I am having a battery problem with my A75, which is my first digital camera. The camera has gone through 2 sets of brand new alkaline batteries since I've had it. I have taken only two photos. I've mostly only turned it on a few times to fool around with it and to try to learn the different functions. The most recent batteries where drained after sitting in the camera for two weeks and taking no photos. Basically, brand new batteries drained after two weeks of no use.

The Canon help line has told me that these cameras discharge batteries when they are not in use, especially alkaline batteries, and if I'm not going to use the camera for more than 2 days, I should remove the batteries and set them aside, even NiMH rechargeables.

Does anyone know if this is true? This explanation seems a little absurd to me, since the manual makes no mention of the camera discharging batteries when it is off. All the manual says is to take the batteries out for extended periods of non-use to avoid damage from the batteries leaking.

Can someone tell me if this seems right or might the camera be defective?
Many thanks,
Mike