NiMH

You should have rechargable NiMH (at least 2300 mAh) batteries for everyday use of this camera. Alkalines are really a waste of money. I recommend the Maha Charger you can get at http://www.nimhbattery.com/ It's an excellent value and performs like a champ.

I've use my NiMH batteries down to 20 below, and while the effective life certainly is shorter, they still worked fine. I also have a set of lithiums that I carry in winter but haven't used yet.

My new camera has lithium-ion rechargable and it worked find last winter in very cold temps.

-dave-