Basic Betacam Camerawork (Media Manuals) [Paperback]

Peter Ward (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240513606 | ISBN-13: 978-0240513607 | Publication Date: April 1994

This is a practical guide to Betacam location recording that covers all operational checks, essential for the novice, and gives basic instruction in the fundamentals of ENG camerawork, plus video recording, sound, lighting, editing and TV joumalism. The Betacam format is the most widespread video camera in national and international use, both in news coverage and general location programme making. In the current climate of multi-skilling, the one piece camera and recorder could be controlled by one person, who therefore needs to have a basic knowledge of video recording, sound, lighting, video editing and TV journalism, In addition to the fundamental knowledge of ENG camerawork in news and location production. "Basic Betacam Camerawork" gives step-by-step instructions on how to master these skills. It is aimed at both students and practising cameramen who need to multiskill.

Editorial Reviews

Review

REVIEWS OF PREVIOUS EDITIONS

'The ideal handbook for training in single camera location operation at all levels of experience - its title 'basic' - belies the breadth of information, ground covered and wealth of experience contained therein. On a recent EFP training course, cameramen who were unable to attend wished to have copies of the manual.'
TONY GRANT, FREELANCE CAMERAMAN, TRAINER

'...most informative and well laid out; a very useful compendium for working operators and ideal for assisting students.'
DAVE PETRIE, NEWS CAMERAMAN

'This book is, by far, the best of its kind. On technicalities, it is succinct, precise and accurate. It delivers what it says it will.'
SCREEN DIGEST

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

Aimed at TV camera operators just starting out and film cameramen and women converting to video this book will also appeal to students on film and television production courses. Basic Betacam Camerawork also includes fundamental recording, sound, lighting and editing techniques. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 186 pages
• Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann (April 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240513606
• ISBN-13: 978-0240513607
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,026,664 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For the video production student, July 19, 2000

By 

Piotr Azia - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Betacam DVCPRO Camerawork, Second Edition (Media Manuals) (Paperback)

Well written and clearly laid out, this is a very useful book for the video production student. If you are thinking about buying the equipment, reading this book will help you to make up your mind between two of the most popular professional video formats. Also, if you are using the equipment but have no access to the manuals (whether because you rent the equipment or the boss/owner is playing "information control" games), this manual will help you make the most of these top quality professional machines...

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reference--One Caveat, May 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Basic Betacam Camerawork (Media Manuals) (Paperback)

A fine reference manual from Focal Press. Diagrams are sharp and the text information is broken into digestible parts that go down smooth. Various tips and tricks help mend those tiny flaws that keep so much camera work looking so amateur.

One word of warning is that this manual may not be for those with no background in video. While easy to understand, I might suggest a primer, even if just to learn basic terms. This book starts with a basic assumption of a basic understanding.

Very highly recommended, especially for those who seek professional camera employment

2.0 out of 5 stars A disappointment, August 22, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Basic Betacam Camerawork, Third Edition (Media Manuals) (Paperback)

This book is more for the person who already knows the material that will be contained in the book. Each time I was excited to read a section, I was disappointed in its content. Don't get this book if you're looking for more of an explanation rather than dictionary definition.