Replying to Noob to the Game-What Camera? (Form Filled Out)

My budget at the moment is around $500, i have a summer job also, so I can put more money into it then.

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?

Experienced with digital cameras and such, very little experience with DSLR cameras (I have filmed a grand total of about 10 shots). i have used my friends, but he had it all set up for me, i just had to press record. i have never owned my own camera.

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

I do not know if it would apply, but i found my grandma's old sony video 8 handycam, that has 2 lenses (probably arent compatible with anything)

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)

The main use will be to film skiing, but in the summer i might take nature pictures, lifestlye pictures, etc...

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 would like to be the one doing the filming, however, i might let my friends with experience film me sometimes.

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)

I have attempted follow cams (and failed miserably) as well as just stationary shots with me holding the camera and filming.

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.

currently i have a Toshiba Satellite that is a couple years old, no editing software. i hope to get a new one in the summer. no idea on hard drive space, RAM, processor size, etc...

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)

Never used any programs, although my friend reccomended getting final cut off of pirate bay

---------------------------Optional Section, for those seeking a more intensive upgrade/purchase------------------------
1) Do you think you might consider using a DSLR?

Yes

2) Do you have any knowledge about the HDSLRS?

NO

3) Do you know the limitations to using HDSLRS?
NO
4) Are you willing to take the time to learn about a DSLR, and how to shoot with manual lenses?
Yes
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?