Customer Reviews

Introduction to the Canon Rebel T2i / EOS 550D : Basic Controls Training DVD by Blue Crane Digital

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I ordered this without processing that it is a DVD, but after going through it, and realizing I would have to repeat the last 30 minutes (lecture exhaustion), I must say it's a very worthwhile investment for a fairly expensive camera, plus whatever lens you purchase. And in many respects, the DVD format, is more impressive than the written word, though the presenter has a tip about how to maximize the manual enclosed with the camera. Some of the "hints" may be obvious, but as the DVD goes on, and on, you realize that there is a lot of information about this camera, which you think you know, but really don't. The vignettes around explaining White Balance are superb. I think every amateur should give this DVD a try. It may be a bit short on the movie mode, but adequately explains both the pluses and minuses of the HD equivalent recording mode - leading me to stay away from this. I also thought the presenter was very fair in his assessment of the true maximum ISO for most of us in most shooting conditions. You should follow the advice at stopping and trying out the various buttons for maximum familiarity. Also, do stop at about 45 minutes and give yourself a break. There is a lot of useful information to digest and you will find yourself saturated.

The aim of this review is to compare the ease of using video and books in learning to use the Canon T2i. Hopefully, it will provide the necessary information for newcomers like myself to the T2i, on which books or video to buy to enhance their camera skills. Reviews on the book will be published at a later date.

I bought my T2i on December 1st and begin buying and reading the following books and video. I finished all of them on Dec 14 in the following order and re-read them again right from the beginning. The second read was completed on Dec 20.
Digital SLR Cameras and Photography For Dummies
Canon EOS Rebel T2i / 550D: From Snapshots to Great Shots
Introduction to the Canon Rebel T2i / EOS 550D : Basic Controls Training DVD <-- This is what i am reviewing on
Canon EOS Rebel T2i/550D Digital Field Guide
David Busch's Canon EOS Rebel T2i/550D Guide to Digital SLR Photography

My take on the videos is as follows:
Pro:
1) Learning to operate the camera is so much more easier than the books because you get to see someone using the camera "live". For example, trying to find the button AE lock took me a while because by the time you are in the middle of a book, you have already forgotten where the AE button was when the book initially introduce it in the first chapter. You can of course go back to the first chapter but it is just way more convenient to see it shown to you "live" with the video. :)

2) The guy who is narrating the instructions enunciate his words very clearly. English is not my first language but i have no problem understanding him at all throughout the entire video.

3) Some concepts are easier to understand with a video. For example, I misunderstand the "rule of third" when i first read it in a book. I thought it meant putting your subject of interest into a particular "third" of your photo, like putting a landscape you are interested in into the lower third of the photo. But I am wrong, it actually meant putting your subject of interest along intersections of "thirds". (Wiki "Rules of third" and it will be as clear as day to you).

Cons:
1) The video is lacking in content. It covers only about 25% of what is covered in the book. Think about it. The video is 1.5 hours. How much content can they squeeze in? This results in many future ramifications as you will see.

2) Due to the lack of time, many of the concepts taught in the video were only briefly touched on and not given the due amount of attention it is supposed to get. I realized that even more when I watched it the second time. You do wonder if someone without prior knowledge would understand what the video is trying to teach.

3) Again, due to the lack of time, many concepts were not even covered. For example, the concept of Hue, Saturation and Brightness were not covered at all.

4) Sometimes when a concept is too difficult to understand, it can be frustrating to try to rewind it. I mean, compared to re-reading a paragraph, it is much more troublesome. You got to go back to the right frame and my DVD player rarely does that. It usually go back way too much or too early and a lot of time is wasted just trying to rewind the DVD to find the right frame. Worse, if you forget a concept the video taught, say 30 mins ago, you can forget about trying to find the correct frame. It is just way more easier with a book.

5) It is just so much easier to read a book than to watch a video. You can read the book on a bus but it is hard to watch a video on a bus. (you might disagree with me but it is just my personal experience)

Conclusion:
Learning to operate your camera using this video can be very helpful and intuitive compared to reading a book. However, the books surprisingly, on the whole, seemed to be better in explaining difficult or complicated concepts than the video. And for the amount of content you are paying for ($20), i can get a book which teach way way more than the video. For these reasons, i am hesitant in recommending the video. However, if you really have trouble learning how to use your camera with the books, then maybe the video is the way to go.

P.S: I have bought Introduction to the Canon Rebel T2i/550D: Advanced Topics by Blue Crane Digital, which is the advanced version of learning to use your T2i and will post a review of the video when i finished it. Perhaps, the advanced version might be better. :)

Product manuals put me to sleep faster than Ambien. For that reason I decided to get an instructional DVD to go with my new camera. There are a few sources for video instruction but not many already have a product for the new Rebel T2i. I bought this from Amazon and started watching during my lunch breaks. Instructions are clear and easy to understand. Enough time is given to learn features of the camera, but not so much that knowledgeable users will get board and feel the need to skip ahead. I'm about half way through the DVD and have learned quite a bit about special functions. As always, information overload can cut down on retention. View one chapter at a time and practice what you learn before moving on. It will take longer but in the long run you will get more out of the instructions.

I would buy this DVD again or give it as a gift. The next time I need an instructional DVD I will also look for something from this company.

I am 60 years old; a retired Contractor. Took pictures of my many projects over many years. Never took a photography class. Better than most, but far from professional, I recently purchased the Canon Rebel T2i to replace my Rebel XT. With the Rebel XT I also purchased an instructional DVD; didn't get much out of it after half a dozen viewings - with the T2i I almost didn't buy the DVD for this reason. However, this DVD is priceless! Finally! an easy to follow instructional video that is like taking a photography class, except that you don't have to ask to have something repeated. After two viewings I am doing more than ever before. It is my intention to watch this video until I am finally a professional photographer. I am using the 'creative' modes, many of the functions, customizing my aperture, ISO and shutter speeds. This camera is unbelievable; this DVD, by Blue Crane Digital makes it a whole new adventure for me. All these years I never realized how important 'depth of field' is. The DVD is very well narrated by an interesting guy who explains everything as if it is easy. I recommend this DVD to everyone who purchases the T2i. It is truly the very best camera for the money. The DVD is a small fraction of the camera and accessory cost. Buy the DVD!! Also, the IS lenses are fantastic - I also purchased an IS telephoto lens that will probably never come off the camera, now that I know how to use it, and thanks to the DVD! Ed

Content is well organized and easy to understand. Unless you are an advanced DSLR user, this DVD will introduce and define many features you most probably never discover in a cursory read of the camera manual.

Not the best for beginners, so learn about photography basics and then use this DVD. Learn about aperture, exposure compensation, ISO, etc. and then start watching the DVD. You will have to watch the DVD few times to get through and understanding it properly. Good overall DVD.

I bought this DVD to further my knowledge of the t2i features. Features and tips are easily explained in this DVD. Great for beginners or those looking to further their knowledge.

This video is thorough but and moves along quickly - sometimes a bit too quickly. It is difficult to rewind to the key place you want to and review again. Other than that it is well done. I really preferred "Canon T2i for Dummies" book. Superb detail and explanation of all features and easy to reference as you begin to navigate all of the great features on the camera.

I had bought a book to familiarize myself with my new camera but it was so dry that I never got past the 3rd chapter. This video is concise and makes learning the basics easy and quick.

Won't make you a professional but it is easy to follow and very informative from the basic to some advanced features. I am a instruction reader type person, but based on the size of print and the complexity of this camera I think you would be very happy to start here and then go to the manual from there.