HD is inevitible - but most production companies (video) haven't made the jump quite yet, at-least not the full teams.

Besides the issues with Low-light, HD tapes are about $10.00 each. This adds quite a cost as well.

To get started, I'd highly recommend going into a camera like the PD-170 (Find one used), and getting the other equipment (camera arm - wireless mics - tri-pod - zoom controller - waterproof cover). That way if you like filming, you can always make an upgrade to an HD camera, and have the other "expensive junk" to go along with it!