Do yourself a favor and go to
www.bhphoto.com
I don't work for them, but I have bought from them. The prices are usually fair. Not always the cheapest, but fair and they know what they are talking about.
Anyway, look around. Pick some models in your price range that look like what you are thinking of and narrow it down to 5 or so cameras. Post that list here and I'm sure we'll be able to advice you.
Right now we can suggest anything from a Sony Handicam for shooting on a budget to a Panasonic DVX 100A for shooting in 24p or the XL2 from Canon which has an MSRP of around $5K.