Urgent Help Needed: Canon XH-A1 Settings

[Giganova]

Hi all --

I am shooting a live concert this weekend (3 nights in a row) and need urgent help!

After I ingested yesterday's footage, I was horrified how bad the footage of the Canon XH-A1 looks. Way too grainy and too soft. Have a look at the screenshot below: On the left is a still from the Canon XH-A1, and on the right footage from a JVC HD110. All images are unprocessed.

I have never used a Canon XH-A1 before and needed your help what settings I should use. Any ideas? The Canon was in "manual" mode, 1/90 s, f3.4, 0dB. The "Auto" mode gave even worse footage because it cranked up the gain too much, resulting in too much noise.

Please help chose the right settings for the Canon so I can get usable footage tonight and tomorrow.

Thanks!!

http://giganova.com/Misc/comparison.jpg

[nantnee]

if you can set the gain to -3. If not 0 should be fine. Also, what frame rate you shooting at? Try 1/48th or 1/24th for shutter if you're doing 24fps. Dont use auto for low light, cause you'll get the grain everywhere.

[yommytacoe]

Are you sure it was set to 0db of gain? Make sure the AGC (Auto gain control) is switched off.

[Taky]

If you are shooting 30F or 60i, use 1/30 or 1/60 Tv in low light. 1/30 is good but there will be some motion blur.