AA batt, audio only, manual speed needed--help!

[andrewstelzer]

Ive bought the Casio Exilim z-110 several times because it seemed to be the only camera with everything i wanted. But dust has repeatedly got into the lens(which is why ive had to buy the same camera several times).
So rather than be stupid again, Id like to make a switch. But its hard to find what I need. here are my requirements:
-AA batteries.
-fits in my pants pocket
-both video recording mode, AND audio-only recording mode(this is one I really have trouble finding)
-the ability to set shutter speed manually (the EXILIM lets you do it from 1/2000 to 30 seconds, id like something close to that)
-SD chip is ideal but i might be willing to switch.

Doesnt sounds so complicated...please make suggestions of digital cameras that fit this description. thanks!

[David Metsky]

If you want a small camera (fit in your pocket) then you would do much better if you drop the AA requirement. Nearly all ultracompacts have LiIon batteries, and while I understand the appeal of AA rechargeables, for this application LiIon are fine.

All cameras now have movie mode. You might want to define your movie requirements a bit further - HD, 30fps, optical zoom during video? Most cameras don't have a dedicated audio recording mode, but most will let you take a 60 second audio memo attached to an image. Would that be sufficient?

Very few ultracompacts have manual controls for shutter speed. For that you'll probably end up going a bit bigger.

Some models to look at:
Fuji F200
Fuji F60
Kodak Z1285
Panasonic FX500
Sony W300

[andrewstelzer]

thanks for the suggestions, ill check them out. The Kodak z1285, and 1275 were coming up as I was previously searching. I can't tell for sure if they have audio only. But 60 seconds really isnt enough: Im a journalist, and i like being able to use my camera as an emergency tape recorder to record interviews, conversations, etc.
As for movie mode, I dont understand the specs enough to even know what I want/need.
And being out in the field for extended period of time--once in the Egyptian desert for a week, AA batteries are pretty much mandatory for me. I just cant charge up.

[David Metsky]

And being out in the field for extended period of time--once in the Egyptian desert for a week, AA batteries are pretty much mandatory for me. I just cant charge up.
I hike for extended periods of time, and I carry extra batteries and turn off the LCD. That's why I only buy cameras with optical viewfinders, they last much longer in these situations. I hike with a Canon SD800 and 2 extra Li-Ion batteries, and can easily make it a week if I'm a little careful. With my older SD300 I carried 3 spares. With AAs you'll still need to carry spare batteries since alkaline AAs will only last 30-40 shots. A few sets of Low Discharge NiMH batteries would do the trick here as well but either way you should carry your own batteries to make sure.

I don't know of any cameras that have a recording mode of greater then 60 seconds. But I've never heard of anyone looking for that feature so it might be available on some cameras.