Whats a good, simple video camera for a newbie?

[Dragonlovs]

I've been working with cameras in my TV class and want to start making videos of my own.
I do have a few things I care about:I would like it to be no more than $300 if possible, It needs to be able to stand on its own or with a small tripod (like for a vlog), shoot in fairly good quality, be somewhat compact not clunky, not require a DV tape, and not be a flip.
I really don't know much else about cameras, so any insider info or suggestions are helpful! Please and thank-you!
Fairly good quality is not HD: I realize I don't have that much money to spend (I really only have $300). And I say no DV tape because the DV tapes cost way too much. I want a camera I don't have to continually buy stuff for.