Here's a very nice deal on a Sony VG-20.
Sony NEX VG20 Handycam E Mount Interchangeable Lens Camcorder Body Only w Box | eBay
It may not be heads a shoulders above other cameras in terms of image quality, but it will have several advantages:
1. Full frame sensor (wide lens selection becomes easier)
2. Unlimited recording times (since it's a video camera)
3. Classic camcorder ergonomics (this is great, especially for longer shoots and hand-held work)
4. E Mount is even more flexible than M/43.
For this same amount of money, you may be able to get one of the other cameras people have mentioned, but you probably won't be able to afford the accessories to make it more useful for handheld shooting. With this camera, you're ready to go. All you'd need is an E-PK adapter.