That's definitely a good list for "prosumer" noobs, but I think that "true" noobs can go down a little bit.

Here's my lists:

Equipment List for Noobs, based by Noob Level


The High School Student SD Package:

Computer & Software: (likely a sunken cost, otherwise around $700.)
At least Pentium 4 or AMD 3200+ on the PC side with Sony Vegas Studio w/at least 300 GB HD.
Intel-based Mac with Final Cut Express

Camera: $200
Canon ZR800 or similar model (check to see that it has a microphone-in port.)

UV Filter: $20

Wireless Microphone: $130
Azden WM-100 Pro

Shotgun Microphone: $50
Audio Technica ATR55

Shockmount for Shotgun: $30
Azden SMH-1

Head Cleaner Tape: $5
Panasonic DV Head Cleaner

5 MiniDV Tapes: $15
Panasonic Consumer

Tripod: $80
Velbon Videomate 607

Headphone: $15
Panasonic Gumy Headphones

Bag: $40
Backpack

Reflector: $7 for four
Go to Home Depot, pick up some stryofoam insulation with the silvery-back. Cut it into four pieces. Voila.

--------------------------------

The Hobbyist HD Package:

Computer & Software: $3000
At least Quad-Core PC or Dual-Core Mac + Final Cut Pro or Sony Vegas

Camera: $800
Canon HV30, Sony SR-11 or similar model

UV Filter: $20

Wireless Microphone: $500
Sennheiser SW/EW100

Shotgun Microphone: $130
Rode VideoMic

Head Cleaner Tape: $5
Panasonic DV Head Cleaner

20 MiniDV Tapes: $80
Panasonic Prosumer

Tripod: $80
Velbon Videomate 607

Headphone: $80
Noise Isolating Headphones

Bag: $40
Backpack

Reflector: $30

Paul~
when mounted on the tripod, what is attached under the camera in the rear? lavaliere?

Yes, it's the Receiver of Sennheiser lav set. I have velcro on the bottom of the camera and the back of the receiver.

I took off the stock shock mount as I was afraid that my camera would not fit in my bag with it on, so I bought another shockmount to put in the hot shoe, thereby leaving me to find another place to have to mount the receiver.

I probably will reattach the shock mount at some time, and if so, I my get a j-rod for it! thej-rod.com

after just learning about a j-rod yesterday, i am desiring to purchase one asap, but does it seem simple enough to make one? can hotshoes be purchased seperately?