What camera should I buy if I want re chargable batteries and a fast flash?

I'd like to buy a digital camera that takes pictures quickly (especially with a flash). I have a Canon powershot and it takes a long time for the flash to charge. I also go through AA batteries way to quickly. I would like a camera that has re chargable batteries (preferable a camera with the charger included) and one that takes pictures quickly. Any megapixel over 3 is fine. I don't want to spend more than $200. Can you help?

This is the camera you are looking for! The Panasonic Lumix Dmc Lz 3. It has all the important features, plus it is small, takes 2 AA batts that you can get rechargable AA for that last a long time. But if you have to have a lithum ion batt that has a charger then you should get the Fuji Finepix f20 for a few more bucks.

Hi, I noticed that you haven't marked any replies as the "best answer." Are you still looking for an answer? If so, I recommend you re-submit it on http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com so it will have a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like most questions are being answered within a few days. Good luck!

Thanks for your speedy response. I can answer your question in one word: black. The icons show across the top, but the background is black. I took a picture and the picture frame showed a black image. When you mention distortion I did have an earlier experience prior to having this black image in viewfinder problem. I would turn on camera, on auto, and found it had streaks (maybe having a problem getting it in focus?), but it did clear up and was successful in getting the picture. It did happen several times during that session. When I opened up to see pictures taken, not all were there. So I guess you could say that "streaks" equal distortion? I thought I did thorough research on digital cameras, but I think there is a "dirty" little secret as to the lack of the life time of these cameras. I did not see one word mentioning that a $400 camera is considered a disposal item! Your advise re investing in new is right on point. I am handy, so I might check out Ebay. Just as I at the end of writing this note, my husband walked in the door and had purchased a Fujifilm Fine Pix F20. I had done some research for the first time at the "DigitalCameraHQ" website and they rated this high and containing "6th generation technology in something I don't remember, but that sounded good to me. If you have time to respond to the black image diagnosis, I would be appreciative. Joanne

I just purchased a FujiFilm Finepix F20 with rechargeable Li-on rechargable battery with fast flash start up. But it also has picture stabilization which is an anti-blur mode which is very nice feature Joanne

I have two Fuji cameras: an A303 (2 AA batteries) and an S5100 (4 AA batteries.) The S5100 flash recovers much more quickly and I attribute that to its having twice the battery capacity. The voltage is also twice as high. As a crude approximation I'd say having a higher voltage in the camera helps make the charge time shorter. when you charge the flash you take energy out of the battery. With 4 AA cells you can get twice the energy while stressing the individual cells no more than when you have 2 AA cells.

The proprietary battery in the F20 is a 5 V battery. It could be expected to recharge quickly, too.