Electronic devices are fragile and should be handled with utmost care. I bought this camera from Amazon along with a filter for protection. The camera - Canon Vixia HF S30 - is an excellent instrument to video tape even in low light. A lens converter from Raynox HD7000pro, all conveniently mounted in an X_Grip from Opteka has provided me with an awesome tool to record artists, celebrities, and DJ's while performing on stage. Most people do not know how to handle or operate cameras... If they were more thoughtful, they should get information first, read the manual, and learn how to use and work with them properly. Individuals usually transfer blame to somebody or something else to justify their hight level of stupidity.
Even a fine camera is a moron unless used correctly. In this case is all the way around...

Regardless of what you say, the lens cover is far too fragile and the touch screen menus are still terrible. I've been a photographer for years, and I do read the manuals. However, most purchasers of this camera are "normal" people, and you shouldn't have to get out the manual every time you want to play back a clip. This is a poorly designed camera that should be avoided by the average consumer.

You should always have a filter (with a cap on the filter) on an expensive lens. It's a bummer that you didn't. A hood may have helped also. Live and learn. The sand gets 1 star for sure.

I played with this at B&H and I found it fairly intuitive. Didn't really have to consult the manual to do what the average person would use this camera for. Also, the first thing I purchase for any camera is a filter which doubles as a backup lens cap. When shelling out this kind of money you handle the device with care and never rely exclusively on the basic lens cap they provide you with.

1st, Why are you basing your opinion here for a different video camera. The HF-M31 has its own customer review section doesn't it.
2nd, what do you expect is going to happen if you bury the camera in the sand. That is not the intend use. It might say something about that in the user manual. Always make sure the tripod's legs are fully engaged and at the widest point possible. Keep it low to the ground in the wind.

This is an excellent camera and I hope people do not base their decision on a review for a different product. The touch screen is fine for those who know how to use one.

That is the problem with customer reviews. People are more apt to complain than complement the product.

If you provide a review next time make sure it's for the camera you purchased and handled not a different model.

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I purchased an Apple iPad 2, and accidentally dropped it in the bathtub while I was soaking & playing Angry Birds. For some reason, the iPad is unusually sensitive to soapy water, and wouldn't operate correctly anymore. Despite being under warranty, the Apple "geniuses" wanted to charge me for a repair! Definitely a one-star product.

[Deleted by Amazon on Jul 21, 2011 12:08:12 PM PDT]

Try with strong tripod.

Evans, I could only speculate as to what kind of "photographer," you are...You seem to be in the minority, and as others have pointed out, you used and reviewed a different model! This is for the HF S30!