Is there a video camera good for making smooth, good quality videos that is under 300 dollars?

I have been looking for a good video camera to make videos for YouTube with friends. I also want to know if the Canon ZR800 or ZR850 are good.

Both the ZR800 and ZR850 will be fine. I would suggest the ZR830 because it has a mic jack (the 850 does not). The ZR800 does not have manual audio control - but this is important only if you want to record really loud or really soft audio.

One of the EASIEST tricks to smooth video is not recording when the camcorder is handheld. Use a tripod, monopod... or a desk or chair... or a SpyderBrace. Do not zoom or pan... if you must zoom or pan, do that v e r y s l o w l y.

If you're looking for a good YouTube camera you don't really need to worry all that much about quality... most cameras have better quality than YouTube is able to play back. In fact, most digital cameras with a movie mode will give you more that adequate quality for YouTube.

If you want a dedicated YouTube camera, might I suggest one of the new Samsung units (http://www.thetechstop.net/?p=1331), all of which are under $300 and have excellent quality, or the Aiptek A-HD 1080P (http://www.thetechstop.net/?p=1301) which sell for under $150.

Peace,
Fr. Robert