That doesn't seem right. On my digicam (HP 618) I can get anywhere from 100 - 250 pics depending on the frequency of use, operating temperature, amount of LCD and flash use, etc. off of four 1600mah AA batteries.
1 hour charger? That doesn't seem right for NI-MH...the shortest I've ever seen was 5 hours for a full Ni-MH charge? I have a 5 hour charger and I usually charge them for the 5 hours, then an extra 1 or 2 hours because I find that the 5 doesn't fully charge them to their full potential.
edit: i have 1600mah panasonic Ni-MH's and a panasonic charger