Hey, I'm having a lot of fun with my first DV camera. It has been a long time since my "Super 8" film camera was put into service. So consider this as a comparison. I've read reviews about "pop" zoom sounds. A good, steady, light release should solve this problem. No perceptible engine noise. Oh yes, I bought a refurbishment. for $140, so my costs seem minimal. I've had it for a few weeks now and the buyer has no regrets. The footage I captured exceeds what I thought of the quality of the camera. I think there are a lot of good cameras out there. You can work on Skype. As with any item, read and reread the instructions and have a good time. Greetings from me, "Have a nice trip, see you soon".