There is no such thing as cutting corners with audio.
This is true -- the issues are two fold -- one is equipment and the other is skill.
On the equipment side what you need is:
1) Something to record with
2) Someway to monitor the levels
3) Someway to listen to the sound that's being recorded
The record with element is your basic - mic/pole/XLR cable combo -- along with ways of protecting the mic from howl around (wind noise). (This kit can grow and grow to include all manner of things, but those are the basics)
The element to monitor levels is very important, and the bit that many indies forget. Because digital sound doesn't distort at it's maximum level -- but merely clicks as it tops out -- it's really easy to miss audio topping out when recording -- a problem that will mean ADR in post. -- In order to avoid this problem you need a meter that allows you to see the levels as they are recorded -- for the indie,
Beachtek make a unit that does just this and also provides phantom power for mics. They used to make a meter/headpohone amplifier, which is what I use.
The sound itself can be listened to directly from the camera via the headphone jack -- preferably by someone who isn't the camera operator -- who will have other things to worry about.
Once you've got the equipment issues sorted -- then comes the hard part -- the skill element
In the music industry they talk about engineers in studios "having good ears" and it's true -- not everyone has the ability to differentiate between good sound and bad. A good sound guy not only listens for potential sound problems and knows how to position mics to get round them, but also knows what sound is going to be needed for the mix and makes sure that get's recorded as well.
It's a highly skilled job and not everyone can learn how to do it -- however, with that said, that's not a reason not to attempt to acquire the skills -- and when starting out the DIY solutions will allow you to get acceptable sound, providing you can get the skill element right.