Do Camera Makers not realise - high-end P&S, or entry-level DSLR - that such buyers are seldom Professional Photographers or even Advanced Hobbyists? That they're often casual, hobby, and family users? Who tend to have other cameras and devices that use AAs.
I have 3 cameras, a now carry-bag old Fuji S2000HD, a Canon SX10, and a Fuji HS10. All use AAs, and my place and camera-gear pack is well-supplied with sets of 4 Eneloops and chargers-plural.
Canon just blotted its copybook with its new SX30 IS - by putting an "Unobtanium" power-pack in it... The "advantage" - the power-pack does 370-400 shots - my SX10 does 550-600 on Eneloops, and a friend's SX20 does 500-550 on Eneloops. That's "progress"...?
The same friend was going to trade her SX20 for the new model when it came out - she thought - but not with "No RAW, no Fast Continuous, and no Eneloops!" Yes - it does make a difference.
And since when does a well over $500.00 Bridge Camera kid itself that 1.3fps is "Fast Continuous"...? My Fuji HS10 has 13-7-5-3fps at full resolution JPEG, 5fps and 3fps RAW and RAW+JPEG. And runs on 4 x AAs - as does the new HS20, due out in March.
The types of users buying midrange P&S and Bridge Camera, and entry-level DSLRs are much better off with AAs. Not just because 4 x Eneloops are cheaper than a spare power-pack and will often outlast it, too - but if we "carelessly" didn't have a few spare charged packs along on a long day out, or a few days trip - once the pack in the camera - and maybe a spare, runs out - dead camera! With AAs, we can buy "keep-you-going" AA Alkalines almost anywhere.
And - strange about that Canon SX30 - it uses the same size-shape body as the SX10 / SX20 - why didn't they do as Pentax has done - and at least made Unobtainium-pack or AAs optional..?
If they had - there might be the same keen excitement on another Forum as with the releases of the SX10 and SX20... Instead of a couple of main threads at present untouched for a week and a half, and several days, respectively.
If Camera Makers don't offer folk what they really want - they won't be able to whinge on the day the Chinese do exactly that - for 20-30% of the price.... Now - a semi-clone "Kanon" XX30 = for $150.00 - I'd buy - just for the excellent Video....
Dave.