I would recommend this camera to anyone in search of a good quality camera for a good price. The camera is very easy to use and starts up quickly which is useful in hurried situations. The only fault that I have picked up on is that the picture shakes sometimes when playing back HD videos. This is not a problem, if you downgrade the quality there is no shaking. This downgraded quality is still classed as HD and I can't tell a difference between the two qualities. Also, if anyone is considering buying the ST550, which has a larger touch screen than the ST500 and is heat sensitive (this is the only difference between the two), I would recommend that you buy the ST500 and save the money. The screen is good enough on this version and the upgrade is not worth the money.
A brilliant camera.