Nikon has always been one of the best cameras out there but I bought a Canon SX10 IS as a mid level camera.
My next camera will be a full blown digital SLR camera but I really like the canon SX10 IS.
Comfortable and easy to use and seems like it gets pretty good battery life.
Uses 4 AA batteries and I use rechargeables
I keep 8 on hand so I always have a fresh set of batteries.
One con I have with this camera is that if batteries are left out for too long the image counter will reset itself not a huge deal but a bit of a quirk.

Bill