OP i'd recommend a mid range crop sensor DSLR like a 70D. Just start off with the 18-55 kit lens because you won't have a clear idea of what you'll like to shoot most. Over time you will work this out and you can buy a good lens tailored to this area, don't fall into the trap of buying those cheap crappy telephotos like a 70-300 f5.6.
You also need to factor in a tripod, class 10 SD card (a must for video or continuous shooting), bag and cleaning kit. This can all add up to another few hundred so i wouldn't be spending more than $1200 on a body and lens package.
with that budget your easily in the midst of entering full frame cameras. If you want a dslr get a Nikon d610 or Canon 6d, it's personal preference but i would go for the nikon coz im a fanboy.
If you want something lighter and still fullframe look into sony a7
You will not get a new 6D with a decent lens for 1.5k. Also, i wouldn't bother buying a full frame if you were limited to just a 50mm, i've been there and done that and as a general purpose it is really limiting. The OP wants to spend 1.5k, a decent general purpose for a full frame is another $700 + on top