Canon Hv40

they use tapes, and matte boxes are virtually useless on a related note

is a lense hood the same thing as a matte box

They both block out light that hits the front of lens if you were pointed towards the sun for example.  But a matte box is actually used by professionals so they can drop in large filters quickly.  It is pretty unnecessary unless your some Hollywood film maker.

pm'em got a camera you might be interested in

You don't need a matte box. Just forget about it. Unless you're specifically trying to cut flares with barn doors, don't waste your money for something that is almost completely superficial in your case.

the hv cameras are perfect for what you pay.
they do take miniDV tapes, not necessarily a bad thing. (only difference is you have to capture your video into your editing software rather than just importing it.)
if you can find an hv30 i would suggest that. (literally the same camera but a little older/cheaper, im sure there are minor changes.. but nothing major.)
lenses/accessories are far cheaper than a dlsr - dont buy a matte box. if anything buy a lens hood off amazon. like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Digital-Video-Panasonic-Camcorders/dp/B0039GKJ1W

Pretty big difference if you ask me. The primary one being that tape captures half the resolution of solid state (60i stream). Then there's the issue of reduced durability and longevity. Also you have to reverse telecine every clip in Cinema Tools if you want 24p.

Not to take away from it; the hv40 is an awesome camera. Just be aware of the limitations of tape.