I started off with a first generation rebel when they first came out and that camera went through hell, when it gave out last year, I switched to the D50 and I love it. Only use 3 lenses, fixed 50, original 18-55 and 28-135.
Second generation rebels should do fine, it will give you alot of room to experiment on the manual settings as well as getting to know and setting up your white balance. All around 500. The 18-55 factory lens is a pretty versatile lens if your starting out. Should do you right.
For Video, I use the HV30 for HD, it does a great job. I use a 2x telephoto attachment sometimes and 0.5 wide angle macro other times.
If your into video, the old ZR series is still pretty solid. You cn pick them up for under 350 bucks. It is tape, however, not cards. The HV30 is Canons last hurrah as far as tape from what they have said. You can find refurbished H series cameras for a fair price, under 650 if you look around.
Lighting system is simple 1500 watt tungsten light kit with 2 soft light boxes in studio or just the kit when traveling. Slik tripods are pretty fab too. And not as flimsy as others imho.
Hope that helped
