Which Simple Point-And-Shoot?

[pedalinbobby]

OK, I have read a ton of info about digital cameras, and have defined my needs.
My head is reeling from all the info, so I decided to simply ask the experts.

Currently, I have an older Olympus D510 zoom, 2.1 megapixel. We generally like the camera, but it has a tiny viewscreen (1"?) and we cannot enlarge pics much befere losing resolution.

We are novices, and need an excellent general use (indoor and outdoor, some action), simple "bang-for-the-buck" camera. Our budget is around $200.

Here are our desires, in no particular order:

1. Easy to use. My wife wants to turn it on and start taking pics. I sometimes use the night setting on our current camera (works very well!). Having the ability for manual control might be useful...not sure, though.

2. Perhaps 4 megapixels, which would hopefully allow us to make occasional 8x10's.

3. Probably AA bats. I like the idea of being able to use alkies in a pinch. I also have a nice Vanson charger with eight Energizer 2100 bats. I can get eight 2500 bats under $20, so expensive proprietary bats kinda bug me. I would consider proprietary bats, however.

4. Reasonably priced memory cards. I think SD's are fairly inexpensive...not sure about that. The ability to take a little video would be cool...but isn't required.

5. Reasonably fast shutter. Our Olympus is SLOOOOOOOOWWWW! I am not kidding. It takes over a second for the shutter to release, regardles of whether we are using NiMh, lithiums or alkies. I have missed hundreds of gret shots over this. I hear most newer camers are much better.

6. Budget around $200. Decent software is a plus, but not required. Reliability and customer service are certainly a plus! Size: smaller would be best, but is secondary to overall performance. Oh--I like the zoom on the Olympus...that would be nice. It is a 3x optical zoom.

7. Decent size screen! Ours is small, and measures 37mmx27mm.

Also, my brother-in-law has a Kodak Easyshare which he likes quite a bit. I have tried it, and it is easy to use, and seems to take great pics. Not sure what model, but it has a pretty large viewscreen.
My monster-in-law has a Sony Cybershot (not sure of model) which also seems to foot the bill, but she said the memory "sticks" were expensive.

So, I have looked around a bit, and have compiled a small list:

1. Canon Powershot A520. Sounds like the "A" series is an excellent line. Seems to get great reviews. Uses AA bats and inexpensive memory cards. I can get it for $195 at a local store. Not sure of ease-of-use.

2. Kodak Easyshare DX7440. Much like my brother's camera, can be had for $164 at a local store. Uses a proprietary battery.

3. Sony Cybershot DSCp73. Uses expensive memory sticks. Cost $188 from local store.

4. Kodak 7530. Great review in Consumer Reports...but apears to be discontinued.

5. Kodak C360. Pretty good reviews...nice price...too good to be true??? I am leaning heavily toward this camera.

6. Kodak Z700. Good price...small viewer...fast shutter...kinda clunky.

What do you think???
Any and all suggestions welcome!!!

Many thanks in advance.

Bob