Canon S5 IS runs on normal AA size batteries or not.?

Question

after the 4 battries supplied with the camera were over i used the normal AA size battries but as soon as i switch on the camera the camera shows warning that change the batteries and shuts down.

Answer 1

Regular alkaline AA batteries cannot handle high drain devices like digital cameras.  When you activate the camera the sudden current drain is more than the batteries can take.

Switch to disposable lithium batteries, or for better value, use rechargeable NiMH AA batteries, especially the low self-discharge kind like Sanyo Eneloops.  These not only handle high current drain well, but also have low internal resistance--which means the battery likes giving up current.

A set of low self-discharge AA NiMH batteries (often marketed as having a long shelf-life, retaining 80% of their charge after a year) plus a charger should cost you about $20 to 25.  I recommend getting a spare set, so you don't have to wait to recharge a set if it goes dead.