What is better a camcorder or a digital camera?

My budget is $300 and I want to buy something that can take good videos and cameras. I particularly need something right now that can take good videos for my video project in school, and also for YouTube. I know I won't be able to get professional video quality because of my budget but I want something that would perhaps and hopefully come just as close. I would also need a lot of optical zoom as I would need to take distant shots of horses. Also can camcorders take good photos? I would prefer to buy the item from Best Buy or Future Shop or even Factory Direct. I do live in Toronto, Ontario so if they are any local stores that you know that would be great as well. I've done so much research and I just can't find a really conclusive answer to this question. Thank you so much for your help! :D I really do appreciate it!