Digital cameras run on all types of batteries, from disposable AA to lithium ion. Most Olympus point-and-shoot digital cameras come with an external battery charger. It's usual that a battery will hold less of a charge over time and with use.
Why Batteries Lose Charge
According to Olympus, all rechargeable batteries will gradually lose charge over the span of the battery's life. This is a result of the charging cycle--using the battery and recharging it. After 500 recharges, the battery life is nearly halved.
Olympus Battery Indicators
Olympus cameras display a battery life icon that show either a full battery, a partially full one or an empty one. The partially full icon indicates that the battery needs to be charged. If your camera only shows this or the empty battery icon, it means that the battery, when recharged, doesn't hold enough charge to run the camera correctly. The full battery icon, by contrast, doesn't necessarily indicate a full battery; it only indicates that there is enough battery power to run the camera.
Replacement Batteries
Batteries don't last forever, but deciding when to replace them depends upon your own levels of use. If your camera stays charged for only a few minutes and you use it sporadically, it might be possible to live with a shortened battery life. If you take pictures frequently, buy new batteries that are recommended by Olympus. Replacements can be ordered from the Olympus website (see Resources).
AA Batteries
If your Olympus runs with AA batteries, buy premium AA batteries. Discount batteries, available in bulk at chain stores, often don't pack the charge that a name brand of battery has. If you're using discount batteries and the camera is not keeping the charge, look into another brand. Some premium AA batteries are made specifically for digital cameras.
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