The quality isn't amazing on it, but it's good when you use manual settings. (Very simple on this model.) It's not too expensive. It's got 78x optical zoom (If you zoom in on the moon, you can see all it's craters and stuff) and it takes pictures which are pretty nice quality. It shoots in standard definition though.
Some people use t2is, t3is.... My personal favorite to use is the Canon 60D, if you plan on skiing with it you should grab a glide cam. Also, a decent lens usually helps.
he said not too complex, so i'd say maybe something from the vixia line or the tm700 from panasonic with a decent tripod set up, a dslr sounds like more than he wants to me.
I use a canon t2i that my brother owns if you want to see some videos from it look here http://qzyxya.wordpress.com/ and on his youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/qzyxya PM with any questions too! It is great and I have/ he has been satisfied with it.
Panasonic AG-DVX100 it's a fantastic camera with plenty of manual settings you can start teaching yourself to use. You could find a used one for less than 1000 easy.
Only problem with the dvx is that its SD, which is a dead technology. I wouldn't recommend a SD camera, you'll be wanting that high quality HD image and the dvx just wont fullfil that want.
Get an HD camcorder. You'll find one easy for < $1000. HV40, HF S320, something along those lines. It doesn't sound like you're in it for the art, mostly just the run and gun, point and shoot, and get something with decent quality out. Go with one of those and you'll be fine.