xsimba, I'll start with a quick positive response now and add some detail later.
I've been delighted with almost all aspects. The quality of the digital video is excellent and the range of features (I've tried most of them) enough for anyone.
On the ergonomics there are a few things that could be better:
The Optical Zoom is a bit awkward to operate smoothly. It's worth practising zooming and getting the grip of the camera right. I've not tried the digital zoom (other than a quick look) and can't see when I'd want to use it.
I've hardly used the Remote Control; but the receptor is on the front of the camera so, if you want to zoom while mounted on a tripod, you have to be close enough to the camera to touch it - which of course -induces shake. Or you could be in front and use the IR remote but then you'd be preoccupied with keeping out of shot.
I particularly like the memory stick for stills and for short mpeg clips that you can feed straight onto a CD or Web Site.
I've found it fairly intuitive to copy off the DV (digital video) from tape to the PC, edit and construct a "Production", copy that back to the camera and then copy off the DV to a VCR and make a standard video tape.
About 11GB of DV yielded a 20 min video tape!!! You have to be ruthless.
You can, of course, play the tape in the camera straight onto the TV screen and get excellent quality.
No regrets - greatly pleased and would buy it again.
[This message has been edited by fobotcso (edited 27 June 2001).]