Yes I have the Optio 50, and yes, it does go through batteries..... If you use rechargeables and bring spares you are fine. It is pretty easy to use, and does take reasonable pictures. My old Rollei 35 is much better (film), smaller, needs no batteries, and is simpler to use. Plus, you have negatives or slide film that will last endlessly instead of digital pixels that vanishe into the air when deleted, and digital hardware which is being upgraded every five minutes, cannot be serviced, etc. Yes, I still prefer film. Digital is fine for editing and point and shoot. Digital is all about batteries dying and temporary media and hardware.

Standard AA batteries won't last 5mins. You need to get 2500Ni-CD 0r Ni-MH ones and they last much longer - about 40/50 shots I guess.