The digital camera has gradually become a worthwhile, versatile and affordable alternative for a traditional film camera. One of the biggest advantages obviously being its ease of use. Yes, the boot time is pretty slow and the LCD is slow, but I wouldn't agree about the zoom. Focusing is usually pretty reliable for me, I hardly ever get misfocused shots.
Battery life is short only when the LCD is on all the time.
If you use it only for the auto preview or not at all, you get decent battery life. The retail price you have on it is WAY off. Yes, the images are a little dark. No, it's white balance is not poor, it works just fine. I also can't believe that you'd compare it to a crummy 640x480 Mavica.