This is a really good quality,quite a sophisticated camcorder.I usually use the xp-setting which gives me 9Mbps dataflow and minimum 7 hours recording time.Of course u can opt for Hxp setting for 15Mbps but if u do not have a bigger display than 32" u won't need to use it as it's impossible to see the difference.Positive : Really superb pict quality,min 1H battery life,easy-to-use,great features,quiet operation. Negative: little heavy,could be smaller,electronic lens cover-just one more thing to go wrong. Important! This camcorder can only shot in 1440x1080i. Newer models do 1920x1080p.
ps.:I had opportunity to compare the pic quality with newer models and I can confirm that there is no significant difference between them.
Update. After 2 years in perfect working order,this canon stopped working. The canon-repair guys said it would be £300 to have it fixed... No comment. No more Canon purchase.. Rubish...Very disappointing