Union Sq is shopping area

Lodging cost depends on which hotel you stay at. I wouldn't stay near a section called Tenderloin district, immediately west of Union Square between Union Square and Van Ness. That area is a high crime neighborhood with prostitutes, drug dealers, etc. And guess where those prosptitutes take their clients - the cheap hotels in the Tenderloin area. Buses are convenient in that area with the 38 line runs through Geary. As I remember, buses were $1.50 and you can change once within a certain time limit. Don't know if the fare has been changed since I usually take the cab. There is also a day pass for cable rides. Don't know anything about camcorder. And watch your wallet when riding the bus.