HD-SDI camera choice, nearly fixed view

I am looking for a fairly inexpensive 1080P camera with HD-SDI output for use as a semi-fixed view camera in a HOW setting. Looking for a medium shot, not a GO PRO style super wide angle. One option is to get a consumer HDMI camera with a converter, but then I have to power the converter as well as the camera, so SDI output is preferred. Anything out there that fits the bill? We are looking at the Canon XA25 as our primary cameras at about $2500 each, so something way less expensive is desired for the third (bail) camera. Plan on using an ATEM switcher so I understand all need to be the same resolution.

You won't find an inexpensive SDI camera that operates at 1080p (I'm assuming you mean 1080p59.94, or 1080p50). For starters 1080p (aka 3G-SDI) comes in 2 flavors, level A and level B. Blackmagic only supports level B, but a large percentage of cameras are Level A only. Secondly, 3G-SDI only goes half the distance down the same cable, as it is double the bandwidth. Lastly the only 1080p cameras that cost less than $2500 only do 1080p29.97, not 1080p59.94.

On the other hand, if you want a fixed SDI camera at 1080i or 720p, you might want to check out the Marshall Electronics CV series

Depends on the switcher you are using.

Hd-sdi cannot do 1080p only 1080i. 3G-SDI is what you are looking for.

If you are using the television studio , 1080i59.94i is your highest option. In that case the xa 25 works great! We have 3 of them!

If you have a 4kmodel, you can do 1080 29.97p with the xf205.

We will be using the ATEM ME-1. As far as resolution, we can probably get by with 720p as our primary output will be for DVD for public access where SD is still the standard and a 720 Livestream feed should be adequate for now. But we are trying to future-proof ourselves, so eventually 1080p may be needed. Out presentation screen resolution is limited to 720p, but then again, in 4 or 5 years we may be looking to upgrade there too.

Is there a tutorial somewhere that explains the visual differences between interlaced and progressive and why all of the various scan rates? I see some equipment that is 1080p30, are they saying it is really 1080p29.97 or are they different? What is the advantage of a 60 scan rate vs 30? If scan rate is even the right terminology.