[MacDV] Optimum Resolution

[Steve Robertson]

I do a lot of videotaping of musicians with spotlights of varying 
strengths shining on them. At first, using a digital camcorder and auto 
exposure, I got hot spots on the face and elsewhere that were pure 
white and could not be corrected in editing. Then I switched to manual 
exposure control. I usually set the exposure a little on the low side 
and make it look brighter - if necessary - in editing.

The problem now is that brightly lit scenes seem to have noticeably 
higher resolution than the ones where I eliminate hot spots with the 
exposure control. On top of that, I recently started trying to mix 
digital and analog cameras (15 year old analog cameras with 3 1/2" CCDs 
but analog output) and the analog cameras require a little more light 
than the digital ones.

So, from a resolution standpoint, is it better to open the iris and 
adjust the spotlight intensity to eliminate hot spots? Or is it better 
to pour on the light and close down the iris to eliminate the hot spots?

By the way, does anybody know where I might find a manual for a JVC 
KY-15 camera? Or just detailed instructions on the correct way to set 
the white balance?

Steve R.
http://www.folk-roots-music-video.com/