Recommendation for an inexpensive camcorder?

[Orrex]

I have it mind for my 7 year old (his one big birthday present), so I'd like it to be user-friendly but also not bad in terms of quality.

Standard definition is fine, and the output videos don't really need to be any bigger than 640 pixels. If possible I'm looking in the $50 and under range.


Any suggestions?

[TZ]

1. This might be more expensive than you want but

I've heard good things about these:
http://www.theflip.com/en-us/
Plus my company gave these as door prizes to employees over the holiday, and I can tell you this, they don't cheap out on rewarding their shills er employees.....:P

[Orrex]

2. Yeah, that does appear to be about 5X what I was looking to spend

They seem pretty nifty, though. Just a bit out of the desired price range.

[TZ]

3. For your price range I would look for a disposable video cam

They are around I think...CVS used to carry some for about 40 bucks or so I think. They might not be the quality you want though

[Orrex]

4. Maybe. Vivitar has a few for under $60, but I'm having trouble finding good info online

Lots of extreme outlier critiques ("they're excellent!!!" or "they suck!!!") but not a lot of middle of the road opinions.

[HopeHoops]

5. I got my daughter a Sony solid-state. It was on sale for around $90 at the time.

I think it runs about $130 normally. Great little camcorder and you don't have to spend money on tapes!

[siligut]

6. Ever shop at Tuesday Morning?

There are stores in PA, or you can order online. http://shop.tuesdaymorning.com/dsp_productDetail.asp?ssid=1&pid=9988
From the link:
USB Digital Video Camera
Style No. 1064667 $49.99 EA
Compare at $99.99
Capture, store, and share memorable video clips with the Sharper Image USB Digital Video Camera. A digital video camera and player with easy to use intuitive controls that captures 640 x 480 pixel resolution. Load movies onto computer via attached USB port and store up to one hour of footage with a new sleek thinner design. Includes rechargeable battery and convenient built in USB connectivity. Switch instantly from video to still camera, features easy one touch recording. Also, link to TV and share videos without a PC.

[Orrex]

7. Good suggestion! There's one very close to my workplace

I'll give them a shot.

[siligut]

8. Did you buy one yet?

Is there a Big Lots near you? This weekend's ad has a camcorder for $20, it is half off for 2 days. I have enjoyed the videos your boys have made, so when I saw this, I just had to let you know. Though I don't know the quality.

slicK Digital Camcorder
$19
2 DAY DEAL! SAVE 52% Comp. To $39.99 SD card sold separately.
YOUR CHOICE! 4X digital zoom, SD card slot up to 8GB, includes tripod