Standard definition, non of that high def mumbo jumbo.
Prefer memory card rather than hard disk?
Gotta be compact.
Any recommendations?
There are loads of them. I am in the same position as you. I read the reviews but they all seem to get criticised for one reason or the other. The Sanyo mini flash recorders seem to be the ones to go for. This one gets a good review and is waterproof. A fairly useless feature on the face of it but if you are likely to use it for riding, you can film in the rain or not have to worry if it is in your pack and get caught in a storm.
Toshiba camileo seems to get bad press, not good in low light and slow to focus.
If you do get one, let me know which one and how it performs.
Oops forgot the link.. edit!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sanyo-VPC-CA9ER-Waterproof-Video-Camera/dp/B001SAMSGA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1259601305&sr=8-4
Toshiba Camelio here, which is WELL under £250, as it's not the HD model. It is not intuitve to use, and the built in mic. is poor. It's more akin to the Flip type of camcorder, but better than those as it has a optical zoom. You can see the results here.
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In summary, fine for who it was purchased for, (the little 'un, who has no problem with the funcionality of it 🙄 ) but I wouldn't use it for 'best'.