Well ,my past two cameras have had the option of using AA batteries, and it has come in handy at times. I am in the market for a new camera, and would love to have the option of using AA batteries in it. I would guess that for the great majority of people it is not a major priority, but it is very comforting to know I can reach in my bag pull out some AA batteries and keep shooting. I have had defective proprietary batteries that just took forever to charge. I almost never use the proprietary battery I have for my camera, just use the new type rechargeable ones, and they last normally over a month for me, I keep two sets and just rotate them. I don't travel to remote places, and especially for long periods of time, and I don't take really important professional type pictures, but still I will look for a camera that uses AA batteries as an option, but it will not be a deal breaker for me because of the way I use my camera and the type of pictures I take.
