[dav]

I've been tasked by my company to add video editing capabilities to my repertoire (as a graphic designer). This task also involves purchasing the appropriate equipment, as we have none. So I'm in need of hardware advice. Camera, tripod/head, microphones, lighting... I think we want to keep the price of the camera/tripod/audio equip. under $6K - is that reasonable? We will be recording presentations and meetings primarily or initially.

I realize this is very involved, but any relevant advice, direction, links, recommended brands, would be appreciated. (someone elsewhere recommended lavalier mics?)

[Phileas]

Camera: Canon 5D - as budget allows, but expect to pay about $3000-5000 for the camera and some decent lenses. Shoot for 28mm, 50mm, 80mm and perhaps a fast zoom. That will cover all of your bases.
Microphone: Sennheiser wireless. About $800
Tripod: Manfrotto
Lights: LED panels. We buy them off eBay, about $500 a panel.

[BadKosh]

Adobe Premiere to edit with. Imovie just won't hack it.

[subego]

How "mission critical" are the recordings of meetings and presentations?

Are you starting with that as "school", and intend to expand this into a service you offer for artsy-fartsy stuff?

[Phileas]

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens 2514A002 B&H Photo Video

The "Plastic Fantastic". 50mm Canon lens that delivers a quality of image you'd expect from a lens four times as expensive. If you're serious about this, you will outgrow this lens (it's pretty soft when wide open) but for the first year or so it will deliver superb value.