Deffo need rechargeables just to deliver the grunt the early digicams needed. Even brand new alkalines would often only do half a dozen shots before running out of puff.
NiMH probably the best compromise for what you need, perhaps try
http://www.eurobatteries.com/sitepages/nimh.asp
bigger capacity the better, 2500mAh about the biggest AA available, don't bother with 1300mAh or similar which is what some AA rechargeables are.......
and of course you'll need a charger.
That's just one of the big advances in digicams, battery life.