Basic Betacam Camerawork, Third Edition (Media Manuals) [Paperback]

PETER WARD (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240516044 | ISBN-13: 978-0240516042 | Publication Date: June 26, 2001 | Edition: 3

Basic Betacam Camerawork offers a complete introduction to both the analogue and digital beta camera formats: Betacam, Digital Beta, Betacam SX and DV & DVCAM. Step-by-step instructions are given covering everything from pre-recording checklists, to technical camera specifications, instruction on exposure and lighting, composition, editing and sound and techniques for different programme styles.



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.

Peter Ward is a freelance cameraman and trainer working with the International Television Training Consultancy and ex-Chairman of the Guild of Television Cameramen. He spent many years working on a variety of programmes at the BBC before becoming Head of Cameras at Television South West. Peter is author of the following books for Focal Press: Digital Video Camerawork, Picture Composition for Film and Video , Studio & Outside Broadcast Camerawork, TV Technical Operations and co-author of Multiskilling for TV Production.

Basic Betacam Camerawork offers a complete introduction to both the analogue and digital beta camera formats.







an excellent beginner's guide and essential `on-the-job' tool
a vital reference for operational controls and camera features
also includes fundamental recording, sound, lighting and editing techniques

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

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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 3 edition (June 26, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240516044
• ISBN-13: 978-0240516042
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,899,907 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.