lcoe writes:

so i popped them in and the camera fired up fine, and i reviewed pictures
taken w/these same batteries. then i went to 'record', it tried, but
shutdown. again, sameo, sameo.

This is really just demonstrating that alkalines aren't suitable for
your digital camera - too much internal resistance.

Rechargeable alkalines, even on their first use, are worse than
single-use ones, Later discharges get worse yet because internal
resistance increases. I don't expect single-use alkalines that have
been recharged are any different in this respect.

the choice still remains to install fresh alkalines, assuming the
balance of the battery cap. could be utilized, and if i am willing
to put up with the intemittant operation of the camera. for now,
it's going to be Ni-mh, but i will not be able to resist further
testing.

Forget the alkalines. You've demonstrated that they're useless except
as an absolute last resort. Use NiMH for day to day use. Buy a set of
single-use lithium AAs for backup if you can't always be sure of having
enough NiMH batteries for a trip.

Dave