I'm stuck using some small sensor, uber grainy camcorders for a municipal channel. Someone suggested I light as if I'm using lo-fi film, like 8mm or 16mm. "Embrace the grain" they said. :-)

The cameras are Canon R700s, (1/5th" sensor) so treating them like an 8mm isn't too far of a stretch.

I've found that stopping the exposure on them down -2 eliminates much of the grain, but then to light it bright enough at that setting blows out highlights.

What's a good guide book or blog I could read up on? I don't have a whole lot of time to experiment and we have to shoot ALOT of programs.

"Lo Hi" film handles highlights well, it's one of film's advantages that highlights roll off, rather than clip.

Basically lighting these is like any other type of lighting for film or video, the basic rules are similar. Testing is the way to go, so that you know how your camera handles highlight and you know its dynamic range and latitude.