This is my first camcorder and I have to say it's very easy to use. It has many functions and it is convenient to store it on a memory card and switch from internal to external storage and vice versa during recording. Contrary to other posts, I was able to use the 2G external storage, which gives me a lot more time to take pictures. It's nice to have an MP3 option, but you don't want to waste your battery and cut down on your recording time while listening to MP3s. Also, you MUST use batch editing software, you cannot use programs like VirtualDub. This software isn't the best, but it's good enough for basic tasks like cutting and splicing, and there are actually a lot of extra features you can use. Overall, I'm pleased with the CAM's intuitive layout, compact size, and the fact that it saves memory cards since I have a Sony computer and the memory card fits right into the memory card slot. However, the software can definitely be improved to make it easier to use.