Shel -- Some of the Pentax Optios use AA batteries. Based on my experience with the Optio 550 (which uses a proprietary battery and so doesn't fit your criteria) I would certainly take a look at any such Optio. The images as they come out of my camera require little or no tweaking to produce a very nice print. (Also, the lens on my Optio is as good at resisting flare as my Pentax SLR lenses are. This matters to me.) So on the principle that they know how to get this right and other cameras in the line probably have the same excellent qualities, I'd look at them.
ERNR
