Might be getting a new camera/camcorder- need help!

[Dakota Sunrise]

Ok, my birthday is coming up in August. My mom doesn't like getting me horsey stuff so I'm always trying to think of something else I'd like to have. And this time it was really easy to think of something. Unfortunately I kind of doubt my family can afford such an expensive present and I feel sort of bad asking. But maybe if they all kick in together (parents and big bro, maybe the grandparents too?) they could swing it.

I want a camera, camcorder, or video camera that takes AWESOME video footage. I want it to be clear and really good quality. I'm sick of how all my videos are grainy and fuzzy. I love making videos and I want them to be nice.
It doesn't have to take pictures, I'm not worried about that. I have an awesome camera for photos already, it just takes horrible videos.
My only requirements for this video camera are:

*Must take CLEAR, good quality video
*Must be able to upload it to the computer and edit on Windows Movie Maker
*Must be able to hit the "record" button and set it down to film on its own (I never have anyone to film me when I ride or work with the horses so I always just set the camera on a barrel or the fence or something.)
*Can't cost a fortune, like over $300 is bad. But I do need ideas so that's just a ballpark figure. Might be able to get a more expensive one on sale.


So, what kind of device do I need to fill those requirements?:p A really good quality camera? A video camera? A camcorder? I really don't know. Any advice or insight for me? I'd really appriciate it!:)

ETA: What about something like this maybe? http://www.staples.com/Aluratek-CINECAM-AHDVC03F-HD-Digital-Video-Camcorder/product_867618?cmArea=SC3:CG43:CL142823
Or: http://www.staples.com/Canon-FS300-Flash-Memory-Camcorder/product_SS1053407?cmArea=SC3:CG43:CL142823
I really don't know how to shop for something like this so I definitely need help!

[Palogal]

I have a flip video, and it takes really good video also has the option of turingin frames of the video in to pictures so you can have a picture of those moments you can't catch on a regular camera like a certain point of a stride or something. It's also small enough to put in my pocket, runs on batteries and is easy to download from.

http://www.jr.com/flip-video/pe/PUF_U1120B/

[gabhainn]

I have flip as well and i like mine a lot, the video I mad a month or so ago I did with it and it turned out really well....................Kevin

[gabhainn]

oh yeah and the best part is their low end camera starts at 120 bucks at wal mart...Kevin

[doc_western]

my friend has a cannon, and it's really nice. :) I think it might actually be the same one you posted a link to... I don't know if it works with WMM at all, she uses a different program.

[AUEquine]

I have a JVC. I bought it from Bestbuy last year it was around $289. It takes great video, it also takes stills but they're not that great (at least not compared to my nikon3000). It is super easy to use; just open it up and push the record button. The upload is easy, just plug in a cord and push a button. It stores on an SD card, and has a slot for 2 of them, I've yet to even fill up the one I have.

The few things I learned while shopping for cameras (bought two bad ones before I got this one).
-buy one that stores on an SD card. Tapes are obsolete and have lots of problems, and mini dvds arn't as easy.
-Don't buy sony. They love their own stuff. Their cameras require all sony accessories (storage cards, cables, etc), and they're stuff is priced higher.
-Don't trust the people at bestbuy. They will tell you any lie to sell you the camera. I was flat out lied to by two different associates who said the camera would do cirtain things and it didn't.

[zoel_222]

Oooh I like that flip one. I want it *drools on keyboard* :p

[JackieB]

Pretty hard to go wrong with Canon. I'll bet you would be very pleased with that one from Staples.

[AUEquine]

i've read nothing but bad reviews about the Flip cameras, just that they are poor quality. Very easy to use and quick uploads, but poor quality.

Cannon is a very good brand. Alot my students have done their critical care videos (like the freecolicreport) with plain digital still cameras with a video option. The best of those were cannons or nikons.