Sony's Handycam DCR-SR68 (and larger-capacity SR88) offers up ample storage and a megazoom lens at a reasonable price; one look at the standard-definition video, though, and you might regret not spending a bit more for an HD model.
Simple operation; 60x zoom lens; 80GB hard drive; small
Soft, noisy video; noticeable fringing on subjects; image stabilization is electronic only; no mic or headphone jacks