Nikon Coolpix L22 12.0MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Red-primary)

After reading most of the reviews, those good and bad, I decided to purchase this camera, and actually received it earlier than Amazon had stated. With that said, this is a simple point and shoot camera. I think the bad reviews (however, I'm concerned about the 'flimsy' battery door cover) were based on some folks not knowing how to 'use' the camera. Basic camera operation, press the shutter HALFWAY, it beeps when it's focused, and then continue pressing the button all the way down. Picture was taken immediately, no wait time like some of the reviews implied here, and the results were excellent. Picture was in focus, colors were good, and overall for the price of the camera, it did a darn good job! I took photos outdoors and indoors in various lightning conditions with overall excellent results. I even used the macro mode for very up close shots. I did find that turning the flash mode to the 'off' setting, prevented the picture from being washed out, and with the flash off the results were pretty good using ambient light for macro shots. With more use of the camera, I'll find out how great the battery life is, movie mode and some of the other advanced features. So, even though I've only used it for a day, I'm very satisfied with this camera and would suggest it to friends who are looking for a good camera with a good price.

This is the 4th Nikon Coolpix that I purchased. I owned the Coolpix L6 and liked it very much. The L6 was a great little camera to have in your pocket or purse. It took great photos. The only bad thing - which was big - that I didn't like about that camera was the shutter lag on flash photos. In spite of that, I liked the small size and very nice photos. I purchased two more as gifts. Unfortunately, I dropped mine and wanted to replace it. I purchased the L22 and took it to a wedding. Out of 50 photos, I only have one nice one. I tried it in the garden both on regular and on macro - again did not perform well. Most photos are blurry. Thank goodness for the great return policy at Amazon.com! I will be selecting another camera soon.

See updated comment below. For the money you can't beat this little camera...for the folks who are complaining about blurry photos, this isn't a $1,000 DSLR...there is some shutter lag, as with all inexpensive digital cameras; take that into account and you'll be fine: so far I haven't had any difficulties capturing crisply and clearly the smoke rising from my BBQ grill (it helps if you use the right shooting mode for the right shot, too; for that I used the sports/action mode). The micro mode is great! Another thing that helps prevent blurry photos is to use a tripod! Especially if you're shooting important landscapes or portraits. (Helpful hint: when using a tripd you may want to turn image stabilization off...try a shot both ways and see which you prefer.) As for battery usage...most cameras eat batteries if you're shooting a lot, which is why every photography book/course/instructor/owner's manual tells you: carry extra batteries! Now let's talk video...I am so delighted with the great videos this little camera makes! I had a small digital camera which I paid half again as much for, and my Nikon takes better videos. Again, folks, this isn't a $1,000 DSLR; don't expect it to be, and you won't be disappointed. I highly, highly recommend this camera! It goes with me everywhere I go, and it has not disappointed me yet as I put it through its paces. UPDATE: 10-17-2010: I took this little camera to Biketoberfest, and in the sports/action mode using a panning technique I got crystal clear photos of the bikes as they went by me. I shot several movies and the sound was awesome, and the movies are sharp as a tack! The batteries, which I have had in the camera since I bought it, lasted all day and were still going strong. The micro mode is very impressive...you can get as close as 2" to your subject. The more I use this camera, the more I'm impressed with it and happy I bought it!!