one of the problems with using disposable batteries is you can get much better power out of after market li-ion batteries.
Most of the li-ion batteries that come with cameras suck, but you can get AMAZING ones individually. I've had the same battery in my camera for 3 weeks, have taken over 500 pics with it, and its still at full strength.
I'd still push ya for a digislr if you're serious about your pics, but money is a hard issue
here are some shots I took off my porch tonight:
no photshopping or anything, straight off the camera