Must use 'AA' batteries and small enough to fit inside ammo pouch. Video and audio would be a plus. i have been using the Olympus stylus 720sw for over a year now. i have dropped it taken in to many lakes and all but one ocean. this camera is very rugged. battery life is not the greatest because of the huge LCD screen but you can get extra batteries. i understand your need for AA so much easier to find any wear. My suggestion would be the Olympus Stylus 720SW.
A quick description from "Steve's Digicams" as follows:
The Stylus 720 SW can withstand a 5-foot drop, shoot under water up to 10 feet, and combines light, durable body construction and shock-absorbing materials throughout the interior. The stylish and compact Stylus 720 SW offers 7.1 megapixels of resolution, a 3x internal zooming lens, 2.5鈥?LCD, Bright Capture Technology, Digital Image Stabilization Mode and much more. Designed for everyday use yet versatile and rugged enough to shoot on the mountain, at the game, at the party, on the beach or up to ten feet underwater.
I have been in the photography business for 15yrs now (Forensics) and although I do not use Olympus at work I am quite familiar with the brand and I am impressed with the quality. The only problem is that this model does not used AA batteries..But the battery life is excellent and it is always advisable to buy a spare or 2 anyway. Hope this helps! The best bet would be a "weather resistant" or even a little underwater camera might be good, but don't expect high resolution with the underwater camera.
If you can find one that uses SD memory cards, they are the most used. Check steves-digicams.com for reviews of various cameras. In the Sept. 2007 issue of Shutterbug magazine there is a review of five 10 mega pixel digicams. You can find it on-line at shutterbug.com.
After choosing your camera, go to cameraarmor.com and bonicadive.com and see if they have a protective cover for your camera. If they do, buy it. Sand and dirt are enemies of cameras.
If the camera you choose accepts filters - or if the manufacturer offers an adapter, buy it - you'll want a HAZE/UV filter to protect the front element of your lens. This filter "cuts through" atmospheric haze. A Skylight filter is also useful. It removes the bluish tint seen in distant shaded mountains or in photos taken in open shade.
You may as well add a circular polarizer to your list. This filter allows you to darken blue skys. It also removes glare/reflections from sand, snow, water, glass and painted metal - but not from polished metal. The problem in Iraq is dust, so I'd recommend getting a waterproof camera. | 