A terrific painter friend of mine, Morgan Weistling
http://www.morganweistling.com
talked me into getting a Nikon Coolpix 995. It was the best thing I've ever done. The images are much better than any film I've ever seen. Colors are true and you can see details in the darks.
Nikon is coming out with an improved version, the Nikon Coolpix 5000. Check this wonderful digital camera site to read all about it and others.
http://www.dpreview.com
Bill