Okay I got all this in a few days so I'll probably update later but right now. this thing is amazing! I haven't noticed any significant engine noise during operation OR playback, although I haven't uploaded any video to my workstation yet. Sometime in the next few weeks I will, but for now, WOW! A couple of friends suggested a new UltraFlip digital recorder, but I wanted more options than it offered. First up was 16:9, removable storage, an external microphone, FireWire, and ideally a name I know and trust. I'm a professional photographer with a small arsenal of Canon photo gear so part of the title was good! Otherwise, it met all my needs and cost the same price as the UltraFlip. Brilliant! Wanted this as an upgrade to carrying a Sharp Minicam and wow such a good choice! I had no problems and you didn't find any cons in some of the other reviews. Want to start playing with a video? Don't want to spend a fortune on a camera? Thinking of UltraFlip? Get this amazing camera!