All Things Mopar wrote:
David J Taylor commented courteously ...

Between myself and my wife the ZLRs we have are the
Nikon Coolpix 5700 and 8400, and the Panasonic FZ20.
We both started with Nikon, a Coolpix 900 in my
case and the 990 for my wife.

Hi, David.

I, too, have a Nikon 5700, you may have seen my rants and
pleas for help with flash exposure problems on
rec.photo.digital.

Do you, perchance, take flash pictures in museum settings
with your 5700, either with the built-in Speedlight or an
external flash? If Yes, how are your results.

Thanks.

Jerry,

I must admit that the small built-in flash on these cameras has its
limitations. With my own photography, when inside museums etc. I usually
try and use the natural lighting, even if that means having to prop the
camera on an object for support. (I carry neither a tripod nor an
external flashgun). I've just bought a "pod" support to try out!

http://www.thepod.ca/home.html

The flash I do use is restricted to objects at a fairly constant distance,
i.e. not with great range between front and back like a car close-up. The
fall off of light with distance is rather rapid - although you can use
bounce flash if the ceiling is low enough. I have found that you need to
keep the front of the camera clear of obstructions. If the flash sensor
or the lamp itself is obstructed you can get odd exposures.

Although I've only had it a short while, the flash on the 8400 seems a
little better - it covers all of the 24mm field of view - although that
might mean in your case getting an overall impression of the room rather
than a detailed close-up of a single vehicle.

At least with digital you get the chance to checkout the results and try
again.

Cheers,
David