Sony HVR-Z5 or HDR-FX 1000

HI I am looking a purchasing the Sony HVR-Z5 or HDR-FX 1000. One feature that I am interested in is the Smooth Slow motion. They both have it, but what I have read is that the HDR-FX 1000 only shoots for 6 seconds (live footage) where the Sony HVR-Z5 shoot for 12 second (live footage). Is this corrected or have I read the information on the net wrong?

The other question I have is to do with the progressive modes. I am in Australia so TV here and DVD players are PAL. I normally shoot and produce surf movies which only get pressed in small runs of around 5000 DVD for distribution around the world. They are pressed as NTSC as all PAL DVD can play a NTSC but NTSC can not play PAL. If I get the HVR-Z5 in NTSC it's progressive rate is 24p but if I get it as a PAL version it progressive rate is 25p. Is there a difference in look between the to progressive rates?

Does 24p/25p handle shooting motion well (surfing)? Would one be better than the other?

Any advice with the above 3 questions would be greatly appreciated.

Regards
Joseph