starter camera in the 500-600 dollar range

im looking to purchase my first camera. this does not mean i have no experience using camera. on the contrary i attended a film camp over the summer shooting on mini dv and have also had my share of using the friend's camera to make some youtube vids. Im a senior in hs and will be attending community college and then transfering to the university of depaul to studio in the cdm program. Im not looking for a super pro camera just something to make some convincing ameteur films until i can studio in college. i edit with imovie but have been looking to make the switch to final cut. any feedback is greatly appreciated. and im new to this site but am learning a lot so im very greatfull in that regard
 
Any camera from Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Samsung or
Sharp in that price range will be nearly identical. It isn't
the camera that allows you to make a convincing amateur
movie, it's the skill and talent of the movie maker. Good
lighting, excellent story and acting, perfect audio make
a convincing amateur movie.

I'll second the HV30 recommendation - it's a fine camera.
When looking for a camera in you price range look for a
mic input (very important) and manual controls of focus,
iris and shutter. Manual controls will give you more control
of the look and a mic input will allow you to use a shotgun
mic on a boom pole which will greatly increase the quality
of your audio. It's essential that you add a shotgun mic to
your list of items needed. A good mic is as important as
your camera.

Check out these:
http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=17514
http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?p=86959
http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=12037
http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=11309
http://www.indietalk.com/showthread.php?t=12203
 
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