Firstly, many thanks for all the very helpful advice about first camcorders. I've finally taken the plunge, and a Canon MV960 is on the way (hopefully!). I would like to order a wirewire cable and some tapes so I can start recording and editing straightaway, but am quite confused (doesn't take much!). Do I want a 4 - 6 pin, or a 4 - 4 pin? I had a look at the Canon website, and have worked out that I need a 1394 cable, but beyond that I am stuck! I'd appreciate some help as to what the difference is, and whether there is any point in getting a more expensive cable, or a cheaper one. The same applies to the tapes. Is there a type which is better than others? I think I have read that it is quite a bad idea to re-record them, so how many should I get to begin with? (I am in Africa for 3 months, and there are a lot of amazing sights to record!)
All help is gratefully appreciated! Thanks

That would be a firewire cable that I'm after

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Firewire cable: Doesn't need to be expensive.... it's copying digital data, so as long as it works it works..... number of pins depends on what you are connecting it to. It will be 4 pin on the camcorder side. Most desktop PC connections are 6 pin; laptop can be 4 or 6 pin... devices like settop recorders are generally 4 pin.

Tapes - I suggest either Sony or Panasonic tapes. It is ok to reuse them... if you use them lots of times there is more chance of a "drop out"... if you are in Africa I'd assume you want to bring all the footage home... so how many tapes depends on how many hours you expect to shoot! Best to stick with one brand of tape, as they have different lubricants and mixing them can sometimes clog up the heads.

Thanks very much indeed. I am using a laptop over here, so I'm now sorted thanks.