Combine this with an Audio-Technica ATR-3350 (about $20) and a Kodak remote ($10) and you have a complete video recording studio that fits in your pocket. HD is the format that YouTube loves at the moment and the long microphone cable allows you to get high quality audio along with HD video. This microphone has a switch and a tiny (regular) battery. The only downside I've found is that the battery cover creaks when you squeeze the camera, affecting your recording. I narrowed down the problem area to a small ridge at the top of the lid and filed it down a bit with sandpaper/file. The problem is solved. I still have some cell phone plastic sheeting and I cut it to fit the touch screen. I found a $5 pocket tripod and inexpensive replacement batteries from another seller. You CANNOT change batteries during a recording session - you must stop recording to change the battery. However, if you plug in an external power supply while switching, you can record up to 8 hours of continuous recording in WVGA. As always, practice with all tools before recording anything important. I am very happy with this facility.