have to keep buying them, do you? :) 7dayshop.com does some good value chargers and batteries.

Don't use normal alkaline batteries, they won't last ny time at all. Use "oxy-alkalines"/"Oxyride"/etc or lithium (1.5V type only!!) for far, far better single use performance. Again, these are MUCH cheaper mail order than in the high street.

If you camera will accept them, CRV3 batteries are quite neat. They last ages and are lighter, and each one replaces two AA cells. However, many cameras don't take them any more, which is a shame :( You need to have two oval slots rather than four round holes for them to work. (and the right polarity arrangement) Again, much much cheaper mail order.

How about those duracell m3 batteries are they any good?

I'm a bit weary about using rechargeables, isn't the battery life quite bad on them?

No, the batterie life on rechargeables is very good if you get a quality set. The only down side is that they "leak" charge slowly, so if you leave them charged and unused for several weeks, you'll find that they aren't still fully charged when you come to use them. That's why i always keep a set of 1.5V lithium AAs in my bag, as they are always ready and have very long shelf life.

Don't bother with Duracell M3s, they just don't have the power, being slightly tweaked alkalines. The high current that digicams draw will kill them very quickly. Panasonic make some good oxyride cells, and i found some old Kodak Oxy-Alkalines to be good too.

My old Coolpix 2100 would take about 15 photos with a new set of standard alkalines lol. It would take a hundred or more with oxy alkalines.

Aah, i'll go for rechargeables then. I suppose it is a one-off cost after all. Cheers for the advice!

One last question though: Would it be fine switching from normal alkalines to "oxyride" alkaline batteries? It won't mess up the camera will it?

No, oxy-alkalines/oxyrides are far more suitable than alkalines in digital cameras. They are designed specifically for digicam use. I have used them on both Nikon and Canon compacts with great results. Don't mix battery types whatever you do though! (that is, don't put in one alkaline and one oxy-alkaline, if you camera takes two batteries at a time, etc!) That will cause nastry leakages through reverse charging. Always use pairs/fours of identical, new, batteries (as appropriate for your camera) and you won't have any problems.