Video Basics

Book Description

Herbert Zettl draws on his expertise and field experience to bring you the new edition of VIDEO BASICS, the handiest and most authoritative, current, and technically accurate student guide to video production. Meeting the need for a briefer book, this text distills comprehensive video instruction so that it can be covered in a single semester. The book moves students from video concepts and processes to production tools and techniques, and finally, to the production environment (studio and field, inside and outside) and its effects. A more conceptual framework leads the student from the idea (what to create) to the image (how to create) on video.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Start.......2006-03-02

This book is a must for anyone getting into video production. Full of basic information that is conveyed in an intuitive and concise way, plus there is plenty of advanced knowledge to keep you referring back for years to come. Definitely a staple for all video people.

Very Good.......2004-01-24

My boss told me to buy this book, and it is one of the best available book.

great book!!.......2002-08-09

i am an electronic media communications major and this book has been used for a number of years in my school's communications program. video basics 3 has everything you need to know and everything is explained in much detail, yet not too complicated. there are great illustrations throughout the book that are very helpful as well.
i bought this book used from my campus bookstore and i gotta wonder, why would someone return this book at the end of the semester? i still have mine and have re-read it through quite a few times, most definately something worth holding on to!

Superlative.......2002-04-24

This book gives a broad overview of the field of video. It is intended as a textbook for students in a university video course, however, the information that it contains will be valuable for anyone interested in improving their video skills, especially in professional contexts. Since the book is a textbook, each chapter begins with a list of key terms and definitions, and key concepts are highlighted in the text and repeated at the end of the chapter. Each chapter also contains instructions for a lesson in Zettl's Video Lab on CD (not included). The book covers many topics related to professional video production, including the video production process, the video team, video cameras, lighting, sound, editing, and the studio. I found the language to be very straightforward and highly informative.

Bad Copies.......2002-01-30

My copy of the book did not have chapters 3 and 4. I had a chapters 1 and 2 repeated. Check your copy of the book.

Video Engineering (McGraw-Hill Video/audio Engineering)

Average customer rating:

This is it!
An excellent resource

Video Engineering (McGraw-Hill Video/audio Engineering)
Arch C. Luther , and Andrew F. Inglis
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0071350179

Book Description

Fine-tune your skills to meet today's digital video challenges. The all-new Third Edition of Video Engineering, by Arch Luther and Andrew Inglis, gives you instant access to formats, standards and technology for capturing, storing, editing, transmitting and reproducing all kinds of video. From cutting-edge digital postproduction technology to streaming video on the Internet, this desktop database of essential video knowledge puts your professional career in high gear! You'll master the techniques required for flawless operation of next-generation technology, including: digital HDTV; computer & internet video formats; digital cameras and recorders; receivers and monitors; CATV & satellite TV systems; and more.

Customer Reviews:

This is it!.......2002-07-21

I finally found "THE" book to meet our needs. I am an assistant teacher at the Electronics Engineering School at Universidad Nacional de Ingenieria, Lima, Peru. For years we have been trying to find a book on which to rely on for the complete course of Television Engineering. Our choice has been made, this is the book. Despite the few differences between the second and third edition, which we celebrate, the contents of this books is a condensed coverage of all topics related to television in a modern view. Our goal is to teach our students the widest range of knowedge about television systems, starting from analog TV up to DTV, and happily, this books covers it all. My favorite chapter is the one related to CATV systems, I found a lot of material previously unknown to me, good to know, if you find that I have been in the television business for the last 10 years and I have been Technical Manager of one of the most popular stations in my country. I recommend you to buy this book, read it deeply and you will learn a lot about the most innovative technologies of the new "vision" of "Television".

An excellent resource.......2000-01-02

The subject matter is presented in superb technical detail, but in a straight-ahead style that should be readily understood by any reader with a good grounding in basic electronics. The emphasis is on what the equipment does and why; and although there are no schematics or discussions of particular circuit details, this information is readily available from other sources and its omission is not a flaw in the case of this book. This book takes more of a "systems" approach and discusses the video and audio waveforms, the type of equipment used to generate, process, transmit and receive them, and the various technical standards used in television and computer video. As an audio/radio engineer starting a new career in the television field, I chose this book to help get me up to speed on video technology, and it has not disappointed me.

