I would recommend the following equipment:

Sony PD-170 Camera
Steinhauser Wireless Mics
Monfrotto 501 or 201 Camera Head
A camera arm - working on my own design
Monfrotto or Verizoom controller

The above equipment package is going to run you between $3000-4,500.00.

Yeah - I know - it's not cheap, but the above is what it really takes to take good footage, with good audio.

If you want to start with the absolute bare minimum, a Canon GL-2, Zoom Controller, Bogan 201 head, and a camera arm are the minimum you need to take quality footage. You can get started with this package for around $1,800.00 (used).

Let me know if you have any further questions.

WKP-Todd