Need gear recommendations for talking-head videos

Update:

Audio: I got my parents a preamp with phantom power, and I think they're going to get an AT875R mic.

Video: I installed MagicLantern on my Dad's 5D 2, but no matter the settings, it only outputs 640x388 over HDMI, when it should output 1650x1080 with the hack. Perhaps the issue lies with my $15 capture card having a hard time with non-standard aspect ratios.

I think I'm going to throw in the towel with the 5D, there are just too many shortcomings that I haven't been able to fully work around with adapters and firmware hacks: 12 minute record limit, no clean HDMI output, 640x388 over HDMI, No audio over HDMI, BT.601 color ect. What was Canon thinking? I know that some people have solved the HDMI resolution with the right ML build, and I'm happy for them, but my Dad wouldn't stand for me installing every ML build until I find one that works.

I think that leaves me with a consumer camcorder that has a mic input, or if my Dad decides to upgrade his DSLR, I could probably run that into the USB capture device to get around the record time limit.

I was thinking of a camcorder with the following specs:

• 1080P resolution
• 1/2" sensor
• 30mm full frame equivalent focal length when zoomed out
• 3.5mm microphone input
• Writes to SD cards

I'm looking for the cheapest viable option, as I don't think that the camcorder will be used for any other purpose, and they might only make 6 videos a year, so it can be an older used model. Does anything come to mind below $300?
 
For $300, only handy-like cams with quality so bad that they might as well use their microwave to film. (Or a phone.)

They don't make HD cameras anymore so anything new is 4K with either good HD or bad HD (corporate decisions).

But there are many mirrorless' in the $500-$1000 range that are so, so, so much better.
 
Now that you mention it, I think that they have an old iPhone 5, which I think records 1080P @ 30 FPS. I think I'll give that a try, if it works, they won't need to buy a camcorder. I got my parents a Nicama preamp, which claims to be compatible with Apple products, so I assume that it uses the CTIA TRRS wiring standard.
 
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