Reply to Need solution for HD video

I am starting to do more video pieces to go alongside my articles and youtube tomfoolery. Any of you that saw my Trator Bible unboxing video will know how much the video quality sucked so I need to sort something out.

At the same time I want to get my wife a DSLR Camera (looking at maybe the Nikon D5000). So friends, here are my questions:

1. Will the Nikon D5000 deliver good quality video and sound?

2. Any suggestions on other DSLRs that someone can learn photography on? My wife is looking at taking classes.

3. Best places to get deals on cameras? Or do I just go to amazon?

4. Forgetting the Nikon for a minute, are there any webcam/USB video devices that I can get good results from that won't cost the earth? Most if not all of what I do will be within 10' of my laptop.

Thanks chaps.

SmiTTTen