Whats the best camcorder I can get for under $250?

There's a big difference between 60 fps in a 60p or progressive scan mode or 60i which is interlaced. Most handycams or small camcorders can't even shoot 60i. Most still use 30i. You won't find a camera in that budget that shoots amazing footage- good yes, you might want to look at the new Flip HD's. 30 FPS 30p is sufficient, those extra frames are often artificial and won't improve your quality at all. Image sharpness is based on the size and type of sensor in the camera- and a lot of other things... I could go on for hours about camcorders; professional editing is my hobby and possible career. Many consumer cameras brag of identical specs yet have an exceedingly wide price range. I wouldn't trust your parents to choose one or be able to know any more about it than you. Price and brand isn't everything, a friend of mine bought a $600 Sony Handycam a couple years ago, and it's footage is terrible. (I'd stay away from the HDR-CX100 / 110 type cameras from them if I were you). Research, and just be careful what you buy.

I have a Kodak Zi8 that I got last year, it shoots 1080p, 720p 60FPS, 720 30FPS, WVGA and can take stills. It's not a camcorder but a pocket camera. It also has a macro switch for those close ups. It's pretty good as for battery and filesizes. The zoom isn't too great but it works. I would recommend it for shooting short clips with a steady hand or a tripod, or for vlogging. You're not looking at top of the line video production, but it's still a step up from some.

I am on my third AIPTEK HD 1080p at 30 fps, 720p at 60fps, Stills and Video, Night shots, small, optical zoom, up to 8 Megapixels, PMP, D1, Macro, Flash, Voice recorder, hooks up to Video on TV, rechargeable by USB or any Motorola phone charger, SD memory up to 16Gb, small... fits in the palm, cheap.. I get the Refurbs for under US$75 and they work well until they are stolen! What else do you want?