>>3950058I had no problems whatsoever with NiMH rechargeables in several DIGIC II and DIGIC III generation PowerSh!ts. Lasted for (low) hundreds of shots per charge, as advertised. Get good cells and a smart charger if you want to go that route.
No experience with earlier models like A520 or AXX.
I really liked the color from DIGIC II on my uncalibrated monitor, make of it whatever you want. Preferred it over DIGIC III. OTOH, they all oversaturate and oversharpen like mad and it was only from 2006~2007 models when more comprehensive image controls became available.
Not all models have manual controls and none of AXXXX do. This list can be helpful.
https://en.kikepedia.org/wiki/Canon_PowerShot_A 