Like many of the reviews I read in this line prior to buying myself, it won over even newer action cams. Ext mic was the big plus and I'll be mindful of its performance and if they've done any tweaks to upgrade any. As of right now it works like a champ strait from the unboxing. Clear screen, easy touch menu with no fluff and it feels solidly built for a small tech item. Also as mentioned MANY times before is that this camera (or the brave 7 LE when they upgrade it to add ext mic, maybe brave 8?) is the absolute best bang for your buck, feels like a quality small device in your hand, has a very responsive touch screen, and a hearty amount of sensor controls. I did as you are doing which was watch YT vids and reading reviews of damn near every action cam and worried about toothless reviews..regardless, this is a legit highly capable budget cam that is about 90% as good as the latest Gopro at 1/6th the price. I'm not really an underwater shooter but for as deep as I may ever consider shooting I also have full faith from the shared shots and vids that there'll be no qualms jabbing it in the case and blooping right on in with it. So if you've looked this far and are still looking at other budget guys before pulling the trigger, just get this one as it's a very nice little shooter that also comes with gracious and on the spot cust service..has my full faith so far and I'll update any triumphs or tragedies!