I'm currently using (2) XHA1s HDV cameras, looking at using a Roland V-1HD Switcher and need some ideas on a couple video cameras that have HDMI output.

We tried a XA25 last year, really had snappy AF compared to the XHA1s; but we prefer using manual focus and aperture for performance work.

Any suggestions? Oh, hoping to find cameras under 1.5k

Hi David

I have used a variety of cameras to record theatre/dance performances and the issue is you need to shoot from the back in low light so you need a big sensor but also need a reasonable DOF to cover the stage

WE only do live streaming nowdays and I found that PZT cameras are the answer for this sort of stuff ..Put them left and right of the stage and run the control and data cables to the back of the theatre and have your switcher up there and control cams remotely.

You might want to ask the same question in the streaming forum too even if you are only recording from the Roland. Quite a few posts thereon school productions