Hi guys,
I'm looking into the possibility of doing what I always wanted to do as a kid but could never afford...making a film. I'm planning on making a few shorts to learn and practice and I've got a pretty good idea on the camera equiptment that I'll need but I'm now wondering what I'll need for editing.

I have a pretty fast PC with USB2 but it sounds as though FireWire will be necessary? Can I use USB2 for some initial playing around just to get a feel of what I'm doing? Also, I'll probably need a fast external hard drive and an editing package. Can anyone recommend a decent editing package that will do the basics I'd need but not cost the earth? Is there anything else I'll need?

I'm trying to get an idea of how much I'll be spending on the whole lot before I blow the whole lot on a camera!

I'm sure I'll be asking LOTS of questions over the months ahead!

Cheers

I'm planning on making a few shorts to learn and practice...
Smart man!

I have a pretty fast PC with USB2 but it sounds as though FireWire will be necessary?
Get a firewire board for your PC. You can get 'em for under $10 on eBay these days.
Almost all DV cameras have supported firewire for a least the last 5 years.

Can anyone recommend a decent editing package that will do the basics I'd need but not cost the earth?
Media Studio Pro lists for $300 now.
This as all the DV editing power you would find in Vegas or Premiere, plus a lot of effects abilities if you need it, without the higher prices. MSP even includes basic DVD authoring for that price.
Vegas has much better audio tools (including surround sound mixing), though, and Premiere has more connectivity to high-end hardward and tighter integration with other Adobe products (as you would expect)

Have fun.

An other low end editor software is Pinnacle Studio 9.
It costs around $100, and is easy to learn.
Studio 9 can also author DVD and (S)VCD.

As Nick said, get a firewire card.

Thanks for the replies guys.

Much appreciated!