Canon Digital Pocket Cameras

I'm looking for a camera with at least this features:

- lots of zoom - at least 7x optical
- 8.0 megapixal +
- many different settings for different backgrounds (ex: snow, indoors, outside, sunny, etc)
- brand must be canon or sony
- medium - large sized view finder
- pocket sized or small
- powered by AA batteries

Also if you know of a guide book/website or something that helps narrow down cameras based on what you specifically want, that'd help also!
Sounds like you know pretty much what you want. You need to go onto the Canon (http://www.usacanon.com) or the Nikon (http://www.nikonusa.com) websites and check out whats available that will fit your needs. Both systems are excellent so you can't go wrong with Canon or Nikon.
Just a comment since you seem to have some understanding of photography… think about a DSLR. Except for your small camera size requirements, a DSLR sounds like what you are saying you want. If you are willing to deal with a little bit bigger camera, they are far more flexible than any point and shoot camera. Also, when used correctly you can expect better quality from a DSLR. Any DSLR you buy will have a larger image sensor than is available in any point and shoot camera you will find. Image sensor size is far more important than megapixels when it comes to picture quality. The basic Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras have street prices starting around $550, so you can get something really nice and versatile without breaking the bank.
Good luck with your shopping.