I have used mostly Nikons since 1998 and the latest compact P&S is a Coolpix S7c. It is fast both in startup and taking a picture. It has face recognition mode and VR (vibration reduction). I used two wine glasses as a tripod and took a movie clip of a luau this past summer. The S51/S51c are the current models.

The slightly larger P5000 and P5100 are much more capable with more accessories such as lens and hotshoe.

Had used Coolpix S1, 5400, 5000 and 880 before. And yes, the older cameras such as the 880 were much slower. Except for the 880, I still have the other cameras but passed on to other members of the family.