I reviewed no end of cameras but this one jumped out at me. Amazon had the camera plus a case and a charger with NiMH batteries in my hands within hours of ordering.

I also purchased a 4GB SD card which can only be downloaded via the USB link to my PC. It will not read in my PC's slot reader or a separate multi-reader. However, it only took about 5 or 6 minutes to copy over about 3GB of images and video using the supplied USB link and software so, provided you load up some healthy batteries before connecting you shouldn't have a problem.

1GB cards work fine in the camera and will read in my PC slot.

I don't have a problem with the battery door mechanism myself, the unlock latch is larger than on some similar devices I have owned so I can unflip the door quite easily with my thumb.

I bought this camera to take images and video to end up on web sites not art galleries. If I needed a camera for the latter reason I would buy a high-end SLR but it meets and exceeds my requirements for the former very well indeed.

Video recording is easy, just push a button and shoot. Stereo sound is recorded and you can preselect auto or manual level control. Yes you can take a photo during video recording but it will trigger a pause in the video so use this feature as appropriate for the result you need.

The camera feels comfortable and the pivoting display is very useful. I was able to use it straight out of the box with scant regard to the basic printed manual. Further in-depth manuals are provided in PDF format on a CD for further study. The menus are logical and easy to navigate. I am growing more comfortable with this camera the more I use it.

Like I said, "Splendid Value!".