I don't think $2K will get you a professional grade camera, maybe second hand...

I'd recommend a DVCAM format, Sony PD150 would be a bit above your price range though (around $3000). DVCAM is super reliable and widely used in broadcasting. I've been shooting DVCAM for years and it's the most affordable/reliable system you can get.

There's a new compact Panasonic DV 24 frame camera that looks sweet! Only problem with that one is that you cannot mix regular NTSC 30 fps footage with it without conversion first. But you get super saturated, 'filmy' look. HD is 24 fps native so it seems that this will be the (not near) future.

Hope this helps a little.....