I picked Standard Definition because of the good zoom ratio which was not available on HD. I am not disappointed. I am looking forward to picturing more birds.
The clarity of the picture is wonderful. The only fuzziness I experienced was when I was shooting through a dirty glass window. I found that if I held it touching the glass (to help steady it) that the automatic focus worked remarkably well. This was pleasing.
When shooting in limited light, the joystick adjustment worked with incredible ease. One doesn't have to stop and look up some setting to increase light sensitivity.

The one definite weakness I have found is NOT in the camera, but in the software. If you have Vista it may take some extra patience to finally find and download a driver.

I love my new Canon fs22. We are in absolute awe of the sophistication built into this little lens with an LCD screen. In the brief time we have had this little gem, we have used it to photograph a rare Barrows Golden-Eye out on the lake, using the very adequate zoom. We have also used it indoors at a church party and also for a candlelight service. All of our experience is positive and as soon as I read the manual, I am sure it will improve. I think Canon has an unknown winner in this camera.
Now, as for the software accompaning the camera.... that is another matter.
Canon needs to pay more attention to getting the files into a computer. They could start by telling which of the 3 cds should be loaded first. In general I have found the software to be confusing, frustrating and poor.......but the camera is great.

Customer Service

We first ordered this camera from Butterfly Photo. After 10 days, they were still unable to supply the camera. My complaint with them is that they did not inform me that they did not have the camera in stock. They just kept giving me a shipping number.
Then I ordered from BuyDig.com. They had it on my porch in 3 days.
As for service from Canon, happily I have not needed it.

Similar Products Used:

My previous experience with video goes back to the days when we took a recorder plus a camera to Australia. That was a weighty experience. Since then we have used 3 different Sony and Canon camcorders. Each have had improvements we considered important. None have been at the bottom or top of the manufacturer's lines.
Because of this experience we are in awe of the Canon fs22