Verified answer

Personally I would NOT want this camera because it has rather limited optical zoom, no viewfinder and NO manual controls.

Without manual controls you are very VERY limited in what you can do, and very limited in how much you can learn from and grow with the camera. It also not possibly to attach a decent external flash, so all you'll ever have is that very inadequate little thing on the camera.

If you're happy to forever stay on Auto, take simple little snapshots and let the camera decide what to do, then you'll probably be happy enough with it, especially if you intend to only take photos in excellent light conditions - they'll turn out quite well then.

If you want to learn, improve and get creative, then this is not the right tool for you. You need something with more options and more controls.

If you want a tiny camera that gives you some decent options, I'd suggest looking at cameras like the Canon Powershot SX210IS or perhaps the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10. However, do keep in mind that small cameras have tiny sensors and tiny lenses, so don't ever expect miracles.

Depends which model it is. Most coolpix's are decent point and shoots. Some better some worse.

The s6100 is quite good as a small camera, and it has a touchscreen interface.

the 3100 is ok

but don't expect miracles from it