I have the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS and absolutely love it! I did find that regular AA batteries will get used up quite quickly. I've gotten really good use out of Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. They're made for things such as digital cameras and I've been able to get hundreds of pictures before the batteries need replacing. I am looking into buying rechargeables, but haven't done much research into them yet. A few recommendations I've gotten are Duracell NiMH Rechargeable 2650mAH, lithium polymer or lithium ion batteries, and Eneloops. The camera shouldn't be putting itself in macro unless you pushed the button for that. I would bring the camera in to a camera store and ask about that. Also, my husband and I were just in Best Buy looking at the small point and shoots for my daughter. I remember looking at your camera (just to compare to mine) and found I didn't like the pictures it took while in the store and wouldn't get that one, but found a couple other Canons that I liked. I just read some reviews online and they echoed that sentiment as well. After reading the reviews, I'd take yours back and look at getting a different one...just make sure you take a few pictures in store and find one that you like while you're there. :)