Here are my recommendations for everything you need to start filmmaking:

The T2i is the best price/performance bang for your buck. it has a large sensor so you get that film like depth of field that we all look for.

The 50mm lens is perfect for medium shots and is good for low light because it is 1.8f.

I own this stuff and highly recommend it.

You will also need a nice fluid head tripod to get the shots.

And a shoulder rig would be cool. also a viewfinder.

Here is a cool matt box - i just ordered it. You will need a rail system. Finish it off with lights. Now you can make your movie!

Total at time of writing: $1135.00

You don't NEED everything here. the minimum is the camera, tripod, and lights. Total: $730.00

also:

Here are some great resources for filmmakers:

Sonnyboo.com is a source for free music, forms and templates, images, and articles.

Archive.org has free stock footage and music.

Detonationfilms.com has free stock explosion footage.

edgen.com has free music for your projects.

My sreenwriting coach! She is a great teacher and I highly recommend her. Vera Caccioppoli at Hi-Way-Haven.com