Buying my first camcorder and camera

[ATV]

I've never had a digital camera or a camcorder before (always borrowed my dad's).

Just need them for holidays and special occasions. I don't want them to be too big. However, I want to buy the best that I can buy to stop obsolescence taking hold within a year.

What would you guys recommend as best in class for both?

I'd also like to buy tripods for both so that me and the family can have photos of us together if there is no one else around to take the photos/shoot the film. If anyone can recommend anything would be very grateful