Vansmack, forget AA's. Get the rechargeable CRV-3's. I get 300 shots on a charge and with my topside camera, I've been taking pictures for a month and a half on the non rechargeable CRV-3 that came with it. The firmware should have solved your issue, though. It does for most. As far as a strobe, I love my Sea & Sea YS-110's and the Inon D-2000 or Z-240 are wonderful as well. If you're willing to shoot manual lighting, a couple of people are going for YS-27's for less money.