i just got my panasonic gs500 3ccd camera the other day and i absolutley love it, the quality is exceptional and its a great price, 700$..............
the thing with HD is that it requires many accessories like a new hd compatible tv and computer, editing software and shit like that, your hd camera will come out to be alot more than you hoped to, its better to stick with a reliable 3ccd camcorder if your not a pro, if ur doing a movie then yes do use an hd camera, but if not stick to 3ccd