Replying to Looking to upgrade my camera?

First I'll give you some info. I want to get out of mini dv, but I'm also exploring the world of DSLR's. Just want some suggestions for an upgrade. I would buy used camera's too.



1) What is your budget? How much money can you spend right away, and do you think you can get more money to invest in the future? My Budget for the camera alone $1000 - $1500. Don't want to go over $1500

2) What experience do you already have with cameras? Have you ever even used one before? Have you helped your friend out with his camera? Have you owned your own?
I have had an hv30 for about 2 years and I use it on manual and I have used my friends D60 a few times for photos.

2) What gear, if any, do you currently have? (tripod, old camera lenses, mics, etc)
Got an hv30 with a Opteka fisheye on it. Got a cheap tripod.

4) What are you planning to shoot and how do you want to use your camera? Are you going to use this with the sole purpose of shooting skiing? or do you think you might try other stuff as well (movies, documentaries, short films, etc)
Skiing and Skateboarding would be my main focus.

5) Do you want a camera that you can hand to your friends, that could or could not have film experience, and let them shoot you? or will you be doing all the filming?
I would like to be able to give it to a friend to shoot my, but most of my friends have camera experience also. It is not a must have.

6) When filming skiing, how do you tend to shoot? (follow cams, leave it on record on a tripod and hike, film from a tripod, etc)
Pretty much everything, when I shoot by myself I put it on a tripod and hike, but that is rare.

7) What computer do you currently have/use to edit (if not currently editing, what would you most likely use)? If you can provide specifics, such as hard drive space, RAM, processor size, that would be great.
Right now I got a laptop with a 1.66ghz dual processor along with 2gb of ram. Also got a hard drive of 120gb with a external of 500gb.


8) What program do you currently edit on? How familiar are you with it (1- just learning; 10- I can make tutorials and know the keyboard layout)
Right now I got Sony Vegas pro 8, I would say a solid 7 no joke intended.

---------------------------Optional Section, for those seeking a more intensive upgrade/purchase------------------------
1) Do you think you might consider using a DSLR?
Sure if I can afford it and if it right for me.

2) Do you have any knowledge about the HDSLRS?
Very minimal just some stuff I have read on the internet.
3) Do you know the limitations to using HDSLRS?
I know a few.
4) Are you willing to take the time to learn about a DSLR, and how to shoot with manual lenses?
For sure if it means I get nice footage.