Acceptable Gain Levels at DVinfo.net

Steve Lewis · May 7th, 2008, 12:27 AM

So, I have been afraid to use anything above 3db. What are some general guidelines for using gain? I always have auto gain off, but sometimes 3db simply wont do it in low light. How far can I push the gain (6db?, 12db?) before getting noticeable grain?

Chris Soucy · May 7th, 2008, 12:51 AM

Bottom line is - it's your call!

Try shooting at the various gain lavels in the varying light situations and keep a track of what you're shooting and then YOU decide what's acceptable.

What's acceptable to a wildlife videographer going for the "wow" factor isn't the same as a music videographer going for the "punk" look.

Go on, you can't break the camera, go shoot 10 hours of video at every gain level available and see what YOU find acceptable.

CS

Peter Ralph · May 7th, 2008, 12:39 PM

the grain is more visible in the shadows. So bear that in mind when you test.

Output in HD - I try to stay 6 or below - outputting in SD 12 or below

Bill Grant · May 7th, 2008, 01:31 PM

Steve,
depending on the venue, I can run all day at 12db of gain. There is grain, but there is also a well exposed fairly detailed image. You have to decide for yourself what is acceptable. My thougt is at least for weddings, if they have it dark, the image will be dark, period. I have recently found that shooting at 1/30 shutter speed really improves the low light capability, but I'm still running 12db of gain the whole time. And yes it is grainy but I find it acceptable vs. no picture or whatever. YMMV
Bill

May 7th, 2008, 12:27 AM	#1
Steve Lewis Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Goleta, CA Posts: 233	Acceptable Gain Levels So, I have been afraid to use anything above 3db. What are some general guidelines for using gain? I always have auto gain off, but sometimes 3db simply wont do it in low light. How far can I push the gain (6db?, 12db?) before getting noticeable grain?

May 7th, 2008, 12:51 AM	#2
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,691 Images: 18	Hi Steve.............. Bottom line is - it's your call! Try shooting at the various gain lavels in the varying light situations and keep a track of what you're shooting and then YOU decide what's acceptable. What's acceptable to a wildlife videographer going for the "wow" factor isn't the same as a music videographer going for the "punk" look. Go on, you can't break the camera, go shoot 10 hours of video at every gain level available and see what YOU find acceptable. CS

May 7th, 2008, 12:39 PM	#3
Peter Ralph Major Player Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Denver/Vail Colorado Posts: 254	the grain is more visible in the shadows. So bear that in mind when you test. Output in HD - I try to stay 6 or below - outputting in SD 12 or below

May 7th, 2008, 01:31 PM	#4
Bill Grant Major Player Join Date: May 2005 Location: Columbia,SC Posts: 806	Steve, depending on the venue, I can run all day at 12db of gain. There is grain, but there is also a well exposed fairly detailed image. You have to decide for yourself what is acceptable. My thougt is at least for weddings, if they have it dark, the image will be dark, period. I have recently found that shooting at 1/30 shutter speed really improves the low light capability, but I'm still running 12db of gain the whole time. And yes it is grainy but I find it acceptable vs. no picture or whatever. YMMV Bill