Hi guys and gals,
Here is the problem. The other night I shot a wedding reception in a familiar hall and when the lights went down the picture on both cameras were very dark and grainy, almost unusable. I've shot here before and never had this happen. I am using auto settings...and before you yell at me I am trying to learn the manual controls over time rather than rushing. So far the auto has not let me down until now. Which settings do you adjust for low light and which setting levels works best. I know this will vary but a general understanding would be great.

Thanks much...

Jason

For manual exposure set in the following order:

1. Shutter = 60
2. Aperture f-stop = wide open (lowest f-stop)
3. Gain = Increase until you have the desired exposure. There will be little or no video noise if you can keep the gain 12 or less. You may or may not find 18 acceptable.

Shooting the reception is always a challenge for me, as the client almost always wants the lights down. As it is "their day" I go with it. However I ALWAYS use an on camera light. I find this one works just fine.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=162282&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

It is also sub $100.00, which helps the budget, and I have been able to outfit all three of my cameras with one. The bonus is that I can use the same L series batt, that I use on my PD-150 & 170. While you can get away with GOOD manual settings, they just cannot compare to good settings with good lighting.