Canon XL2 is not HD / HDV, but they have an HD model coming out soon.
Sony seems to be the thing right now.
FX1 and others... good data and reviews here:
http://www.sonyhdvinfo.com/
Under $2K, HC1 if you can find one. (HC3 is a tad too amateur).
Under $3k, FX1
More costly, HVR units.
I've been reading and checking into this stuff a bunch lately and the FX1 seems to be super popular -- has enough options to be "Pro", but not so complicated that you need tons of pratice or help to get great stuff.
Jimmy