We are taking the plunge and looking at getting a Panasonic or Hitachi (haven't decided which) dvd camcorder. I've been studying the formats and have learned that we'll need a dvd-r so it will play on our Panasonic dvd player. (Unfortunately, my computer is dvd+rw so i can't edit on it.) I've also heard a little bit about DVD-RAM but still in the dark a lot on that one.

So, having learned that much I still am confused about a couple of things and hope that some experienced person will help me out.

1. DVD-RAM:

-when they say you can edit right on the camcorder, do they mean only if DVD-RAM disc or can you edit DVD-R's?

-what kind of editing will the camera do? e.g.: does it do chapters?

-my dvd player will play DVD-RAM discs as long as they are not in the cartridge. I have never seen a RAM disc-do they come out of the cartridge for dvd player use?

-what are the advantages/disadvantages of DVD-RAM?

-can you/do you finalize DVD-RAM?

2. do you need to format DVD-R/RAM discs before using them?

3. if I record in 16:9 format, (which is what I want), how will it view on 4:3 ration screens?

4. what is a good CCD number?

TIA-I really appreciate any information you can give me.