Equipment?

What type of equipment is necessary for professional looking videos?

Camera:
Inexpensive: A phone camera.
Average: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V - $400-$500
Expensive: Sony Alpha ILCE-7 - $1,698-$1,746

Camera Stands:

Sunpak - PlatinumPlus 5858D 58" Tripod

Any form of camera stands will generally work, however you may want a taller stand to be able to give your camera the flexibility to move in most any direction.