Forgive my ignorance with correct terminology here as I try to describe what I want to ask.

When I set my camera for a time-exposure, it will "process" the picture for the same amount of time as the exposure.  If I do a 5 second exposure, it "processes" for 5 seconds; if 12 seconds exposure, then 12 seconds processing...etc.  I remember reading somewhere (but I can't remember where) that this is a feature of the camera that is actually re-exposing the digital file to the image processor for some type of added effect (I guess clarity?).  Basically, this feature annoys me and is problematic at times.  How do I shut it off?  If I'm doing a 10 second exposure, I want to be able to do it again immediately after that 10 seconds is up, not wait for another 10 seconds for the camera to think about it.  Maybe I just need to upgrade equipment to a real camera instead of a high-end point-and-shoot.  I have the Canon SX-10-IS.  I like it; it takes good pictures, but sometimes it gets a little too bossy and lacks the obedience I think it should have.  Until I can get something new, does anybody have any advice on this annoying feature?  Thanks!