I've been thinking of going to film school as well.. but if I can remember correctly, which I can't, a good starter camera thats relatively cheap (they shot the entire blair witch project with this type of camera) is like the Sony X3000 PowerShot? something to that effect.. I know its made by Sony, and I know it has X and a number in the thousands. The PowerShot might be another camera I'm thinking of.. I'll try and find out exactly for you.

EDIT:
The Sony HDS-X3000. PowerShot is just another digital camera that was on my mind because of the media I'm sure. Bastards.