Alright, I've started on a recommended gear list, somewhat lifted from /p/s' vid gens. Please make any corrections/suggestions you can think of.
Cameras (body only):
$250 EOS M - Same feature set as 550D/T2i with Magic Lantern. Poor autofocus for stills. Vanishingly small first party lens support. Has Mic input.
~$250: 550D/T2i - Good feature set with Magic Lantern. Better for stills photography than EOS M. Has Mic input.
~$300: GH2 - Great video quality. Poor default codec. Articulating LCD. Video vastly improved with various hacks. Non-standard 2.5mm Mic input.
$350: A5100 - Very strong low cost performer. Ergonomic quibbles. No mic input.
~$0: 600D/T3i - The same as 550D/T2i but with an articulating screen. Has Mic input.
~$400+: 50D - Cheapest RAW you're going to get. Be prepared to buy a LOT of CF cards, though. No Mic input.
$500: D5200 - Solid low light. 60p. Poor body/controls. Has Mic input.
$1000: GH3 - Well rounded. 60p. Doesn't have focus peaking, zebras. Has Mic input.
$1000: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera - Difficult to work with, but excellent image. Cheap lens options (see CCTV lenses, etc.) due to 16mm equiv. sensor. Has Mic input and headphone out.
$1700: GH4 - Flexible, shoots 4K and 96p. Clean HDMI out. Has Mic input and headphone out.
$2000: Blackmagic Cinema Camera - More capable version of the Pocket Cinema Camera. Non-removable battery. Same drawbacks. Has mic input and headphone out.
$2500: A7s - God tier low light performance. Has some drawbacks. Adapted lenses pretty much a must. Has Mic input and headphone out.
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