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

PETER WARD (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 16, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0240515188 | ISBN-13: 978-0240515182 | Edition: 2

Basic Betacam and DVCPro Camerawork explains the operational controls of the latest popular camera formats, illustrating their significance to routine news gathering and basic location recording.

This new edition takes into account the very latest developments in camera technology, including more on:

· Digital cameras
· Computer menus and smart cards
· Switchable aspect ratio cameras
· Digital Betacam and BetacamSX
· DVCPro and DVCAM formats
· Digital-S and disc-recording camcorders
· DV formats
· Video journalism
· Satellite News Gathering
· Future developments


Written as a practical guide, the step-by-step instructions take you through everything you need to know from adjusting the camera prior to recording, to information on typical operational controls and the basic production technique required for broadcasting.

The book is a combination of technical explanation and practical advice aimed at the less experienced broadcast camera operator or film cameraman converting to video. It is also an ideal text for students on media and television production courses.

Peter Ward is a camerawork trainer working with International Training and Television Consultancy, writer and freelance cameraman.



The latest digital formats covered.
Basic operational controls described.
An excellent beginner's guide containing practical advice on how to get the best results.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Reviews of the previous edition:
'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

'I have your book and have found it most informative and well laid out; a very useful compendium for working operators and ideal for assisting students.'
David Petrie, News Cameraman

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

This is the first manual that I have read that makes no assumption of knowledge on the part of the reader and therein lies its strength and yet reading it, I learned a lot from it.
Robin Boyd RTE Lighting Cameraman News















"Essential reading...."
EYEPIECE

From the Publisher

Basic Betacam and DVCPro Camerawork explains the operational controls of the latest popular camera formats, illustrating their significance to routine news gathering and basic location recording. Written as a practical guide, the step-by-step instructions take you through everything you need to know from adjusting the camera prior to recording, to information on typical operational controls and the basic production technique required for broadcasting. TOC: Television Theory Formats Camera Controls Invisible Technique Video Journalism Road Craft Editing Lighting Sound Further reading Glossary

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 2 edition (November 16, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240515188
• ISBN-13: 978-0240515182
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,144,702 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.