One thing to consider is housing availability. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think the EX1 has any sort of Lanc/Remote jack so the only housings available will be mechanical. Gates is showing one now on their website.
If you want electronic controls, look at the Sony HVR-V1U or the new HVR-V7. Both shoot HDV though so depending on your application might not be the best choice. Amphibico is building a Phenom for the V7. Amphibico houses both the HDR-FX7 and the HVR-V1U since it's the same camera. So does Gates on the mechanical side. Not sure if you can still buy an FX7...
If you want a 3CCD camera, there's the HDR-FX1 and it's pro sibling the HVR-Z1U. Sony still sells the FX1 on sonystyle.com. And Amphibico and L&M house it.
With the budget you have, I wouldn't seriously consider any of the HDR-XXX series single CMOS cameras. They're pro/consumer models designed to meet a price point of under $1500.
Not that the quality is bad (I shoot one) but 3 chips are so much better at imaging.
My personal opinion - If I was housing a $3500-9000 camera, I'd only consider Gates, Light & Motion or Amphibico. I have an Amphibico Evo, it's built like a tank. So is the Gates.