You don't need to worry about what was used before.... everything is compatible with everything these days.

There are TONS of looooong synthetic VS regular oil threads on here... Use the search feature (I'd try the Backyard Mechanic section) and you'll learn more than you ever wanted to.

The short version: regular oil is fine as long as it is a quality brand - but synth is better.

You'll also find lots of info on the different oil filters. I just buy 'em from Nissan... figure I can't go wrong there.