Oooooo... AA batteries? That's a deal breaker for me. Get something with a Li-ion battery pack. The battery lasts longer than AA's and in the long run, that camera's gonna cost you more than just buying the G9 for $150 more. Or, you could just get one of the SD models for about the same price. You give up some zoom, but gain the Li-ion battery.

 

I know these are a little out of your price range, but if you're spending the money, these are great options that should last you quite a while before needing to upgrade:

Canon SX 10IS - 10MP and 20x optical zoom

Olympus SP570 UZ - also 10mp and 20x optical zoom

May also want to wait for the sx1is from Canon. Rumors has it that it will have HD Video capabilities, and with that big beauty sitting in your living room, might be worth the wait!

All these cameras are 299 and upwards of 500 depending where you can find them. The canon just came out, the olympus has been out for a little longer I believe, and the SX1IS has not gone world wide yet.

The Canon you picked out is very nice as well and I know you would be very happy with it. Its the updated version of my 6mp 10 optical canon powershot that I have and it does take fantastic pics!

 

My SX10 runs off AAs. I got 2 sets of Energizer Rechargables. I can get about 400 shots on a single charge. Just make sure you get the 2500 mAh's and you'll be set.

 

Thanks guys, I think I'll get that one I posted. I read that review and it said that you get about 150 shots with normal alkaline, but with good rechargables, it's about 400, just like Rik said.

Just gotta find some decent quality rechargables. I've got a few here, but it seems that they won't hold a charge worth a damn, and aren't very used.

 

^^ Energizer NiMH.

They have different types for different uses. If you get a set of the 2500 mAH, you'll definitely get the full 400 shots. And you'll get A LOT of shots with a 4-Gig card.

 

Any recommendations for a decent charger? Maybe it's my chargers. Or maybe it's my son leaving them on the charger for a week. LOL

 

You can get them in a set with the batteries and the charger. Once they're charged, the charger shuts off. I was a little iffy on whether to buy them or not because I've always had bad luck with rechargable batteries, but I've been using these for various things around the house for a while now, and they're great.

Best Buy carries them. I think it was $24CAD for the 4 batteries and Universal charger (AA, AAA, D, C, and the 9V).

 

Yeah, we've got several of those and a few dozen rechargable AA batteries. I think what happens is after charged, they lose charge sitting in the charger, it runs off, but there is a connection between the battery ends.

maybe.

 

Well, I've never liked rechargeable batteries. They always seem to develop a memory, or not hold a charge or dye in storage. Plus they definitely don't last as long as the Li-ion packs. Just my opinion and one of the reasons I went with the SD1100IS.

 

NiMH and NiCd batteries charge differently. If you get a charger, make sure it's specific for your batteries, OR that it has a switch to go from one type to the other. I have a Duracell brand charger that allows me to switch between those two types. Can't find a pic yet, but I'm looking