Let me share my 1st experience with XL2 @ live concert

[Jean-Philippe Angers]

Hi!! I've been doing a lot of research for a live concert shooting that I was planning. I had a lot of help on this forum, so I would like to share my technical experience while shooting a live concert.

First, it was a Musical (Mamma Mia) so there's a lot of acting + singing. I shot 3 shows with 2 Canon XL2. I tried lots of different settings because it was the first time I used the XL2 (I rented them). I finally got the right settings for the last and final show.

I shot in 16x9 / 30p on TV mode.
The shutter was set at 1/30.
Gain : 0db (very important.. with automatic, I had a lot of overexposure)
White balance at 3200k (indoor)
AE : -0.5
Gamma : cine
Knee : Low

With those settings, I was able to shoot without playing with the iris, and concentrate on the show instead. The show had a lots of lights, and lots of scene with big contrasts. Only 1-2% of the shots were overexposed (a little, not much).

This camera is amazing!! I was so sad to return it :(

[Miguel Lombana]

Jean-Philippe, you should post some screen grabs when you get a chance so we can all see. Great to hear you had a phenomenal experience with the cam, that versatility is why everyone here loves it!