Susan, I have considered the C-765 but I do like some of the things offered with the C-770 such as the all-metal body and enhanced movie mode. Though my old camera had a movie mode and I never used it. :-/ I loved my c-700 and never considered replacing it. I liked it's bulkier body than the newer 765 and 770 too, the smaller cameras just seem too small in my hands and they seem to get lost in Hubby's huge hands. I particularly liked the area on the front right side that you wrap your fingers around -- it's MUCH smaller on the 765 and 770 and doesn't feel the same at all. However, the 765 and 770 get excellent reviews. When comparing the reviews with some of the other more popular cameras, image quality is often better. I'm now considering holding out for the new Canon PowerShot S2 IS to be released in late June, but I'd really like a camera before that. Another consideration: Our computer is older (Dell Dimensions 400) and I'm wondering how I can upload pictures from the camera to the computer without a USB cable. We will have to add a new board to support the USB 2.0 cable that comes with the camera and I'd rather not do that because we are planning to upgrade the computer anyway, just not right away. We don't have a printer with card slot. Is there any other way??? Jen

24 photos? W/ flash? Plus using the LCD? Sounds like enough to eat the battery to me. My uncle had (has?) a Sony from a few years ago that uses AAs, and his had about the same performance. He's much happier with the rechargables. My Olympus E-20 can use 4 AA batteries or a Lithium Ion battery. The LiIon is much more powerful (you can tell with how fast the flash 're-sets'), but they're expensive. I have a couple of sets of AA rechargables for the camera and the external flash, and I can get off about 50 shots before I notice the flash start getting weaker. At max resolution, my memory cards only hold 52 shots, so I just take the oportunity to swap the batteries and memory card all at the same time. I think those rehargables are 1600 mAh, but as I've said, I've seen much higher capacities these days... Actually, I don't know how many digital cameras these days take AAs anymore (though I haven't looked, to be honest). Most that I've glanced at seem to come with some type of rechargable battery pack with a seperate charger or a cord/cradle to recharge a non-removable rechargable battery. This is especially true of the smaller ones, that just don't have the room for a couple of AA batteries. Here is a link that might be useful: Energizer 2500mAh AA 4-pk w/ Charger

So, aslo, you first disagree with me about it causing damage, then you agree the battery should be found because it might "spill its insides". You give advice like you are an expert when in fact you are "Not familiar with your particular machine." And, furthermore, to tell eligain to forget about it is reckless advice. Do you know exactly the size of the battery she lost? These aren't COINS she is talking about but a camera battery which is most likely much larger than a coin. Assuming the battery is the size of, let's say for argument, a quarter, I based my comments on a conversation I had with a washer repairman who has been doing this for over 20 years. He recently told me that he gets many calls on certain washers (not all brands) where coins and other small items get stuck below the agitator and eventually will cause problems. He ought to know because he has had to fix them. The key phrase in my post was "It could cause washer damage if you leave it in there." That is an accurate statement because experts have verified it. Eligain, the choice is yours on whether you want to take the risk. I am curious how this ends up. I wish you the best.

Here is one problem, if it takes rechargable batteries and you can't buy them new anymore, then it will be a waste of money. Older batteries are phased out, so check on batteries first. My new camera takes AA so I don't have to worry about it.