Questions about spotlight setting

[bbbdco]

I'm new to video. I have an XH A1, and I need help with recording stage events involving spotlights. I recently covered a bodybuilding show. I used the "spotlight" setting on the dial; I locked in the tungsten white balance setting, and left everything else on Auto. When I downloaded the video, I found out that much of it is "blown out." I've enclosed a couple photos below. When I was zoomed out, things weren't too bad. But when I zoomed in to an individual, the person is blown out. Can anyone help me with this? I'm a newbie. Should I be using a manual setting. And how does one go about setting it up for a stage-type performance with spotlights? Are there any tutorials that would help me with this. Thanks.

Dan




The first photo shows how it looks from a distance. The second photo shows what happened when I zoomed in on all of the competitors.

 

[cyclone]

That is very unusual, in my experience. I have used my XHA1 to shoot stand up comics at the Comedy Store in Hollywood and the spotlight setting has saved me many times - both in wide shot and close ups. If I DON'T use it, the people are blown out. But in an uncontrollable setting with a spotlight, the camera's "spotlight" setting on automatic has saved me. This might me a time to have the folks at Canon recalibrate it for you.

 

[Allan Black]

Based on the lower pix try manual with zebras set on 100% and back off exposure till they just disappear. Maybe try PFVISION low light preset too, don't go below 60speed. On a tripod turn off OIS.
Cheers.