The recording is done only on SD memory card, and it poses no problem to retrieve the images. Everything is perfect on this camcorder. The images are of extraordinary quality. It can record 50 progressive frames, this adjustment being now prefer to images "interlaced" thanks to the appearance of flat screens. The zoom is SUPER powerful (I mean the optical zoom). The sound is not that bad. A socket is for connecting an external microphone, and there is another outlet for connecting a headset. The recovered ... m2ts format is recognized by my brand MAGIX editing software. There is a manual "paper" comes with the device, which is appreciable. Note the "SteadyShot" function (anti-shake), with a goal that is seen physically move in the camcorder, but gives a stable image. Many settings for videographers demanding.