inexpensive camcorders

[Houndoc]

One possible Christmas gift for the family this year is a camcorder. I am thinking mostly something the kids can have fun with (my son is taking an interest in claymation). With budget limited (say $150), any suggestions on digital camcorders to seek out or avoid?

From most of what I have read, the Kodak Zi8 seems promising, except for lack of zoom capability.

Thoughts?

 

[lewis]

My wife was wanting a new one this year as well. We did quite a bit of research and read alot of reviews. We came to the conclusion that the pocket camcorders weren't going to be any better than her current camera which really isn't all that good. It came down to getting what you pay for and we couldn't afford what we were looking for.