Digital Video Hacks: Tips & Tools for Shooting, Editing, and Sharing (O'Reilly's Hacks Series)

Average customer rating:

Lazy boys hacks
Very informative, very well written.
Many good tib-bits and pointers.
Must have for amateur/semi-professionals
great tips: No HD stuff, great color photos

Digital Video Hacks: Tips & Tools for Shooting, Editing, and Sharing (O'Reilly's Hacks Series)
Joshua Paul
Manufacturer: O'Reilly Media, Inc.
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ASIN: 0596009461

Book Description

Since the dawn of film, novices and experts have used quick-and-dirty workarounds and audiovisual tricks to improve their motion pictures, from home movies to feature films. Today, the tools have certainly changed, as have the quality and scope of the results. With digital video, the hacking possibilities are now limitless, for both amateurs and professional artists. From acquiring footage, mixing, editing, and adding effects to final distribution, Digital Video Hacks provides unique tips, tools, and techniques for every stage of video production. You'll learn how to:

Get your projects started right using creative preparation tools and techniques, from making your own steadicam, boom, or dolly to effective storyboarding, timecoding, and tape labeling
Troubleshoot common shooting problems, including using stop-motion and time-lapse techniques, lighting effects, colored screens and gels, and household objects to establish mood or otherwise wow an audience
Create stunning visual effects, such as satellite zooming, surreal scenes, Matrix-like bullet-time, and green screen illusions
Fool your audience with audio tricks, replacing flubbed dialogue, smoothing over cuts, and covering missing audio with room tone
Add professional features with post-production tricks, including color correction, soundtrack cleanup, opening sequences, and DVD bookmarks
Distribute final content in a variety of creative ways, from exporting to basic videotape or DVD to streaming over the internet or even via cell phone
Use the web to provide interactivity and dynamic content, attend a remote conference, or vlog your life.

Whether you're looking for a new technique to include in your next project, a solution to a common problem, or just a little inspiration, this book reintroduces you to the digital video you only thought you knew.

Customer Reviews:

Lazy boys hacks.......2007-09-13

Great book with great content I recommend it to anyone who want to take there film making a step forward and is to busy or lazy to download the information from the internet becaue it is all there. Spread around of course but you will find every piece of information even most of the pictures used in this book so. If you have time and dedication you can save yourself the money by looking it up on the internet.

Very informative, very well written........2007-02-18

This book covers many aspects of video. Labeling tapes, making excel spreadsheets for saving information, time code on tapes, how to achieve certain effects, lighting, and green screen effects just name a few. The book is general to most all video software and is a very usefull tool I'm glad I purchased. Don't let the term "HACKS' fool you it 's only refering to tips or tricks.

Many good tib-bits and pointers........2006-02-26

I found the book to be very practical and have the
kind of "nuts-and-bolts" pointers that I like. You
don't have to read it cover to cover (I didn't) but
can pick it up and go to the points that interest you
or where you are currently in need of help. It refers
to various "commerical products" that the author has
used to get the job done. I found this helpful. With so
many competing products to chose from it's nice to
hear, "If you get product X you'll be able to do Z,"
rather than buying and hoping (or not buying and
wondering). Kuddos to the author.

Must have for amateur/semi-professionals.......2006-02-23

I learned so much from this book. In fact, I've already implemented several of the ideas and have had great results. If you're semi-professional (video has been added to your responsibilities but you have no experience with this medium) BUY THIS BOOK.

Who would have thought of parchment paper and clothes pins to diffuse light and create a softer, more natural light over the subject? That's just one of the great tips I've already started using.

I've bought several digital video books while trying to learn this medium, and this has been by far the most useful.

great tips: No HD stuff, great color photos .......2005-12-07

Does anyone know when Oreilly stopped putting animals on its book covers? And started adding (gasp!) illustrations to their technology books? Camels and monkeys and birds still adorn the programming books, but a lot of recent Oreilly books have targeted user applications (i.e., The Missing Manual series) and a more graphically-oriented approach (some might say a comic book approach) to highly technical subjects (see the Headfirst Series or their recent Make magazine). The newly released Digital Video Hacks offers a more user-friendly approach, providing lots of tips and ideas to how to produce a video project.

