Camcorders under $250

[nannerdw]

Right now I have a 3.1 megapixel digital camera. It has a video feature, but the quality is really bad. I'm looking for a cheap (preferably <$200), small camcorder that takes good quality videos and high quality still shots, but I am willing to pay up to $250. I want it to have at least some sort of optical zoom feature. The best that I have been able to find was the Aiptek MPVR. It got good reviews, but a lot of them said that the quality was poor. I also really wish that it had a lens cover.

 

I'm not planning on using it for POV's, but I would still like to have a camera that I could take on rides without feeling like it might break.

 

The quality doesn't have to be amazing, but I want to use the camera for decent off-ride videos. What would be the best camera that includes all of these features?

[Carnage]

I'm looking for a cheap (preferably <$200), small camcorder that takes good quality videos and high quality still shots,

 

Unless you decide to spend more you're probably not going to find a camcorder that takes good quality still shots.

 

Still shots by camcorders tend to be more like screen caps, decent, but far from great.

 

You might be better off to keep your digital camera, and use the new camcorder just for video.

[Angry_Gumball]

If you up your budget an additional $50 or so, you can get a decent camcorder. Don't expect the best out of a $200 camcorder, which would be the JVC's. JVC's are ok for playback but recording sucks big time. We use JVCs at work but only for playback due to their cheap prices. My Canon cost me $300 and works great. Recording's great, playback's great. If you're wondering, I have the Canon ZR200 but the ZR300 has the little nightshot thing on it for nighttime recording, which is around $350. Do some researching on the internet prior to your purchase as you may not be happy after your first recording session.

[CoasterFanatic]

When it comes to DV Cams. You pretty much get what you pay for.

 

I would at least bring your budget up to the $400-500 range if you want to get something worthwhile.

[Homer]

I own an Aiptek camera, its good for a n00b like me. It can take some decent stills, but I really wish it had an optical zoom lens. Video is a bit crap and the camera itself is poorly made. Oh well, you get what you pay for, but I think its a good budget camera and good for first timers.

[Carnage]

^ Beginner or not I would never suggest someone buy a camera that has no optical zoon, crappy video, and is poorly made.

 

Your camcorder doesn't sound like an upgrade over his digital camera at all.