Depends what you mean by expensive.... The Canon VIXIA HF S200 is an amazing near pro quality camcorder that sells for $752.00. A few years ago, it would have gone for over a thousand for all it's features. Very nice, tapeless, shoots beautiful HD video. I love it.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00322OOXM?ie=UTF8&tag=merchblastcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00322OOXM
The Panasonic HDC-SD60K goes for $438.56. Another good solid Camcorder though I wouldn't call anything much cheaper than that one of the best.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035LCZSG?ie=UTF8&tag=merchblastcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0035LCZSG
EDIT:
The Sanyo VPC-FH1A has some issues with the image stabilization, focus, and the mic isn't that sensitive. It's an OK toy, but but it just feels a bit glitchy.