This book (like other Hacks books) lists 100 hacks and how to do them. It includes contributions from about a dozen writers, most notably filmmaker Michael Dean (who directed the film DIY or Die: How to Survive as an Independent Artist ) and Derrick Story who wrote the terrific Digital Video Pocket Guide (which I'll speak more about later).

Unlike Digital Video Pocket Guide (which focuses more on the shooting part of the production process), Digital Video Hacks walks you through production, post-production and even a little bit of distribution. First, here's a list of things you won't find covered in this book(not in enough depth to be useful). You won't find much discussion about HD production (a good source is the HD For Indies weblog); you won't find much advice about buying equipment or how to comparison shop (camcorder.info might provide better information about that). You won't find a handbook of non-linear editors (NLE) or even a comparison of those currently on the market. Interestingly, the NLE screenshots come from various applications, and in fact they even mention Linux and open-source options on occasion (it doesn't mention Kino, though it goes over a neat open source encoding tool called ffmpeg ). Acknowledging that people will be using different NLEs, the book talks about NLE tricks in a generic way. Aside from postproduction, this book doesn't cover managing a video project (getting clearance, making budgets, etc), or the aesthetics of videography. You'll have to check other books for that (see below).

That aside, the book is great. For basic videography, the book talks about things you can improvise: using roller skates or baby carriages for dolly shots, windshield shades for bounceboards, parchment paper or pantyhose for light diffusion. I also learned a lot of great tricks: how to mount your camera on your car (PDF), log your footage and fix timecode/digital transfer problems (PDF) . The book covers lots of gotchas: Why you should edit with both a TV monitor and computer monitor, cleaning audio (with high-pass or low-pass filters or applications like Soundsoap ). All great stuff. The portion on lighting was ok; unlike many video production books (which go into excruciating detail about lighting equipment way above an individual's budget), the book describes an on-the-go lightkit assembled by a director for shooting in Thailand. This was cool and interesting, but I definitely could have used more buying information about something above no-budget lighting. I would have liked a discussion of common lighting scenarios. (I guess this is just something you have to learn on your own). Aside from a discussion of monopods, I'm surprised that the book didn't weigh in on do-it-yourself steadicams. I really wanted an extended discussion of that (luckily, there seems to be a a slashdot discussion on the topic).

I had the same complaint about the audio section. While it contained some interesting sound tricks (regarding the soundproof car interior as a mobile studio for example) I missed information about the different types of microphones and how to place them correctly. Such basic stuff isn't properly considered a hack and thus not included here. That is unfortunate. To be fair though, the audio hacks given here were excellent. To wit, hack #57 (Fool Your Audience's Perception (PDF)) describes in detail how to use the McGurk effect to cover mistakes and yes, even to edit out profanity without your audience catching on.

For readers looking for more information about the shooting process itself, the cheaper and more succinct 2003 Digital Video Pocket Guide by Derrick Story covers that information superbly. Story's book goes into more detail about equipment to buy as well as how to resolve lighting and sound problems. There's only so much you can say in 112 pages, but 30 of those pages are devoted to solving practical shooting problems (i.e., the walking interview, dealing with wind (PDF), etc.) Another 30 pages consists of reference material and tables about basic camera concepts (i.e., how aperture relates to depth of field). Also, this book in particular has a high percentage of color photographs, which (like those in Digital Video Hacks) make it easier to understand what the writer is getting at. Some of the information from Digital Video Pocket Guide is duplicated in Digital Video Hacks, but lately I've found myself referring more often to the Pocket Guide than the Video Hacks book.

In contrast, Digital Video Hacks spends a lot more time on post-production, resolving sound problems and image discrepencies. It also contains lots of tricks (special techniques for appropriate certain contexts). Some examples: time-lapse video of a sunset, constructing a DIY blue screen shot (really cool and not as complicated as I thought), controlling your camera remotely, making your own "weather report," creating a "freeze-time" sequence (a la Matrix), creating a video for 3-D viewing, making DVD menus, defeating the Macromedia protections on commercial DVDs to import clips into your project, shooting a computer monitor (the discrepencies in refresh rates causes flickering) and rotating your video from vertical to horizontal. The book also contains some postproduction tricks (such as changing a scene from day to night) as well as other advanced techniques: Removing an unwanted object (like a microphone) from your video image using your NLE or using XML config files to create custom effects and transitions in MS Movie Maker.

