So on Friday I posted my pick for the best camcorder under $500 (Sony DCR-HC96) and I got a lot of great feedback from people who were happy to trust my judgment and pick up this great camera for their family’s use. But I also heard from several of you that wanted an even cheaper solution! Well, believe it or not, I have a great camera recommendation that you can get your hands on for only $189, have it shipped for FREE, and includes a free training DVD on how to shoot and produce better videos. Interested? Then check out the Canon ZR800 available B&H (where you get the free shipping and free DVD).

UPDATE: Now only $169! Checkout JB’s special link in the comments section below!! 

The Canon ZR800 Mini DV Camcorder comes with a variety of features, including 35x optical zoom, image stabilizer, 16:9 widescreen capability and an external mic jack, something you can’t get on some camcorders costing 2x to 3x as much. This is the PERFECT camera to leave in your car’s glove box to catch those unexpected family moments or to document an accident just after it happens. Over at Amazon.com some of the commenter’s complain about the motor noise this camera makes, but believe me, for $189 you’ll notice the money you still have left in your wallet a lot more than the motor noise. And with the built-in mic jack you can go down to Radio Shack and pick up a $20-$40 lavalier lapel mic, pin it to your kid’s jersey, and get an “on the field report” after their team’s winning soccer match that will make them feel like an ESPN reporter and sound almost as good.

Now don’t expect this camera to be as good as the Sony DCR-HC96 I recommended earlier. Remember, that camera costs more than twice as much! The Canon ZR800 is missing the ability to take pictures and does poorly recording video in low-light situations. But for the money, the free shipping, and the free DVD, the Canon ZR800 is a steal from B&H!

Tune in tomorrow when I’ll post my pick for best consumer HD camcorder under $1,000.