Topic: video camera: gain or no gain?

[Wiesel]

I'm planning to record a show next week, and unfortunately I don't have any possibilities to do a test run. Does anyone of you have some experience with gain? Do I need it or not? The show will take place at night, but there will be many stage lighting.

The cam I'll use is a JVC GR-DVX707 with one 1/3,8 ccd chip, whose low light capability isn't one of the worst I guess.

I know that nobody can say "yes, you need it" or "no, you don't", but some experiences can't be bad

[firmdragon]

you're refering to the exposure no?

[firmdragon]

you're refering to the exposure no? also stelalth or no stealth?

[Wiesel]

No, exposure and gain are 2 completely different things. Gain is the electronical amplification of the picture brightness, which also makes the picture pretty grainy. It wouldn't make a difference if steath or not, but fyi, I'm going to stealth

[BuddyGoodness]

From me messing around with my minidv camera I noticed that it always comes out grainy when taping shows in dark venues, I have fooled with the gain on mine while the opening bands were playing and it did lessen the grain a little but made the picture darker.  I guess it depends on wether you want grainy and bright or dark and clearer.  I am gonna start messing a around with mine sooner or later, see if I will find a happy medium between the two.  I have seen some recordings wil dig8 camcorders that were crystal clear and bright, I would like to know how they pulled that off.