I'd recommend a used Canon DSLR if you could get one, possibly with a somewhat decent zoom lens. For around your budget, a used 60D (which was Brandon's first camera if I recall correctly) with a kit lens should be in reach. If you are doing video, a Rode VideoMic should do the trick if you can fit one in your budget, which if you pay a fair price got a 60D, you should be able to.