The book did a fairly good job talking about distribution, encoding and rendering. There was a good discussion about setting up bit torrent, videoblogging, live feeds, video catalogs, creating DVD menus and encoding for media players on portable devices (using 3GPP file formats). This is important and amazing stuff, especially as video aggregators like FireAnt become more popular. In addition, some hacks were less about video production than using remote cameras for everyday uses (security, remote tech support). Interesting for some, not terribly important to future Richard Linklaters.

The best part about both books are the great color images. Both are easy to read and browse through. I like the way that Digital Video Hacks offered suggestions for Linux, Windows and Apple and didn't limit themselves to talking about only one application like Final Cut Pro. Sometimes a a technology book, if its approach to the subject is too generic, will turn out not to offer a practical series of steps for accomplishing tasks. Digital Video Hacks did not fall into this trap.

In summary: Digital Video Hacks is an excellent all-in-one book for video producers at all levels. Great practical suggestions and tricks, although I wish it provided more help for evaluating your equipment needs (and making it fit within your budget).

Robert Nagle , aka idiotprogrammer writes web fiction under various pseudonyms. He is soon embarking on first feature documentary project.

Digital Video Pocket Guide (O'Reilly Digital Studio)

Average customer rating:

brief succinct how-to guide about production; check also Digital Video Hacks
A great start to using your digital video camera...
DV Pocket Guide offers great tips for better videography
Excellent Intro!
Great guide for video camera users

Digital Video Pocket Guide (O'Reilly Digital Studio)
Derrick Story
Manufacturer: O'Reilly Media, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0596005237

Book Description

The Digital Video Pocket Guide is concise, easy to use, and is overflowing with the techniques you'll need to know to create great movies. This book is organized, like the popular Digital Photography Pocket Guide, into three chapters: "What Is It?", "How Does It Work?", and "How Do I...Tips, Tricks, and Techniques". Its compact size, organization, and detailed illustrations make it easy to find the information you need. In the first chapter, "What Is It?", you're introduced to the ins and outs of your DV camcorder. Author Derrick Story builds the solid foundation that helps you better understand the camera you have now, and will prove invaluable when shopping for your next camcorder. For instance, what is a tally lamp, and do you need one? What is the difference between the optical and digital zoom? Should you spend the extra money for a 3-CCD chip? Chapter two puts the tools in action. It maps out, step by step, a sure-fire approach to successful movie making -- including home videos, tutorials, and even short features. This chapter takes the worry out of organizing and lets you focus on creativity. Next, you'll accelerate your prowess by learning the rock-solid techniques of video experts. Among the tips and tricks featured in chapter three are how the pros shoot action video, arrange lighting for an interview, and capture clean audio. Finally, the Appendix is packed with well-organized tables and charts on a myriad of topics and includes: a color temperature chart, a guide to color correction gels, a table of everyday lux ratings, a handy cable connector guide, a reference for microphone patterns, and much, much, more. Completely indexed, beautifully illustrated in color, and more compact than those bulky books that never make if off your bedside nightstand, the Digital Video Pocket Guide is the ultimate shooting companion that will help your create the videos you want to show to friends, family, or even the world at large.

Customer Reviews:

brief succinct how-to guide about production; check also Digital Video Hacks.......2005-12-08

I recently reviewed this and the more recent Oreilly book, Digital Video Hacks, with contributions from the author. Hacks is much more up-to-date and contains lots of things from the Pocket Guide. But a lot of the troubleshooting tips from Pocket Guide are about using cameras and mikes, not stuff likely to go out of date. Here is what I wrote specifically about Pocket Guide:

For readers looking for more information about the shooting process itself, the cheaper and more succinct 2003 Digital Video Pocket Guide by Derrick Story covers that information superbly. Story's book goes into more detail about equipment to buy as well as how to resolve lighting and sound problems. There's only so much you can say in 112 pages, but 30 of those pages are devoted to solving practical shooting problems (i.e., the walking interview, dealing with wind , etc.) Another 30 pages consists of reference material and tables about basic camera concepts (i.e., how aperture relates to depth of field). Also, this book in particular has a high percentage of color photographs, which (like those in Digital Video Hacks) make it easier to understand what the writer is getting at. Some of the information from Digital Video Pocket Guide is duplicated in Digital Video Hacks, but lately I've found myself referring more often to the Pocket Guide than the Video Hacks book.

