The marketing is a bit deceiving. It states that it is full 1920x1080 HD. While it is true that it records in this resolution, the sensors' native resolution is not even close to 1920x1080, so the recording is up scaled. It's not even 1280x720. If you read the specifications on the Panasonic web site, each sensor is only 610k (1280x720 is 900k and 1920x1080 is 2025k). The x3 they advertize does not mean that the total resolution is 610k*3, because each sensor is for a separate color channel. Even if it was 610k*3, it still falls short of 1920x1080. The color contrast is really impressive, but the low native resolution produces an image that is grainy (even with sufficient light levels) when compared to other HD content on my 1920x1080 Samsung television. I have since returned the unit.
If you have a mac, it will easily sync with any version of iMovie after iMovie '08. I had iMovie HD on my 3 year old mac and was disappointed when I found out I had to purchase a new version of iLife to unload the video files.
Another horrible design is in how you have to hook it up to the computer or TV. Apparently the designers are chronic crack heads because all ports are behind the battery. You have to remove the battery, use the charging cord to plug the camera into an outlet, then plug in the video cables or USB cable where the battery was. It's quite possibly the worst design ever because it makes it impossible to sync the camera with battery power.
If not for this horrible design flaw I'd love this camera. Every other aspect has made me happy. Well, the built in microphone isn't great, but it is okay. Due to the battery issue I do wish I had done a little more research to see if there's an alternative HD video camera.
*UPDATE (July 19, 2010): I originally rated this with 4 stars. I paid around $600 for this camera about a year ago. Now that I see it costs up around $1000 I'm dropping my rating to 3 stars. This is nowhere close to being a $1000 camera. Actually, due to the fact that all the ports are behind the battery I'm not 100% sure it's worth $600.This camera has a good options and very good for a home use. Great lenses and compact size make this camera very handyThis camcorder is packed with features and is very easy to use. Being full HD the image quality is absolutely amazing. I was considering buying an SD camcorder and was so glad I decided to spring the extra cash for HD. Optical zoom is fantastic & it fits in the hand easily. Favorite feature would have to be its' easy compatibility with my Panasonic BD-60 Blu-Ray player. You won't be dissapointed with this one!!!I go from shooting video on the beach with my boy's to YouTube 1280x720 6000 b/s effortless using Pinnacle 12 Studio. With one click I either make MP4 or write to DVD or Blue ray. Now all that for 550US for the cam and 100US for Pinnacle.
I for one am verry happy
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