I got this the week before X-mas. Starting playing with it immediately. I filmed my niecy's birthday party. I was able to quickly plug it into my computer using the firewire (i. Link, 1394) plug. Windows XP detected it immediately and before I knew it, I was editing in Windows Movie Maker, Ulead, and MGI. I also tested on my Mac Titanium in iMovie and that worked great too.
The features on the cam are great, although like someone else said, if you don't read the instructions first, you will be a bit confused at the menu functions.  And as far as there being no optional light, that does suck, but so far, it has been pretty good even in not so bright situations.
The still pics I am still working on. So far, all the pics that I have taken have sucked. I am wondering if it is a setting or something, but they are grainy and washed out. It does not compare to my digital cam at all. But, I did not really buy it for still, so I am not worried about that right now.
It is also wonderful that you can easily record from other sources. I missed part of my  niecy's party, but my brother-in-law taped it with his non-digital cam. I was able to easily record the missing scenes from his camera onto mine, and then edit it.
Overall, I am very, very happy with this camera.
I got this the week before X-mas. Starting playing with it immediately. I filmed my niecy's birthday party. I was able to quickly plug it into my computer using the firewire (i. Link, 1394) plug. Windows XP detected it immediately and before I knew it, I was editing in Windows Movie Maker, Ulead, and MGI. I also tested on my Mac Titanium in iMovie and that worked great too. The features on the cam are great, although like someone else said, if you don't read the instructions first, you will be a bit confused at the menu functions. And as far as there being no optional light, that does suck, but so far, it has been pretty good even in not so bright situations. The still pics I am still working on. So far, all the pics that I have taken have sucked. I am wondering if it is a setting or something, but they are grainy and washed out. It does not compare to my digital cam at all. But, I did not really buy it for still, so I am not worried about that right now. It is also wonderful that you can easily record from other sources. I missed part of my  niecy's party, but my brother-in-law taped it with his non-digital cam. I was able to easily record the missing scenes from his camera onto mine, and then edit it. Overall, I am very, very happy with this camera.