This is my first camcorder so I can not really compare, but here are some important data:
Recording time on the internal memory (32GB): about 4 hours in full HD standard, superior 3 hours, and 2 super extra.
Battery: announced at almost two hours, three hours with optional long term, it is rather good. I have not emptied completely, but the numbers look good.
Video Quality: good from the "standard" level and entirely correct indoors. The stabilizer does its job well (tests are available on youtube).
Photo quality: about right outside, and hardly worthy of an iPhone 3G indoor (awful so).
This camcorder is really very simple to use: the screen is opened to light it, and we film with the unique button "record". Zooming is done with a "slide" classic that works very well.
Of course, one can look at what is filmed directly from the highly intuitive device.
Navigation is easy with a highly sensitive capacitive touch screen.
What surprised me: the lens cover is not powered! it must be opened manually, as in the good old cameras. It's not a big deal but when you do not expect it that surprises.
To summarize, it is a good value for a very intuitive device and a very good result. Perfect to capture your memories.