Digital Camcorder for a beginner?

[hackerslacker]

Looking to purchase a camcorder (probably later than sooner). Anyone have a recommenations? Nothing too high priced, but very beginner level that still would look good for a movie etc.
$300+

Such as:

Best manufacturer
Best media (DVD/FLASH/TAPE/HDD)
High Def?
Firewire/USB

I looked at reviews but i have no idea where to begin..
I searched the boards for this topic, but found no topics already created for it.

[Highwayman]

I find Canon has alot of nice little hand cam's that have great picture but the big problem you may run into is the Mic. Most are internal... sound pretty much sucks if your looking to do shorts/films what-have-you. But anyway Canon certainly has some products you should look at.

[Dr. Phibes]

True enough. Regardless of the camera you pick, make allowances to buy an external mic (which you will plug in to the camera). You'll be disappointed with your audio capture if you rely on the built-in camera mic.

[hackerslacker]

I have heard that, I may just buy a $200 cam from CC and practice and research for the time being. I have no excuse to go buy anything expensive. Thanks for help on this!