As an avid Sony-video owner, I own 5 of their HD-video cameras, I can offer some quick answers.
It’s miniDV, it will work for you being it’s not that outdated.
It connects it with fire-wire/video and USB/photo. You just pull it down with one of many programs (I think movie maker can pull it, dunno?!?)
If it can take a larger stick maybe go with a 1-2gig, they’re cheap these days.
Your Z-lense just tells you that it is generally going to give you a decent image.
The battery may be what ruins the whole deal for you, it may be worn out. (Sony batteries are far better than the other brands, also much more expensive)
Have fun with it. Really, what do you have to lose?
“Really, what do you have to lose?”
Money and time.
So, will the camcorder take a 1 or 2 gig although it uses a 512MB? With your experience, on ave., what is the duration of my record time using the 512MB? And the 1 - 2gig?
What kind of software would you recommend? I use my ZoomBrowser upload photos/video from my camera.
I do appreciate the recommendations.