Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-S700 Digital Camera

I was a total Sony Cybershot advocate for YEARS but this is probably my last one because sadly they all seem to break down on me. My first Cybershots flash went out so I took the loss, gave it to a friend with a tripod and bought a new one spending the extra money for the no worry warrantee from Staples. Thank God for good sense when my second Cybershot had a hopeless lens malfunction less than two years after purchase I simply took the little bugger back to Staples with my warranty slip.(they were super nice I must admit) Staples gave me full credit towards a new camera. Still a Sony fan I bought the DSC-S700. Regular Rechargeable AA Batteries are a definite necessity for me because I sure don't want to be caught in a fix and I figured this camera had all the features that my earlier Sony did because it was about the same price. (Two years ago)
I was wrong about this.
I do prefer pleasant surprises...
Like with my Samsung S730 which I paid less for and purchased as a kick around camera, it does everything wonderfully!
The DSC-S700 does have a beautiful metal case and a sparkling glass cover on the lcd, it is really a terrific camera with lots of stupendous features and one big UGLY BUMMER! It takes only Low Resolution Movies for some unknown reason. If you use a Digital camera for any period of time you realize that the movies are just as fun as the photos or more so in many cases!! Low movie resolution is nothing less than old technology and is really not acceptable.
It seems to me that some goon at Sony decided to bring the camera to a lower price point by slashing some less important features,, but OOPS! They took an eye out!!
Not Cool.
Plus there is no on camera sound which is another fun and important feature you don't realize is missing until the camera is out of the box and in your hands.
Surprise! Surprise!!
EEK!