I am Nikon guy for the past 30 years but I wouldn't touch CoolPix with the ten foot pole. I had one in the past and it performed very poorly. Finally it died.
The best pocket cameras are Canon Powershot ones. For about $300 you can pick up good one. I use Nikon DSLR bodies daily and to complement my setup I have Powershot as well.
Good Sony P&S cameras start around $500+, If your budget allows, go either with Sony or Canon P&S.