I've had so many alkaline batteries leak, even from the big brands, I've pretty much given up on using them in anything that matters. AA or AAA can usually be replaced by Eneloop-style rechargeables. If you can find a low self-discharge NiMH battery labelled 'made in Japan', it is apparently made in the same FDK factory as Eneloop-branded batteries, using similar or identical chemistry, but will usually be cheaper. Mine are Fujitsu and Ikea branded batteries, with specs equivalent to Eneloop Pro.
For cameras that take stacked LR44s, I've mostly switched to 1/3N (2L76) lithiums.