What camcorder records the best, most high definition video?

The Panasonic AJ-HPX3000 Its $48,000 U.S. It has made a few moives and HD tv shows.

Agree.. It depends on your use and needs. Money is the only thing standing in your way. I have (since way back to the Beta / VHS days) never bought a single video camera from a retail store. I've always gone 'prosumer' level. Try B&H photo to sample all ranges of prices and quality. If you are just an average shooter - non-professional interests or editing meets your definition of what you are looking for, likely available in the stores. Beyond that, go Prosumer. There are some really nice prosumer HD cams out there for not much more than store branded consumer models. The benefits are generally, better built, easier to edit, longer battery life, more sturdy, better quality lenses, better options setups for sound and video.. plus others that don't immediately come to mind. I've never questioned the extra I've spent on prosumer gear over the years.