Welcome to PhotographyREVIEW.com, Chris. Thanks for all the detail. It makes a big difference when we try to answer your question.

Forst of all, a pocket-sized camera that uses AA batteries is tough. I can't think of one. That's because the AA batteries are pretty large by current battery size standards. The proprietary rechargable batteries are really good now. And that will open up a huge number of cameras for you. For pocket-sized point-and-shoots with image stabilization, my preference is Canon, Panasonic, Casio, and Olympus - not necessarily in that order. Nikon and Sony also make good cameras. But I have always enjoyed using the others more.

Here's a quick breakdown of the general differences, as I see them. Canon generally has the best image quality (although Sony and Nikon can compete in that area), the Panasonic P&S cameras are the easiest to use, Casio P&S cameras offer the most control and are usually the fastest, and the Olympus Stylus line is very compact and weatherproof. So I like them all - but for different reasons. I'm going to leave it at that for now to see what you have to say. Then we can go from there.

And when the time comes for you to buy a digital SLR, you're a prime candidate for on of the Sony Alpha cameras. In case you don't know, your Minolta Maxxum lenses should work on the Sony DSLRs. So unless you only have one lens, start looking at the Sonys because they'll be your best bet. And they're also very, very good. Sony jumped in with both feet and they're making good stuff.