What camcorder to buy?

Figured it'd be time to try some video as well, so I want to buy a camcorder. I have absolutely NO clue what to look for when buying one. Like how 'bad' is it if it shoots interlaced? 60i vs 60p, big difference?
And that's probably just one of ten thousand things to look out for. And then there's all the model numbers which confuse me a lot. I can't figure out which one is/was first. There's a Panasonic HDC-SD20, 40 and 80 and they don't seem be released in any logical order (as far as I'm aware).

Please recommend me an older 'A' camera, not a recent 'B' camera.
For example: let's say you I just want to shoot photo. I'd rather have an old XXD series (prosumer) camera (like a 40D) than the newest rebel ('B' grade camera, though still very capable). Always go for the best, oldest. Not the newest, not-quite-IT camera.



I just filled out the sticky hopefully you guys can help me.

1) What is your budget? How much money can you spend right away, and do you think you can get more money to invest in the future?
250-300€ right of the bat and we'll see how much I like it and how much I would like to invest.
My budget is for a SECOND HAND camera. I don't believe in buying new. Overpriced shit.

2) What experience do you already have with cameras? Have you ever even used one before? Have you helped your friend out with his camera? Have you owned your own?

I know shit about camcorders. I've never really held a camcorder before (I think anyway). Of course I know my way around an SLR, no secrets there. I've shot video with my friends 60D which I liked a lot. This also led me to buying something to capture video with.

2) What gear, if any, do you currently have? (tripod, old camera lenses, mics, etc)

Tripod, 20 lenses in pretty much any focal length imaginable. (EF, F, PK, M42, OM, T2 mount)

4) What are you planning to shoot and how do you want to use your camera? Are you going to use this with the sole purpose of shooting skiing? or do you think you might try other stuff as well (movies, documentaries, short films, etc)

Sadly enough I probably wouldn't have too much time to shoot video, or at least not this year. I guess movies/short films/fun stuff would be the majority of my shooting. Next year I'm going to study at MSU so then I'll hopefully be able to shoot a lot (more) skiing.

5) Do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming?

I guess. I won't be getting a RED anyways...

6) When filming skiing, how do you tend to shoot? (follow cams, leave it on record on a tripod and hike, film from a tripod, etc)
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7) What computer do you currently have/use to edit (if not currently editing, what would you most likely use)? If you can provide specifics, such as hard drive space, RAM, processor size, that would be great.
2010 13" MBP with 8GB Ram

7) What program do you currently edit on? How familiar are you with it (1- just learning; 10- I can make tutorials and know the keyboard layout)
LR, PS - 8
Final Cut - 2

---------------------------Optional Section, for those seeking a more intensive upgrade/purchase------------------------
1) Do you think you might consider using a DSLR?
Yes, but I always on here that you need to do a 1500$ investment, though I don't know if that would count for me because I already have a SLR+lenses, tripod.

2) Do you have any knowledge about the HDSLRS?
DSLRs: yes, a lot. Video on SLR's, not so much.

3) Do you know the limitations to using HDSLRS?
Yes

4) Are you willing to take the time to learn about a DSLR, and how to shoot with manual lenses?
Blabla, do this all the time.

5) Again, do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming?
Yes, I'll hand it out.