I'm shooting with both the XL-1s and the GL2. Recently, while comparing footage between the two cameras, I noticed that in similar lighting conditions, the darker areas in the picture appear more grainy in the picture, while the same areas appear much sharper in the GL-2. Has anyone else noticed this? I can see a definite "softness" in the XL-1s that I don't see in the GL-2

Grain comes from gain.

You are probably using some program mode with the XL1S that allows the camera to gain-up in bad light. Use Manual exposure to inhibit automatic gain.

The XL1S's normal image is just a shade "softer" than the GL2's. Many owners prefer this as a less video-ish appearance. But you can turn sharpness up a notch or two if you prefer.

Thanks. I always shoot on full manual mode. would this prevent automatic gain entirely, or is there some other function i need to look at to ensure that the camera doesn't gain up automatically. Also, you mentioned that i could sharpen the image a bit. Can this be done in camera, or would it have to be accomplished by better lighting conditions?

Clint,

You have probably got the gain 'knob' turned to 6 or 12, make sure that it is either on 0 or -3.

I don't have a XL1s but I believe the sharpness function is in the cameras menu.

Basically, what Ed said. Make sure that the gain knob is set to zero -and- that you make sure that stays at zero. Even in Manual exposure the cam will gain-up it you power-up with the lens cap on.

Sharpness is in the presets menus.

Thanks. I have made the necessary adjustments. Here's another question (albeit off the subject): Has anyone noticed a shifting from a warm to cool tone while shooting under flourescent lights. I know it sucks to have to shoot in that kind of lighting condition, but on my latest project, I have no choice. I still noticed the shift in temperature after manually white balancing (but it did help some). Any thoughts?

Yes, shifting color balance under certain fluorescent lighting has been observed and discussed, most recently in this thread (http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22861).