Batteries

Some cameras use a lithium battery.
Some come with alkaline AA batteries.
Most people will buy rechargeable NiMH AA batteries and a charger.
About $20.
The alkaline AA batteries do not last long.

The NIMH batteries will last about as long on a charge as the lithium batteries.

Type of battery does not affect camera performance.

I have cameras with both types of batteries.
To me.....it is a don't care situation.
I don't consider the type of battery when buying a camera.
Why limit your choices with something that does not matter.

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AFAIK from some research and advice from store employees
If a digicam comes with non-rechargeable batts.....
It'll take:
1) Non rechargeable alkalines batts
2) Rechargeable alkalines batts
3) Non rechargeable lithion ion (li-ion) batts

it woN'T take
4) rechargeable lithion ion (li-ion) batts, since these are proprietary to custom fit the digicams they were made for

Most of these digicams come w/a cheaper, less capcity version of #1 that lasts a pitifully short time. Getting high capacity #1s (i think that's around 2200mAH?) will last much longer than any included batts, is the cheapest of the 3 types above, but doesn't give best performance. E.g., u get 500 shots off a set of #1s, but but about halfway to 2/3 the way through, there won't be enough charge to power the flash, or sufficiently so, just enough for nonflash shots.

#2 has less capacity overall, but u save more $$ since u can reuse the same batts over and over again for its lifecycle duration. After about x amt of charges, performance likely to go down like described with #1 above. If you run out of juice for #2 batts but can't recharge, swap in #1 & #3 to supplement your shooting needs till u get home and can charge

#3 Noticeably more expensive, but still manageable in cost. Highest capacity, and power output is great. Towards the end of the batts lifecycle, you'll get roughly at least 90% of output, so u can still squeeze max power for flahs and any other power hungry features


PROS
-ALL these batteries come in std sizes like AA, AAA, etc. If u need fresh batt on the fly, buying from a general store or "tourist trap" is an option. Or just pack extras.
-The rechargeable alkaline will be more readily avialable from bigger and/or more batt oriented stores like Targe, RadioShack, and special elextronics stores
-no need to carry charger

CONS
-not the best performance in a batt for non li-ion
-replacing batt often has environmental effects
-can get quite expensive if you take pictures VERY often and have to replace batt alot
-either get better li-ion performance or convenience of rechargeable alkalines, but NOT both

If a digicam comes with rechargeable
it will take
4) rechargeable lithion ion (li-ion) batts, since these are proprietary to custom fit the digicams they were made for

they MAY or may NOT take:
1) Non rechargeable alkalines batts
2) Rechargeable alkalines batts
3) Non rechargeable lithion ion (li-ion) batts

IIRC, some models that use #4 may also allow for #1 through #3 std batteries as an alternative when someth goes wrong w/#4. Check with the manufacturer or consult the digicam in question's user manual for more info

PROS
-great performance w/convenience of recharging
-cost effective when taking many pics

CONS
-need to bring a charger with u on vacations/trips
-a spare #4 may be needed for heavy use, which are typically expensive (around $50, but vary per model.)
-can only buy from manuf or their authorized dealer
-need to remember to keep batts charged
-if u lose #4 or they go defective, u may not have an alternative

CONCLUSION
Unless you're trigger happy w/your camera, case #1 should suffice. Else case #2 may be better. Else, there r a few scenarios where both'll suffice, in which that's up to u to decide

Happy hunting