I posted this A/B of 5DmkII and EX3 yesterday:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-eo...ompatible.html

Just been looking through consumer products for back-up cam and one we can send to employees to shoot their own video. Shooting HVR-Z5P and EX1R I'd want something that could be edited with these, has mic-in/cold-shoe, headphone and controls for WB, exposure, shutter and a reasonably wide angle of view.

Intrigued by Panasonic HDC-SD700-K for about AUD1200 as it offers 1080p50 28Mbps VBR recording, it's 35mm equivalent is 35-420mm.
The disadvantage is for DVD use an interlace 1080i25 would be sensible mode, but Panasonic mode is 17Mbps vs the 24Mbps high-quality 1080i25 mode Canon etc.

Other spec sheets that seemed suitable:

Canon Legria HF M300 1080p25 24Mbps, lens 39.5 - 592.5mm
Sony HDRCX550V 64GB SDHC $1929
JVC GZ-HM1S $1999

I'd say spend a little bit more and get the HFS11. Given the contact I've had through my write-up (linked earlier in the thread) there appear to be quite a few EX users out there with this camera. It certainly furfils your spec list. The hot shoe is non standard though but all Canon's are like this. However the adaptor linked in my article solves the problem.

Read blog with interest (have HV20 for personal), has the HFS11 been superceded? Not on Canon Australia
EDIT the new equivalent in our market is the HF S20 w/ 1.2.6" CMOS, getting a bit over the $1200 budget, I guess the bigger chip makes all the difference over the 1/4" CMOS or does it?

Not that I am aware. The HFS11 is only a small update on the HFS10 anyway. I believe the only major difference is that it now has twice the internal memory and updated stabilisation. If you are strapped for cash and don't mind last years model the HFS10 can be found at cheaper prices.

Be warned though, there are alot of NTSC models knocking around. Certainly in the UK the less reputable suppliers appear to be importing NTSC models from Japan and selling them at cheaper prices. With your proximity to Japan the situation may be similar and you cannot switch the camera between PAL and NTSC regions.