Good video cameras!

analtohno!

Alt for Christmassy reasons.

I always end up doing my Christmas shopping at the very last minute, and I have decided to try to change that this year. I think I want to get the wife a video camera for Christmas, as that's something she's always talked about getting for herself but never has.

I want to stick to something around $300 or less.

The camera would be used for standard every day shooting, vacations, etc. I don't know if it's possible, but I would like to get something between the standard point and shoots that are like 99 dollars, and the higher, pricier models. Any recommendations?

Djeet

Don't have any specific recs (I like Canon though), but I've found this place has a nice selection of reviews and they seem to have an OK methodology. If you want HD plus a decent 10X+ optical zoom in might be hard to get in under $300; some previous yea models might be available at a good discount.

MushroomStick

I've noticed people tend to actually use the Flip video style cameras a whole lot more than the traditional camcorder style ones. So maybe look into the models that match your price range in that style.

Skoal Cat

Sign up for Newegg's e-blasts. They often have solid cameras on major discount. I agree that flip style cameras are way convenient and can provide damned good results. Check youtube for example footage.