Need help in purchasing Mini Dv Camcorder and Digital camera

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.point+shoot (More info?)

My sister is making a trip to Asia -India etc.

She would like to buy - (a middle of the range type - not too
expensive)

1. A Mini DV camcorder
around $250 to $350 or so

2. A digital camera
around $200 to $300

She does not know what features she should be looking for in each
product ? Like mega pixels, memory stotage, zoom etc.etc.

She is so confused with all the variables.

Could any knowledgeable person pls let me know what the most important
features that she should be looking for.

She is not an expert photographer so she does no need anything very
fancy..just good video and pictures.

Would any one have any suggestions ? Also let me know brands, approx
prices etc.

Thanks in advance,
Lisa