Hi, I own a Nikon Coolpix 2100. I asked my sister to get it from US when she was coming. Along with the standard pack, she got an additional 128MB CF card (the total costed about 150+60 dollars).
Pros:
The picture modes and Quality is Excellent as with most other Nikon products. I found the clarity truely superb in ’’best’’ mode. The functions were very easy to use, modes can be changed with the turn of a knob, flash turned on/off at the touch of buttons and its got a very good self-timer that hints the user in two stages (beginning of the timer and near expiery of timer). It is very compact and cute to look at. The data transfer functions are excellent and they come with some useful options too (like creating a new folder for every download and erasing the on-chip photos after downloading etc). Coming to the video, this is a little dilemma.
Cons:
The camera takes some time to start from a cold state. So, if you suddenly want to click something beautiful, then the camera will let you down for it takes some time to start, initialize and adjust to the surroundings. So, what I mean is you cannot use it for instant photography like the counterpart SLRs (but there is nothing much anyone can do about it)
The video quality is Good at high resolution, but IRRESPECTIVE of the amount of Memory you have, it lets you take only 7 seconds of Video in that mode and that too with out Audio. I think this is the biggest drawback of this fellow.
Coming to the batteries, it comes pre-packed with a battery, but after it is exhausted, you need to buy Li-MH batteries (the normal Alkalines like DuraCell, Nippo etc dont even start it). These LiMH rechargeable batteries (4 numbers along with a charger of GP make, a fairly standard one) cost me around 1000 rupees and I dont get more than 25-30 snaps with a pair, per charge. This sometimes leaves me Frustrating. If I want to buy the original (non-rechageable) battery Li-ION, it costs me a whopping 850 rupees (definately not worth).
Conclusion:
If you are not keen on Video (and voice) and dont hesitate to wait for a few seconds before starting your shooting section, then YES, go get this one. Its the best in other aspects. Otherwise go for other successors. Whatever, please do consider the batteries option first and then decide.
Harsha.