How hard is it to edit this on a program such as Vegas?

Also, is that extra Battery pack REALLY needed?

James,
Can't help you with whether you need the extra battery pack or not, but editing with Vegas is fun though it does take a little commitment to learn (that will be true with any Non-Linear Editing software you use).

I'd recommend that you download either free Vegas trial (http://www.sonymediasoftware.com/products/vegasfamily.asp) and give it a spin. There is an entry level product Vegas Studio+DVD Platinum that offers HDV editing or the full version of Vegas that provides many more features. I've not delved into HDV editing yet, but others here have posted many lessons learned in the What happens in Vegas...HDV (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=102) forum, and you'll learn a lot by reading through those posts.

Thanks, that helped abit, so now I know that a thing called a cineform exists, and that helps alot =).

Still, the battery pack is something I don't know anything about, I believe all it does is last longer right? the original lasts what? 10 minutes? or is that just a rumor online that I read?

Our JVC battery lasted about... 40 mins? In that neighborhood? The free IDX battery is awesome (in my mind). I'd never want to go back to the dinky batteries after using a professional tool like the IDX batteries. Budget for IDX or Anton Bauer and be happy. We've not run it down yet, but it should be good for 4-5 hours.

Our JVC battery lasted about... 40 mins? In that neighborhood? The free IDX battery is awesome (in my mind). I'd never want to go back to the dinky batteries after using a professional tool like the IDX batteries. Budget for IDX or Anton Bauer and be happy. We've not run it down yet, but it should be good for 4-5 hours.



Only way you can get that battery is through buying the camera through an authorized Panasonic dealer correct?

Well... authorized JVC dealer. Though I think the offer is over. But... check the top thread in this forum.