I have a Macbook pro 15" 2.33ghz from 2006 with an intel core 2 duo processor. I have imovie 09. I have trouble using imovie with my Sony Handycam HDD camcorder. Do i need other software? should I upgrade to solid state drive or??

I purchased a Sony HDD camcorder after the Best Buy guy said it would be a great match for my Macbook Pro. I found out first that the software it came with had no Mac application. PC only. I tried it with my Imovie and it would not support the file type the camcorder uses. I upgraded to imovie 09 and now I can get the files into imovie09 but i have frequent crashes and it takes FOREVER to make and edit footage. I need to film basketball games and burn them to a DVD fast and efficiently for the coaches I scout for. Should I get a different camera? (non avchd) Should I upgrade my ram to the max of 3gig? (i have 2g now). Should i get a crucial solid state hard drive? This has been exasperating and I am ready to buy a different laptop or camera. What is the best solution?