Compact, Versatile, Hi-Def worthy of 1080p playback.

Proprietary boot limits external microphones and lights.

Purchased this unit to replace my old Hi-8 tape unit. Amazed at the compactness and quality that Sony has managed to cram into a unit so utterly light. You could conceivably use this camcorder, as is, with the internal hard drive and simply upload your shoots to your PC, but with Micro SD cards available at such reasonable prices, how you "not" store projects on individual cards unless you're afraid of "losing them" in your car or house. Let's face it, you could fit an entire library in something the size of your wallet.
The controls are easy to use and laid out comfortably, the night shooting is acceptable but not particularly outstanding and the zoom is about all you could require but a tripod is suggested.
The only real issue I have with this otherwise great product is the proprietary shoe placed, somewhat awkwardly beneath a click-a-way door on the top rear, and the fact that there is "no" microphone jack, so if you're covering a wedding or other event that requires audio not suited for the built in microphone, your only option is to choose from a very limited selection of wireless units that are compatible with this accessory shoe.
Other than that, how much can one complain about something so small and light that you can hang it on your belt and still get high-def recording?