better than expected!

Strengths:

very compact, impressive picture quality for its mp/lens/sensor size, amazing video quality, in camera image stacking for good low light/ higher dynamic range results, amazing looking rear lcd display, surprisingly fast shutter/auto focus compared to my older (3year) compact, decent battery life for its size (better than expected).

Weaknesses:

Touch screen can be a little bit slow to respond and sometimes responded to touch without touching the display. Video takes about 4-5 seconds to actually start recording in you use the dedicated video button instead of through the menu systems which starts almost instantly. Although the battery life was better than expected the meter for it on the camera sits at full till it seems about the 20% mark then drops like a rock after that.

Summary:

I haven't bought a compact camera for almost 4 years and was heading on vacation to Maui and really wanted a water proof model to take snorkeling with me. I was deciding between this Sony model and the Panasonic TS3. Unfortunately the TS3 wasn't available before I left so I didn't get a chance to compare the two models but I have no regrets with my purchase at all. I am amazed with how far compact cameras have come in the last 4 years.