The fact that you can use the flipable LCD and also shoot video with the EVF gives you a little more flexibility. I simply love the camera for what it’s worth. On board audio is pretty good as well and is stereo. It took alot quicker to convert the files to an intermediary c.o.d.e.c with the SX1 compared with the Mark II files though they are using the same H.264.mov / this clearly confirms the fact the SX1 records at a much lower bitrate. The fact that you can use the flippable LCD and also shoot video with the EVF gives you a little more flexibility. I simply love the camera for what it's worth. On board audio is pretty good as well and is stereo. It took alot quicker to convert the files to an intermediary c.o.d.e.c with the SX1 compared with the Mark II files though they are using the same H.264.mov / this clearly confirms the fact the SX1 records at a much lower bitrate. the SX1 compared to the XACTI has a better image stabilizer. It is easier to achieve better handheld shots from the SX1 for that reason. The xacti although has a stabilizer is inferior in terms for it uses a electronic stabilizing technology. The xacti 1010 of course has a very interesting 300FPS function which is pretty kewl feature although does not record in HD. More of a gimmick it make be, i find it better in video quality compared to the Casio FH20 1000 fps capability. in terms of video quality i must confess the canon SX1 gives you better resulting video quality. xacti 1010 however of course has more controls in terms of video shooting eg shuttter as well as aperture controls. sx1 shoot also better photos then the 1010 anytime afterall the canon is truly a digital camera in more ways then a video camera. battery life of the SX1 which uses the AA batteries can go on and on and never die. the xacti however has a shorted life span although it is still respectable for it uses a 3.7 volts 1900mAh rechargeable lithium ion. SX1 is discreet when it comes to shooting video and also allows you the ability to capture the shots you want without freaking your subject. the flipable screen as well as it looking more of a camera. On the other hand point the HD1010 Xacti and you will get all the sudden stares and even ocassional. Is that a GUN he is carrying? LOL!! Xacti has an array of format that you can select from its menu FULL HD at 1080P 720p etc etc..where as the SX1 only has the 1080p to select in HD mode. Canon SX1 files will require a conversion to intermediary codec which is recommended however the XACTIs file with a lower setting can mean straight on your editing timeline. SX1 has a better LCD screen in terms of resolutions and also allows shooting of video through the EVF. This prooved helpful especially when you are outdoors and in bright conditions. The XACTI only has an LCD and not a great one. I will say one thing though and that is the both cameras have a very good SUPER MACRO capability. At the moment that is all i can think off. Cheers VideoCobra www.videolifestyle.com ]]>