Sebastopol, CA--A good camcorder is no guarantee that you'll be able to produce good movies (if it were, we'd all have some darn good films with which to entertain our friends). Still, it's a step in the right direction. Couple it with some expert advice from a video mentor, and even the most inexperienced filmmakers can produce great looking videos to share with family, friends, and the world at large. The new Digital Video Pocket Guide (O'Reilly, US $14.95) by Derrick Story is a complete guide to shooting the type of videos you've always aspired to--from understanding digital video technology and selecting the right camera for your needs to mastering good video technique.
Recent advances in video technology have lowered the price barrier to producing professional quality video. But as author Derrick Story explains, "The price of admission may have changed, but the approach to creating great-looking video remains virtually the same. Good camera technique, attention to lighting, and clean audio recording are just as important today, with modern camcorders, as they were in the early days of video."
The "Digital Video Pocket Guide" explains both the internal and external components of today's entry-level and higher-end "prosumer" camcorders, explains how they work, and helps readers choose the best settings to get the shots they want. The book covers everything from A/V terminals to exposure compensation controls to image stabilization to zebra patterns. Beautifully illustrated in color, it's a wealth of information broken down into three easy-to-reference chapters:
Chapter One, "What is it?" provides a thorough introduction to the ins and outs of DV camcorders. This section will help readers understand the camera they own now and will prove invaluable when shopping for a new camcorder. The next chapter, "How Does it Work?" is a step-by-step, sure-fire approach to successful movie making. Chapter Three, "How Do I?" offers tips and tricks from the pros, including how to shoot action shots, arrange lighting for an interview, or capture clean audio.
Finally, the Appendix is filled with well-organized tables and charts including a color temperature chart, a guide to color correction gels, a table of everyday lux ratings, a cable connector guide, a reference for microphone patterns and more.
This pocket guide is for anyone who uses a digital video camera. Even advanced amateurs forget how to control depth-of-field or how to set up three-point lighting. Completely indexed, delightfully compact, with full color examples throughout, the "Digital Video Pocket Guide" is the ultimate shooting companion.
Sample tips from the book, "How to overcome backlighting" and "How to cope with wind"
More information about the book, including Table of Contents, index, author bio, and samples
Digital Video Pocket Guide
Derrick Story
ISBN 0-596-00523-7, 113 pages, $14.95 US, $23.95 CA, 9.95 UK
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