Which DV capture/edit software to get?

Hi all, and TIA for your suggestions. Here's my situation:

I'm a long-time experienced audio producer/engineer sticking my head
into video. I'm planning to take a few courses soon (basic production,
maybe field production, & final cut) - I DO plan to actually learn
about video/lighting/exposures/etc.

I'd like some suggestions on capture/editing software. My current
computer/video setup is:

Athlon 1100 o.c.'ed to 1700
XP home
USB built-in (dunno if it's 1.1 or 2.0. I think 2.0 - dunno how to
find out)
PCI Firewire card installed (VIA)
TDK DVD+/- RW/CDRW burner
Samsung SDC107 mini DV (I Know, I Know, but it does have USB, A/v
composite, SVHS, & firewire out). The s/w coming with it is a joke. I
consider the cam to be a disposable learning tool until I know enough
& have enough $ to buy better front-end gear.
I have a few monitors to choose from (microtek 815c 18" LCD, Sony
Trinitron 17" Multiscan 200ES CRT, & a KDS 21" CRT).

My intentions:
Shoot and edit a limited # of music videos, promos/video demos for
dancers/singers, a few smaller commercial/industrial projects, maybe -
maybe - moving into TV commercials *someday*. Not depending on making
a living at it.

My questions:

1)What capture/edit s/w should I get for now, with an eye toward
upgrading in the future? I'd have a leg up in Vegas Video, having used
Sound Forge, and occasionally Acid, and lots of Sonar. I can capture &
save thru USB w/ the Samsung s/w, but only @ 5fps! And I can't play it
back in WMP 9, I get a msg saying something about not having audio tag
45. Gets me to thinking that the SDC107 may require something
different to use for firewire capture.

2) should I maybe get 2 programs? 1 for capture and 1 for editing?
That would be more expensive, right? Or is there any good freeware for
DV capture only?

3) And what about DVD authoring software? At this point I cant even
ask an intelligent question about it.

I really don't want to spend much more than $200-$300 right now, tho I
can get an educator's discount. I'm not planning to go heavy on SFX at
this time, but having the option later would be very nice.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Mikey
Nova Music Productions

 

Considering your experience with Sound Forge and Acid, definitely go with
Vegas 5 + DVD Production Suite. You'll be up and running much faster than
virtually any other NLE. I've been using Vegas since it was Vegas Audio 1.0
and the constant improvements have been great.
Go to http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/products/vegasfamily.asp to
download a trial version to play with.
A much faster computer is highly recommended but your existing computer will
run Vegas. I've got it on a P3 500 at work (student use) and, while quite
slow, it still works.
I just checked and www.academicsuperstore.com has the full package for $300
which is what you were looking for. BTW, Premiere Pro (editing) and Encore
(DVD authoring) will cost you $420, another reason to go for Vegas+DVD

Mike