Video Camera I finally got a camcorder in 1997. Although advances are rapid these days, I'm still more than pleased with its features and performance. It's a JVC GR-DV1 which uses mini DV tapes. If you're considering digital photography, be aware that the low resolution of video will mean that any stills you might grab will only look reasonable at 500 x 400 pixels or smaller. If you're content to display your photos on computer monitors then the quality available is pretty good now.
Minimum requirements are a 'mega-pixel' CCD and a decent lens.
Once I'd downloaded a few sample shots from the Internet, I knew that the Nikon Coolpix 900 would meet my requirements. No need to buy film. Photograph anything you want without some Boot's technician deciding whether to report you to the authorities. No worries about wasting film - encourages you to experiment more. There are some disadvantages, e.g. initial cost, and you don't have pictures you can pass round.