Ren Kimcheck

Hello everyone, this is my first post here. I am a second year cinema student and I am looking to purchase a digital video camera to begin making my own films without having to rely on the school's cameras. I am looking to spend between $1000 and $1500 on the camera. I have done some research but the choices are overwhelming and I am hoping someone with more experience in the field can guide me in the right direction. All help is appreciated.