Ski type, length, binding settings?

Question
I am going skiing after two years break - caused by a broken leg.  Unfortunately the break was due to the binding not releasing on a slow speed fall (hit ice with one ski and a rock with the other mid-turn - I'm sure it was funny to watch).  On checking, the binding release appeared to be working - asking at another shop indicated that the setting I was on was far too high for a skiier of my weight and ability. I would like a recommendation on ski type, length, and binding settings, with a bit of an explanation, as I would like to understand some of the issues rather than just trusting the local rental shop.
I am a beginner who can get down an intermediate slope and was starting to parallel.  Most of my falls are due to poorly executed turns in which I am too defensive (I think).  I will be skiing in New Zealnd on groomed runs which should be hard, powder unlikely.  I am not an agressive skiier and don't mind having to chase my skis a bit.  I am 5'4", 134 pounds.   
What is the difference between Standard, Carver, Demo, and Performance skis?  Can you recommend a length - I have heard that lengths in the shorter range are better for beginner skiiers / those who have problems turning? How can I determine what my binding setting should be?
Thanks very much for your help,

Jen

Answer
Hi Jen,

I'm sorry for the delay in responding (and for your broken leg!)- I hope I can be of some help.

Ski length determines both how stable a ski will feel at speed, and how effective the ski will be at gripping icy surfaces. Based upon your height, weight, and described ability level, I'd think about a 148cm ski would be ideal for you.

Binding settings are not my expertise, but I can give you some basics- especially as they relate to rental gear. Essentially, your bindings are set to release when a factor of your own body weight acts on them rapidly. This means that a slow pull of 134 pounds may not condition a release, but a rapid pull of only a fraction of your weight will. This number is affected by your boot sole length, as a longer foot will have greater leverage over the leg, and binding settings go down with increased sole length (I am pretty sure it goes that way). Shops ask you to select your skier type (I, II, or III), so they can protect themselves against liability for attempting to determine your skier type. The second shop may have had greater information (your broken leg) then the first one did when assessing your type...

Bindings follow "release algorithms", essentially patterns by which a release occurs. Standard rental skis tend to have entry level bindings- which are designed to release rather than retain. However standard rental skis often lack the response and edge hold a skier desires after the first few days on the slopes.

Almost all skis today are carving skis, with the exception of Park, GS Race, and some powder designs. If a shops rental skis are not considered carving skis, you need to find another shop. Demo skis are manufacturers samples of current year retail models. They typically go out less, and are tuned better, because the shop is trying to use them to sell skis. Think of them like a car dealers demo models. They are almost always the best way to go. Performance skis tend to represent a higher end ski than standard rental skis, and a good shop will replace their fleet annually, while standard skis can stay in inventory for multiple seasons.

If the skis you are on are not women specific, you may ask them to mount them for a women- about 1 cm forward. This will aid in your ability to turn.

I googled a Din chart, and found this one
http://www.dinsetting.com/dinchart.htm

I hope this helps, good luck with the leg!