Currently I have three cameras I use for my videos.
First is a JVC Everio, which I use for my best quality videos, a Flip Ultra, which I like for the ease of use, and finally the iSight WebCam thats built into my iMac, which is actually what I filmed my "Imperial Destruction" (with the all black background).
If you're just getting into video work, I would suggest not dropping a lot of money on an HD. I got my first camera and started doing videos several years ago and am just now looking into getting an HD.
I'd say to get something like a lower-in-price Everio or Handycam and use that for a while to make sure you really want to go further and spend a lot more money.
C