-You will need a Mac if you don't have one yet. Unfortunately, the developer tools are for Mac only. The cheapest option is a MacMini, which only includes the CPU. If you go the used route. Do not buy a non intel based Mac. If you want something more portable a Macbook would would help. The new unibody Macbooks are awesome. The Macbook Air is garbage for the price and specs. Ignore it even though its pretty. Macbooks are pricey though, typical for Mac hardware. If you are going to doing heavier video editing, I would go for the MacBook Pros, they have dedicated GPUs, faster processors and use DDR3 ram. But it will cost you. One caveat, never buy ram from Apple, buy it from other sources if you respect your wallet. And always, always, always get Applecare.
-Here are some great iPhone dev resources:
http://iphonetoolbox.com/news/hand-picked-iphone-application-development-resources/-For editing, you can use iMovie, which comes free with new Mac puchases. It has been recently re hauled as well and the impressions have been positive. You can then graduate to Final Cut Pro, which is awesome. Or you can go straight to Final Cut. It's you choice. But Final Cut will cost you.
-No clue on cameras. I've only used pro stuff not consumer grade video cameras.
-Patel got into iPhone development a few months back. I don't know if you are in contact with him as he doesn't posts here anymore, but I would try to get advice from him as well.
