Sharp VL-E660U 8mm Analog Camcorder

Pros: Versatile, features, remote control, all-around great.
Cons: Battery life and amount left

This camera has done nothing but wow me since I got it about 5 years ago when my first daughter was born. Since then it has done nothing but work for me...and work well. The many features of the camera are great, but I don't do much with them (fading, black & white, titles, etc.). Having kids I hoped that the camera would be some-what child resistant and it has not let me down. I use the camera heavily but mainly on the cord. Having kids though, a battery is required for the "Quick, get this on camera!!!" moments. I'm not sure if it's the batteries I buy but they are expensive (~$50.00) and last maybe 8-10 months. Battery meter is something to be desired too. It only has 1/3 increments so it doesn't give a very good estimate of battery life. I have had to clean it out with alcohol (heads, contacts, etc.) one time since I got it. It would eat tapes and not record well. After swabbing it with a little alcohol on a Q-tip it has worked great since.