camcorder recs

i'm looking to purchase a camcorder for a friend who is expecting a child shortly -- nothing too fancy, just fancy enough to catch baby's first steps and share them with the grandparents. i'd like to spend around $300 - $500.

can anyone who has recently purchased a camcorder offer me any guidance? i intend to make my purchase at b&h photo in manhattan, but if anyone can recommend any other stores, i'd appreciate that, too.

happy holidays!

David Pogue wrote favorably about the Flip camcorder:

http://www.amazon.com/Flip-Video-MinoHD-Camcorder-Minutes/dp/B001HSOFI2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1230267423&sr=8-1

I've come to rely a lot on cnet.com and avsforum.com. I've made a few decisions based on their recommendations.

booklaw wrote: David Pogue wrote favorably about the Flip camcorder:

http://www.amazon.com/Flip-Video-MinoHD-Camcorder-Minutes/dp/B001HSOFI2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1230267423&sr=8-1

I read this looking for a camcorder myself. I found a bunch of camparisons on YouTube and I liked thepicture on the old Flip Ultra better

thanks for the helpl. that flip camcorder looks great -- and affordable.