A great start to using your digital video camera..........2003-12-28

So... You got a new digital video camera for Christmas, and you want to be the next Spielberg? Unless you've had experience in how to shoot good video, you'll end up with a lot of home movies in digital format that don't look any better than anyone else's home movies. To remedy that, get a copy of Digital Video Pocket Guide by Derrick Story (O'Reilly). In 113 pages, you'll learn the essentials of how your camera works, basic editing and shooting techniques, and tips on how to improve your video quality. While this shouldn't be the only video guide you get, it will be more than enough to get you started on the way to making movies that people will enjoy watching.

DV Pocket Guide offers great tips for better videography.......2003-12-25

Digital videography is challenging and this useful pocket guidebook makes taking videos more exciting and fun. By following many of the suggestions and tips throughout this small reference book you will find it helpful when preparing for your next home movies. This is one of the few books dedicated to digital video. Most current publications like magazines keep you up to date with the latest gear but this book is more in-depth on the art of video productions. The author Derrick Story has written many books and provided photographs for countless others. The pocket guide is a series of small books that includes titles like digital photography, Macintosh Troubleshooting, Extreme Programming and over 200 other pocket guide titles.

As a video producer I found this book very easy to read and understand and felt this reference book would offer any level of videographer benefits from this information. The book is broken into 3 chapters and one reference guide. The first chapter starts with "What is it". This chapter covers the camcorder basics and may other more advanced concepts including time-code, analog line-in, aperture, image sensor, interlaced video and progressive scan. I was quite surprised that these subjects were covered since these are new features found on the newest camcorders and the average videographer may not be familiar with the concepts. It is nice to read about some of the newest features and how they can benefit the end user. This first chapter is very comprehensive going well beyond the camcorders instruction manual.

The second chapter covers the physical camera and its features, how does it work explain concepts and techniques for today's digital video shooting. The section on time-code and logging was invaluable. The third section is how do I...Tips, Tricks and Techniques offers 12 very helpful and modern information on what the average shooter may encounter.

One concept that often overlooked in the wave of new technology is the fundamentals. The art of storytelling is true regardless of the latest and greatest camcorders and accessories. The author emphasizes the camcorder is just the tool that allows the individual to create and visualize your message. I found myself revisiting several techniques that I have used in my video business on a recent trip to Baltimore for the US Open table tennis championships. I took my camcorder and candidly interviewed several players and officials. When taping my subjects I utilized the walking interview tips in the final section. The ability to change background offered variety to many of the candid comments. I also used the technique of entrances and exits. This allows the subject to enter the frame follows them for a period of time and then let them exit the frame. This clean shooting transition is a bridge commonly used in movies and TV shows.

Overall this book is very useful and I found several of the tips very informative. I recommend this book for the beginner and intermediate level digital video user.

Excellent Intro!.......2003-09-22

Book Review: "Digital Video Pocket Guide"
by John Suda

"Digital Video Pocket Guide", by Derrick Story, is another in the series of "Pocket Guides" from O'Reilly & Associates, Inc. Like the others, it is a well-written, comprehensive introduction to a technical/aesthetic area.

This is a small, pocket-size book of 113 pages, including index, published on bright, glossy paper which provides brightness and contrast for its included photographs and makes it easier on the eyes for reading.

I have been contemplating investigating digital video myself for some time and found this little volume to be a near perfect introduction for a couple of reasons. First, the substantive material contains about everything one needs to get a start in digital video, from buying a camera, to learning and understanding its controls and features, to using the equipment, and tips on how to get some quality production from the camera. The second reason is the unusual (for a computer book) author's "voice". Story's style is casual, friendly, clear, simple, encouraging, and even soothing, Imagine attending a 2 or 3 hour presentation by an informed camera salesperson who knows how to produce videos, who has the personality and presentation of Mr. Rogers.

