I did a lot of research on the internet and I'm glad I chose this camera. It's very small but fits perfectly in the palm of my hand. It was the right size to be able to use all the functions comfortably and to press the right buttons without any problems. The pictures are excellent and the usability is excellent. The battery life is very good, just remember to always turn it off when not in use. It charges very quickly compared to other devices I've had. I've taken it abroad and there weren't any problems charging 220V either. If you're looking for something that shoots perfect video and has decent features that you'll actually use, then this Sony camcorder is your choice . I know there are other more advanced and expensive devices on the market with so many features that cost a few hundred dollars more, but the real question is, will you ever use them? The answer is most likely known. Believe me this is the best bang for your buck. Hope that helps.