cameras

Cameras make a big difference in making movies. Go pros can get POV shots, be mounted on cars, or be put in small areas that other cameras cannot get to. DSLR cameras can shoot in really low light and crush the depth of field.
Most cameras now use SD cards and not tape.

The best camera in my opinion is the 5D mark ii. Yes, there are other cameras out there with more power and capabilities, but for a super low price, you get a full frame sensor, full HD video recording, 22 megapixels for photography, great color rendering, a huge choice of lens, easy work flow- just use an SD card, film, then pop it into your computer and import straight to Vegas or Premiere, and you're ready to edit. It's small. The down sides are that it can over heat, there is no XLR jack for audio, it can't shoot 60fps, it uses a CMOS sensor, and shoots for about 12 minutes then cuts off.

The best camera out there right now I would say is the RED Epic, but it is too expensive.