Error Code

Hmmm, sounds like a software issue to me. Although none of the folks I know with easyshares didn't have to load patches, it is possible this one may require it. The little Pentax I got from epins required 3 seperate patches that were a pain to load. Bottom line is you need to get to their site and see what they have to say on that model, most likely it is, in fact, a patch. I doubt you knocked the camera hard enough to kill it, liek I said I have not been kind to mine and it is still pluggin along. Check the site at work or some other place you have access, then send yourself the link or other info you pick up.

As far as the batteries, yes, that camera will eat batteries like a 7 yr old witha pile of chocolate. Your best bet is rechargable lithiums. They ought to run from anout $20 for a basic kit up to about $50 for a more "premium" set up. It doesn't really matter what brand you get, but be sure to get lithium rather than NiCad (dot hey still make those?) or NiMH as lithiums are better suited for the burst discharge needs of a digital cam.

Lithium throw aways are far too expensive to be practical in the long term, or even the short term for that matter. I always keep some cheapo alks around in case though.

I will do some looking for support issues and see what I find.