Content-aware was introduced in CS5 -- circa 2010. Before content-aware you would retouch photos with the clone or spot healing brush tools. You can try to find a copy Katrin Eismann's "Photoshop Restoration & Retouching" book 2nd or 3rd edition. Or, Google "Retouching with CS2" to view old YouTube vids on the subject.
Welcome to UHH. Video only? Or, do you foresee having a need for still images also? If you can visit your local camera store, or Best Buy (ugh) to play with different models. It's really a very personal choice depending on your needs. Good luck.