Really Frustrated - Which camcorder for dummies?

I purchased a canon vixia hf s21 recently as I was told it was a great camcorder but even after loading the included software could not view all the videos. I was told that I needed editing software like Premier Elements 9 so I purchased it and STILL can not see all the videos!! I can load the ones from the card but not the ones from the 64GB internal memory.
I am so incredibly frustrated!! I just want something really simple to take home and travel video's and be able to actually view them. I have decided to sell the camcorder (at a huge loss I am sure) as it is just way too complicated for me and pick up a pocket camcorder like the flip or bloggie or kodak zx3 but want one where I can plug it into my computer, do some simple editing (with elements 9 since I have it) and upload to flickr. I want the most dumbed down model out there!!
Please help me!! I am tired of throwing away money and not being able to see my videos. Which one will do this very simple task without having to convert files or any extra steps??!!

Wanted to add: at this point, If someone has a suggestion of any pocket camera or camcorder (with decent video capabilities) that I can plug into my computer (windows 7), have everything recognized instantly, do some simple editing, and easily share, please tell me. I have the premiere elements 9 but at this point, will edit with anything that is simple as long as I can plug the camera/camcorder into my computer and hae it recognize the camera, the files as they are, and not have to convert or some other such silliness.
I signed up for lydia online training and started watching the PE9 videos but haven't yet seen my problems addressed.
I do like the vixia from what I can see on my TV (don't know about the computer yet) why is everything is so dag-gone complicated these days! I just want something SIMPLE!!
My brain is too old and tired for all of this.

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I would definitely go with tapes--none of this hard drive business for editing
check out camcorderinfo.com and read reviews
all the best and good luck!
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I need help on deciding which camcorder is right for me....

I'm going into college early September and my professor wants me to practice making films.
I'm getting a MacBook Pro tomorrow along with Final Cut Express, now all I need is the right camcorder.
Unfortunately, $200 is my budget, and I need a camcorder (mini or not) that has great 1) video quality (HD) 2) low-light quality and 3) good zoom.
When I'm shooting, I also need to have good audio quality and be able to hear when I review what was shot.
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Here is my tuppence-worth after three years of amateur videoing and several hours of edited video (not artistic stuff, just records of things happening).
1. Three years ago I was advised to get a mini-tape machine because FCE does not work well with non-tape machines. This was confirmed in this discussion group recently.
2. Three years ago I was advised not to get a Canon machine - not because they are not good but because FCE has difficulty working with them. Sonys were thought to work well. Others might confirm or update this.
3. Unless you like the awful current fad of continuously zooming in and out, in and out of focus and jiggling the camera purposely, use a tripod whenever you can, and failing that a monopod which is easy to carry attached to the camera and takes three seconds to position (assuming the legs are expanded). It greatly steadies the shot (but press it into the ground if outside to make sure that it does not jerk).
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5. My camera (but not the cheaper versions) has "Night Shot" which allows shooting in total darkness up to about 6 metres away using the infrared light on the camera.
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7. Most beginners start by hosepiping (moving the camera all over the place to get everything in). My advice is to get that out of your system very quickly, and pan (s l o w l y) instead.
8. As often advised in this forum, start shooting a few seconds before and keep shooting a few seconds after the shot that you want. This is to allow for transitions at both ends (the dreaded "Handles" thing). Also, at events etc. which you cannot re-shoot, aim to shoot at least 5 to 10 times the footage that will survive the average editing process. Therefore, carry spare tapes (if you go for that type) and a spare charged battery.
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Dear Comrade VideoGeek, Yes, I am extremely frustrated, and you have my sincere apology if I was rude to you. I should have known better than to say unwise and unkind things to you. My bad entirely. Sorry!! The things you don't know are that Windows 8.1 does not under ANY circumstances acceps USB video streaming. Not from my camera and not from Dazzle or ANY other device or cable. That is written into STONE by Microsoft. Can't do nothing about it. That's a barrier that cannot be broken or worked around. The other thiing you don't know is that I do not have RCA outlets on my camera. I bought it assuming it must have as most devices until then did and got it home in 2001 or whenever and found to my great dismay that it ONLY has a USB output. Not multicolored RCA jacks of any kind. That is also a barrier that I cannot break unless I buy a used camera that takes my tapes and DOES have RCA outputs. My bad. I should have returned it immediately at the time, unfortunately I was too ill at the time to do so. I know you were only trying to help. I'm sorry if I was snippy with you. You were extremely kind to try to help. And I appreciate you. Hopefully other people will see your answers and they will help them. Meanwhile, I'm banging my head against the Apple walls trying to find out which product of theirs MAY be able to work for me and which is the best solution for me all around and that too is a nightmare. Thank YOU for being so kind!! And for respoding with kindness.

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So I'm buying a new camcorder. Which camcorder is the easiest to use with iDVD and iMovie? For now I just want to view and produce a DVD.
I had a JVC Everio and returned it. Converting MPEG-2 to DV I guess can be done but seems like a lot of work. My first attempt with Streamclip asked me to buy the MPEG-2 module.
I'm now looking at a Sony HDR-SR1. Thought the AVCHD would be MPEG-4 compatible and work with iMovie/iDVD but not sure. It will record in both AVCHD and MPEG-2 though.
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Welcome Michael Snell
I use sony camcorders (minidv plus i.Link) successfully with iLife '06 and FCP HD. The ones to avoid are those that record to DVD directly or to an internal hard drive. Make sure your camera has digital pass thru which will also allow you to connect most analog sources as well should you need to like a VCR or another camera for import into iMovie via firewire.
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Really Frustrated - Which camcorder for dummies?

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