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

I got this camera back in August right before I was going to see concert. I was looking for something cheap, reliable, and that actually worked. This camera does all of that! I posted some pics I took at the concert that night at the Paramore concert and I got some GREAT pictures! This isn't really a camera for people who are looking for a long term family or art camera. Its more for people like me who are more looking for something good that wont cost them a bundle because they use it in high breakage risk scenarios. I'm 19. I go through electronics like that! In fact I had bought this camera once and within 3 hours my nephew dropped it and it broke so I bought it again. I get everything as high tech as possible and have had an ipod since I was 13. That being said, I love this camera! I do eventually want to get an SLR but for now this camera takes an amazing picture and the price is right. For concerts, going out with friends, or family gatherings - you wont be disappointed with the pictures you get. Pros: Simple to use, big viewing screen, records video with good sound, takes AMAZING pictures Cons: Takes a moment between pictures. After you take a picture you have to wait a moment before you can take another. Overall: I would in a heart beat buy this camera a third time!

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!!