For the camera, try to get one that has pro audio inputs (XLR) so you can connect pro equipment painlessly (the GL-2 doesn't have them), you can try the JVC GY-DV300U Professional 1/3" Mini DV Camcorder or the Sony DSR-PDX10 Professional 1/4.7" 16:9 DVCAM Camcorder (about $2,000 each). The de-facto Boom mic is the Audio Technica AT835b Shotgun Mic priced at about $239.99 in Music123.com You can get also a mini mixing board, with at least 2 mic (XLR, PHANTOM POWERED) inputs like the Behringer Eurorack MXB1002 with 5 mis inputs ($100) a real contender. and don't forget a pair of good quality headphones like Audio Technica ATHM40fs or the more affordable AKG K66.

shorts are good ... while money is an issue, your only hope is another college production, your best hope is to work on the plot, characters as much as you can ... leave a lasting impression ... have people remembing your movie ... if you're reviewing stuff and it's looking cheesy, never be ashamed to take the piss out of yourself, change direction, work with your mistakes ... to start with, all you need is an idea ... something that just grabs your attention so that you can't conscider any other avenue other than it ... hopefully this will convey to the audience ... either way the passion will make for enough blood, sweat and tears to make it apparent to the viewer ... they'll respect it ... but what do i know? EVERYONE consciders themselves either a movie-star, a director or writter ... ask a dozen people and they'll all give you what they will all think that they can make your idea better ... but wait, i digress, the point, cheap = cheap ... you got no cash you can't make hollywood!