I don't want to repeat what the other reviewers have said, I agree with everything. Small buttons? Sure, but the unit itself is small - you can't fit buttons that are any larger on this sucker.

I've used the professional Cannon broadcast quality camcorders, and if I had the means, I would certainly own one. I'm fanatical about picture quality and being able to transfer the video to PC and play with it - you know, the modern day necessities when living in the digital age. This unit is the highest quality sub $1,000 camera I've found. I did quite the Pepsi Challenge too (the folks at Circut City and I are all on a first name basis now).

This is THE BEST camcorder I've ever owned. I love the fact that I can shoot video and take a snapshot without changing modes. It also doubles as an awesome digital camera. The info shoe makes the accessories the most functional of any other unit I've used.

I first bought the Video Light because the unit slightly underperforms in low light. The second was the flash unit for taking awesome digital pics. The third (and the coolest, but not necessary) is the directional microphone for zeroing in on a single person's voice from a distance. When you zoom in on their face, it 'zeroes' in on their voice, canceling out the ambient noise. Is that cool or what!

If it sounds like I'm gushing, I am. This camcorder, feature by feature, it cannot be beat!

The Part numbers listed below are the accessories I recommend all of which are currently sold on Amazon.com:
Description - Part# - AISN#
---------------------------
Video Flash - VLF3U - ASIN: B00006HTJO
Video Light - VLV3U - ASIN: B00006HTH7
Directional Microphone - MZV3U - AISN: B00006HTJN

I have owned this camera for about 7 months and I must say I an impressed.
The quality is outstanding!!
It has every feature you could hope for (except a built in flash).
The thumb buttons are a little hard to get use to but that is a small flaw.
This thing has soooo many features that I have not even got to use them all.
The best in my opinion, is the ability to take pictures without interrupting the Video!!
You push the button half way down while you are shooting video and you get a preview of the still then push all the way down and it snaps the photo while the video rolls along uninterrupted!!
I highly recommed this DV cam.
PS. I would recommend you buy the external flash.It is great.

After looking over the vast range of camcorders available, we selected this model and could not be happier!! We have used it for app. 3 hours so far and the picture and sound is sensational. It was a bit hard to get used to the features at first (there are so many) but it is second nature now. My only suggestion is, get a Tripod. When you use the zoom, it is impossible to stay steady without it. I would buy this camcorder again and highly suggest it. I saw this camcorder cheaper at many different locations on the internet but opted to pay more at Circuit City and have not regreted it. Their policy gives you PEACE OF MIND, and can you really put a price on that?

The camcorder is a good buy. Great picture, lightweight, and easy to use. It took me only an hour or so to master most of its functions. Some of the buttons are small and the unit does not come with any blank tapes. That is kind of cheap for a $... unit.