Congrats on the finds!
Now as far as the camera goes, I suggestions.
I'm not saying this to be condescending or critical - I'm just offering up advice based on how your photos appear, and based on you not being satisfied.
About the battery consumption I have no advice other than to either take them out of the camera when not in use or use rechargeables and keep two sets of them, with one set always fully charged and ready. Or don't let your camera use flash all the time if it's not really necessary. If you take your photos outdoors in the sun, flash won't be necessary.
In looking at the photos you have posted, it seems like they are out of focus because of motion occurring at the same time as you take the photo.
Possible reasons for this can be
1. Digital cameras have an auto focus mode which happens when you begin to press down the shutter button. Normally you have to pause slightly until the camera does it's auto focus thing, then fully depress the shutter button. It's possible you are just pressing the button down all the way fast and not allowing enough time for auto focus.
2. Your camera may not be set for auto focus - it may be set on manual focus it it's an available option.
3. It's possible that you think the photo has been taken before it's actually been taken and you begin to move. There is sometimes a very slight lag time between pressing the shutter button and the photo actually being taken. If you move during this very brief moment, a blurry shot is what you get. This ties in to auto focus again.
4. If auto focus is not the issue, it's possible you're just moving the camera while pressing the shutter button. Try to use a softer touch. One technique that a lot of people use is to take a breath before you are going to shoot the picture and then after you have fully exhaled, and before you take your next breath, press the shutter button. For some reason this helps people stay more motionless at that moment.
5. Macro mode - some (or most) cameras do have a macro mode which is usually indicated by a flower icon somewhere on the camera. Read your manual to find out the minimum and maximum distance you can shoot photos for macro mode. Do the same for non macro mode - you may be surprised that your camera will not focus closer than X number of feet unless it's in macro mode.
6. Double check your camera lens to make sure it's not smudged with a finger print or dirt, and if it is, use a good quality lens cleaner or eyeglass cleaner and cloth on it.
I hope this helps - looking forward to seeing better, sharper, clearer photos from you in 2011!
Happy Hunting
