We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the
drugs began to take hold. I remember John MacLeod
saying something like:

Neither NiCads nor NiMH are all that suitable for cameras -- if you've
a camera that takes AA batteries, put in good-quality alkaline
batteries.

Your digicam is due for replacement, if it's done seven years. Make
sure your new one has a Lithium-ion battery built in and that it can
be charged in the camera. Far more suitable for camera use than NiMH
or NiCad.

Lithium is lovely, to be sure.
However, NiMh was/is the preferred chemistry for numerous bridge Fujis
and the lesser Pentaxes and they last for hundreds of shots per charge.
Big advantage is; they can be recharged nearly anywhere, by several
means and at a pinch you can bung some alkalines in if you're stuck.
My ancient Fuji S7000 uses them and it's fine.