My 4th grade friends and I are looking for a good film camera.

I don't think you need a DSLR in 4th grade. lol. 

Look for an inexpensive HD camcorder like a JVC Everio or something.

Maybe try a Flip? If they are still selling them, the Flip Cameras are very inexpensive and film in HD. They are excellent quality and are perfect for something for fourth graders to use. 

Since you are a starting photographer/videographer , It's best to stick with something basic where you can grow into. When you grow older and are more advance, that's when you should pick up better equipment.

In all honesty, It all depends on how you take your picture ;)

It's a trend that DSLRs are becoming multifunctional if you are looking not only just to film. The Nikon d5100 is your best choice multifunctional camera, because of the swivel screen for filming and for taking pics in tight places (no pun  intended). 

In reality though, if your strictly /just for film/, I suggest a Sony handy cam, or Canon's Vixia HF M30 or 40

Wait for the Nikon announcement on the19th of April. Nikon Rumors says there might be a D3200 announced so you can see what price and video recording capability it has before you make a decision if you go with a dslr. I agree with some of the other posters in that a several hundred dollar dslr may not be what a 4th grader needs, especially if you are not shooting stills. Without an explanation as to what the use of this camera will be i.e stop-motion claymation recording or recording your 4th grade play I have to give you the following suggestion. An inexpensive HD camcorder may be a better choice. The main features to look for are: 1, Full 1080p at 25fps or faster NOT 1080i recording. 2, Ability to manually set White Balance via a custom choice not just presets (having Black Balance capability isn't bad either) 3, Make sure the camera has an optical zoom not just digital. When you find some that have those features read reviews on them before making a final purchase decision.

Sony Nex 5n. It's a small, but very powerful camera that is better than most low end dslrs. Has a APS-C sensor, shoots in 1080p at 60 FPS and optionally at 24p. Overall, it's a great camera with some great low noise performance as well as many other nice features. Only thing is you would probably want to get the one with the standard zoom lens rather than the pancake lens.

Get the D5100. It   has the same sensor as the the D7000, but it costs less because it doesn't have all of the other  "professional" features.

I own a D5100 and it works great for filming!

Between those two; Nikon 5100 (Even though I have a D7000, I would still recommend 5100 for Video). 
HOWEVER, as much as I hate to recommend another brand than Nikon, then I must say, that Canon is better at video and have been that for years.

Good luck, champ.

Less price for almost same quality,the flip out screen add fun to filming .......and great choice for a beginner

If you are looking at going the DLSR route, get the Nikon D5100. It has a moving screen like camcorders and a external microphone jack. it can shoot 720P at 60 fps or 1080p at 30 fps. It can also handle low light situations very well. This is what I have and I think I am in the same boat, about to direct my first film.

I think You need Side-articulated LCD monitor, and the image  quality is identical with D7000. i vote for D5100

"Film" as in Filming? Sony a65 or a77. Or a canon Rebel series. Nikon isn't really there when It comes to Video. This is about recommending the best And I just did.

Film camera as in 35mm Film, I'd get an old Nikon or Canon.

i would recommend you buy 600D..! it's for beginners, has a flip screen..
video quality is amazing..!

Canon is best for video rec.
Nikon is best for clicking photos...!