I got the Nikon Coolpix S5 series in Hong Kong when I wentthere about 2 years ago, and up until now, I am still using it. NO problems at all regarding malfunctions.
I just wish it had a better zoom range and better quality for pictures taken at night because they come out pixelized, but i know I can't have everything for such a small camera. The battery life is long (lithium ion) and it is very lightweight. It is very easy to bring around so honestly, I don't go home without it. I have snapped many pictures with it.
Another thing that I appreciate is being able to snap photos while I am on board a moving vehicle. The pictures are pretty sharp, as long as it is daytime. The nighttime shots are the only problem that I have encountered.
Being able to snap a good picture from a moving vehicle is a big plus.
I too love lithium ion battery, long life , very lightweight and the best part is recharging it is so fast
Its kinda high for my pitiful buget, but sounds like a good camera. I think most cameras have the same problems as for zoom and the dark. Thanks for your information.
It sounds like a better camera than I have right now, but Nikon is one of the best cameras around, so I'm not surprised that you like it. I have yet to find a camera that does good night shots and is less than $1000, but I am sorry you're having that problem. Nice details!