You know, Ribs, as I read over the above posts I keep reading things in your replies that tell me you're going to have a LOT of learning to do. I mean, a LOT. And not being filthy rich will put a damper on those starry eyes looking at all the goodies everybody is talking about. The basics, and you can pencil out them out by going to Amazon or any of the other buying web sites, are going to include:
Camera
Computer
Software for editing and processing the video clips.
The above is really, really basic. Maybe more basic might be using your iPhone in lieu of the camera but we won't go there.
For the camera, in your situation, I'd recommend going USED. I picked up a little JVC 130 model for $65 (new ~$300) a couple years ago and it shoots Full HD. No mic input but it is full solid state and has a removable SD card. (The SD card doesn't allow Full HD on this model - it's older). Anyway, there are a lot of menu options and will keep you busy learning the ins and outs of video. The plus: it is quite small and is VERY portable. I've taken it in my coat pocket (winter) or just plain old hand carried it. I wouldn't loose sleep over worrying about if it gets damaged or anything. This is good.
On the other hand, with 20-20 hind sight, I would have opted for a slightly better model that had a mic input. In your case that's what I'd really recommend is something with a "Mic in". Used, same brand and year, probably, say, ~$130. This won't be money wasted - use it for your B-Cam in a couple years.
Computer, same as above but maybe a little different. Used and cheap is okay but it needs to be able to run the application. You want FCPX but for starters I'd go with iMovie - a lot cheaper and may not require as much computer resources (I'm guessing here 'cuz I don't know). Any video editing application is going to be hard on the computer and laptops will really get hot. Read: I'm worried about failure here. I prefer a desktop Mac Pro because it is very robust and built like a tank, not like a tinny PC box. The Mac Pro, though, is going to run a few bucks. Also needs a monitor.
Applications:
I'd really start out with iMovie because it is much more inexpensive and does a lot. Good learning tool and you'll need money for a lot of other things. In the case of the camera, what file type is the output? Will the file type need to be processed so the editing application can read the files? If so, that's another expense. Get your ducks in a row and write down the prices.
Acccessories:
Tripod - You aren't going to do all this stuff hand-held are you? There are cheap tripods like what still cameras use and then there are video tripods. Start with a cheap one, say $25 used. Later it can be used to hold a mic or video ling or what ever. A new video tripod is going to be in the $400 and up range.
Light - I'll leave this unanswered due to difficulty. LEDs are popular but have color issues.
Mic - definitely will need a mic and probably sooner than later. I picked up a little Rode stere video mic for $175 used. Hey, that's more than what I paid for the camera!!! Okay, so it works on my second camera - the first one didn't have a mic input (see above).
Preamps - Good mics will have XLR cables so you'll need a good preamp to accept their input, maybe provide phantom power, and line out to a mini jack. Figure a couple hundred for this. Six hundred for the XLR mic.
Are we having fun yet?
Okay, start cheap and upgrade as you go along.
Backup drives for the computer?
Lavalier mic? Wired or wireless?
Glidecam?
Monopod?
Light reflectors?
Battery tester? (you're going to use a lot of batteries)
Windshield/blimp for the mic (windy situation)
Softie/wind muff for the mic (light wind)
.... and the list goes on, and on, and on,....
Go cheap, get a job, save for the house, and build your kit as you learn and can afford it.