It's the substantive material which is most important however. Story walks the reader through the entire movie-making process, from start to finish. Even technical concepts like "black the tape", "bumping", and "zebra patterns" are made simple and easy to follow.

The book has three parts encompassing explanation of the equipment, how to use it, and how to produce some quality product. There is an appendix of a handful of quick reference tables pertaining to color temperature charts, types of microphones, and other incidental matters.

The best sections deal with learning how to shoot scenes including how to light a scene, and how to prevent wind from ruining your audio. There is a nice 10-step movie production checklist which details all one needs to start and complete a beginner's video project.

For a small volume on a technical topic, this is an unusual good read.

Great guide for video camera users.......2003-08-20

This book claims to be a handy pocket guide for anyone who uses a digital video

camera. I would disagree with this claim in one resepect and that is that it

caters for the amatuer and pro alike. I found this guide to be well and truely

aimed at the amatuer or entry level user - and this is not a bad thing.
I think it is definately a fine resource for anyone with a digital video camera

and will improve and assist a huge number of camcorder users to produce better

videos. It contains heaps of very valuable tips and tricks to improve shooting in

a wide range of situations. I found the pro-tips sidebars to be quite a good way

to introduce slightly more advanced techniques and this will help readers to

explore slightly more advanced techniques. The photographs are first rate and

illustrate the discussed procedures very well. The manuals that are provided with

camcorders are generally pretty dry and most people only give them a cursory

once over, this book is nicely written and well illustrated and interesting

enough to encourage people to read it end to end. And if you do I can't see how

you'll fail to improve your video shooting.
I would definatley recommend this book for everyone who wants to pick up some

Book Description

The incomparable iLife '05 is the must-have multimedia suite for everyone who owns a Mac--and the envy of everyone who doesn't. iLife '05: The Missing Manual is the definitive iLife '05 book--and what should have come with the suite. There's no better guide to your iLife experience than the #1 bestselling Macintosh author and expert--and Missing Manual series creator--David Pogue. Totally objective and utterly in-the-know, Pogue highlights the newest features, changes, and improvements of iLife '05, covers the capabilities and limitations of each program within the suite, and delivers countless goodies that you won't find anywhere else: undocumented tips, tricks, and secrets for getting the best performance out of every iLife application. Pogue examines all five programs in iLife '05, including:

iTunes 4.7. The digital jukebox software for Mac (and Windows) rips songs from music CDs onto your hard drive, organizes and plays your music collection, lets you buy songs from the iTunes Music Store, and syncs all your music with your iPod.
iPhoto 5. With iPhoto 5, you can pull photos from digital cameras and then organize and present them as a slideshow, desktop picture, screen saver, email attachment, web page, DVD, printout, or hardbound photo book.
iMovie HD. Now you can easily import and edit video from the newest High Definition camcorders and even little flash media video cams in all the latest formats. You can turn those seemingly endless home movies into short, fun, tightly edited, top-quality highlight reels that friends and family actually beg to watch.
iDVD 5. Transform your iMovie productions and digital slideshows into Hollywood-style DVDs that play on everyday DVD players.
GarageBand 2. This critically acclaimed program turns a Mac into a digital music-recording studio.

With your authoritative, witty, full color, all-inclusive iLife '05: The Missing Manual at the ready, there's nothing standing between you and professional-caliber music, photos, movies, and more.

Customer Reviews:

Great book!.......2007-01-10

If it says 'Missing Manual' on the cover, then you'll want it! That's the bottom line!

Great price/book/content.......2006-06-21

All around, yet another hit from the Missing Manual series!

I'm well versed in most things computer, so computer books often either are way under my interest level or are very technical in nature. This is a great mix of advanced techniques taught in a quick and understandable way.

I'm actually using iLife '06, but haven't hit any major roadbumps between the content in the book and the '06 apps.

Great stuff - now I'm drooling over the iPhoto specific book - I want to dig even deeper into that app now that I understand the basics!

