digital camcorders...mini dv or dvd?

[Grip72]

hey i'm thinking of getting a digital camcorder...

AND NOT just a stupid ass digi cam w/ video recording

but i'm confused to if i should get a Mini DV or a DVD recorder? i don't know what a Mini DV is...is it like a mini cd or is it like a mini tape? are these good recorders? also, i want to be able to upload the videos i record ONTO my computer so i can edit/share them with friends and im' wondering if that is possible with a MINI DV recorder. as long as i can upload them onto my computer and burn them onto a dvd i'd be happy...i just don't want to spend money on a minidv recorder and then need a minidv player...does this make sense?!