Little mini DV handi cams work great...You will do fine even if you do not want a wireless mic set-up...
I use the Gorrilla Arm Treepod to hold my cams
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_49534?cm_mmc=froogle-_-400-7-6-_--1-_-38-881-641-00&hvarAID=46KY&mr:trackingCode=2B29C4F6-ADE0-DC11-AA92-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA
Wireless mics add a great touch...Pinnacle Studio 11 will get you on board with editting and great music and transitions...
I use a Panasonic AG-DVC 30 3 CCD...I have been making videos for 5 years..and they're better then most of what I see on TV...Because I am myself..and I have learned along the way....its a tough market if you ever wanted to get in...seems like its a who you know type thing...
Have fun and get a stable arm for the tree...and have fun editting!