THE LIFE OF ILIFE '05!!.......2006-05-08

Do you need to harness cutting-edge technology for your own creative expression and entertainment? If you do, you're in luck! Author David Pogue, has done an outstanding job of writing a book that doesn't require you to be a professional working for a media conglomerate to read it.

Pogue, begins by discussing how to use iTunes 4 for managing, playing, buying and sharing digital music. Then, he discusses how to use the iPhoto 5 program for downloading photos from your digital camera, and organizing, sharing, and printing them. The author continues by describing how to use the iMoves HD program for editing footage from a digital camcorder, adding effects, sound, and credits, and then presenting the result. Next, he details how to use GarageBand 2 for composing and recording terrific-sounding songs of your own. Then, the author provides an overview of how to use the iDVD 5 program for burning DVDs containing the movies, music, and photos from iTunes, iPhotos, iMoves, and GarageBand. Finally, he explains how to troubleshoot the preceding programs.

This most excellent book packages iDVD 5, iTunes, iPhotos, iMoves, and GarageBand come in a single package called iLife '05. In other words, if you've mastered all of the preceding information, you have all of the technical background you need to enjoy iLife '05: The Missing Manual.

Can't miss with anything in this series..........2006-03-22

iLife '05 is the fifth Missing Manual I've purchased. I find them helpful, informative, and fun to read. The chapter layout is logical and fluid, the index is thorough, and the entire manual is chock full of color (!) illustrations.

The first few chapters will walk the beginner through iTunes and the iTunes Music store. There is even a chapter on managing your iPod.

Next is iPhoto, Apple's image browser-librarian-editor. Like Apple's software, there is more than first meets the eye in these pages.

Section three covers iMovie, from working with your camcorder through producing something worth burning to DVD...leading seamlessly to

Section four, exploring iDVD. Both general concepts and insider-like tips abound.

Section five covers GarageBand. All the above sections are much more accessable and thorough than Apple's Help system. This Missing Manual closes with more than 50 pages of troubleshooting tips for the 5 software titles, and an excellent index.

The whole book is a pleasure to read, browse, or just to hold in the hand (though it's heavy--nothing skimpy about it). I find myself reading some sections completely and diving in for a just a few pages in others. A must have if you own iLife '05--whhich can be had for a song now that iLife '06 is out.

Essential information for iLife 05 users.......2006-03-18

This is a good book for understanding all of the applications included in iLife 05. Note, however, that iLife 06 has been released with a host of new features, and thus depending on whether or not you intend to upgrade, this book may have a limited lifespan of usefulness at this point in time. As of iLife '06, iLife consists of six components: iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, GarageBand, and iWeb. However, if you intend to stick with iLife 05 for awhile, you couldn't ask for a better guide. Basically, what the author has done is condense his Mac missing manual series of books- iMovie&DVD, iPhoto, iTunes&iPod, and GarageBand - into one volume. I have some of the missing manuals for the individual applications, and I compared the individual books with the applicable sections in this book, and they seem to be equitable in quality. The only thing you are really missing is some of Pogue's insight into using the applications - for example, some pointers on film-making in the case of the iMovie&iDVD book versus this book. There also seem to be more advanced user and customization information in the individual "Missing Manual" books versus this book, so perhaps power-users would be better off buying the individual missing manuals on the applications. I notice that Amazon does not show the table of contents, so I do that here for the purpose of completeness:
PART 1: iTunes
1. Getting Music into iTunes
2. Getting Music out of iTunes
3. Managing Your Music
4. The iTunes Music Store
5. The iPod Connection
PART 2: iPhoto
6. Camera Meets Mac
7. The Digital Shoebox
8. Editing Your Shots
9. The iPhoto Slideshow
10. Prints and Books
11. Photos Online - and Your Network
12. iPhoto File Management
PART 3: iMovie
13. Camcorder Meets Mac
14. Building the Movie
15. Transitions and Effects
16. Titles, Captions, and Credits
17. Narration, Music, and Sound
18. Still Pictures and Quicktime Movies
19. Finding Your Audience
PART 4: iDVD
20. From iMovie to iDVD
21. iDVD Projects By Hand
22. Advanced iDVD
PART 5: GarageBand
23. Setting Up the Garage
24. Loops
25. Regions
26. Software Instruments (MIDI)
27. Recording and Editing Live Audio
28. Effects, Guitar Amps, and Instrument Models
29. Mixing and Publishing
PART 6: Troubleshooting
30. Troubleshooting iTunes
31. Troubleshooting iPhoto
32. Troubleshooting iMovie
33. Troubleshooting iDVD
34. Troubleshooting GarageBand

