Tomkat,

The way you describe your camera sounds like a D-40. Anytime you have a regular flash camera, the battery life will be less than an IR camera. I have a Moultrie I-40 and I get about 5 months out of a set of D-cells. And that would be over 1000 pics! The I-40 sells for about $200.00. Hope this helps.

Blessings.....Pastorjim