Digital Still Camera:

  

Most "Point and Shoot" digital still
cameras now make AVI or QT movies.

  

$250

You'll also need a PC with open USB port
or a memory card reader.

    
     

Jargon:

Smart Media, Compact Flash, SD, et al.

Advantages:

Versatile
Compact
Good image quality
Some now can make 60 fps movies

Disadvantages:

Some limited to only 15 fps
Auto exposure sets shutter speed
Zoom lens sometimes locked at wide angle end
Modest storage capacity
No real-time capture

Links:

Olympus, Canon

Two-Well Pendulum (2911 KB movie)