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PANAFLEX - BEST IN THE WORLD!
Pana'ed to death

Panaflex User's Manual, Second Edition
David Samuelson
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0240802675

Book Description

The Panaflex User's Manual, Second Edition, provides detailed instructions and illustrations on how to use Panaflex motion picture camera equipment. Developed in conjunction with Panavision, this easy-to follow manual provides current, up-to-date information on all aspects of the most widely used camera system on major motion pictures in Hollywood.

The Panaflex User's Manual, Second Edition, provides detailed instructions and illustrations on how to use Panaflex motion picture camera equipment. Developed in conjunction with Panavision, this easy-to follow manual provides current, up-to-date information on all aspects of the most widely used camera system on major motion pictures in Hollywood.

Definitive guide for all who use Panaflex motion picture camera equipment.
Updated to include recent changes in equipment.
Detailed instructions and illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

PANAFLEX - BEST IN THE WORLD!.......2003-03-17

If you want to know about big league cameras, you must know about Panavision! Read it from cover to cover and suck up the information. If you plan to compete with the big boy (and big girl) camera assistants and operators, you MUST know this stuff kids! Snatch it up or fall behind. Don't learn the hard way. I require all of my assistant to know this stuff.

Pana'ed to death.......1999-01-23

With lots of information and many handsome drawings, this is a good source for knowledge of the Panavision system. Undercutting its strength as a technical manual, however, is the irritating propensity of the author to take every available opportunity to convince us that Panaflexes are the best in the world at EVERYTHING (which any assistant who has spent time with the other systems can tell you is bunk). What's needed here is more grit, less marketing.

Video Camera Technology (The Artech House Audiovisual Library)

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Video Camera Technology (The Artech House Audiovisual Library)
Arch C. Luther
Manufacturer: Artech House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 089006556X

Book Description

Authored by a pioneer and leading authority in broadcast and video technology, this comprehensive examination of video camera technology and applications covers the fundamentals and latest advances in cameras ranging from consumer camcorders to state-of-the-art professional broadcast models. Focusing on the latest digital technology used in today's cameras, the book is the first to cover camera technology as it applies to a broad range of fields including broadcasting, computers, and telecommunications. You'll find the book easy-to-understand and packed with practical knowledge that you can use right away to select appropriate cameras for specific applications, apply cutting-edge camera technology in computer system development, and strengthen your knowledge of digital video camera design.

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Amazing reference! May leave you a soulless husk if you read it all the way through...
The Best Book On The Subject. PERIOD.
The Best Technical Book on Moviemaking
Beginner to Pro
Must Have Manual

The Camera Assistant's Manual
David E. Elkins
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Cinematography | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 024080242X

Book Description

* A new opening chapter which covers the basics of cinematography * Complete checklists for camera equipment, filters and expendables * New section containing useful tables including footage-to-time and time-to-footage conversions * New section containing many illustrations of the currently used professional 16mm and 35mm camera systems and magazines. The Camera Assistant's Manual, Second Edition, is essential reading not only for the beginner but also for the experienced camera assistant. For the beginner, it contains complete descriptions of all aspects of the jobs of first and second assistant cameraman, as well as a new chapter on the basics of cinematography. For the experienced camera assistant, it continues to be a complete reference source dealing with all aspects of the job.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing reference! May leave you a soulless husk if you read it all the way through..........2007-01-09

I bought this book when I was hired to AC for a project on equipment I had never worked with before. For one of those, "Holly crap! I agreed to do a job I only know how to do part of!" moments, this book is great. Every question I could think of was answered thoroughly and I mean THOROUGHLY. If you want to learn exactly what the responsibilities of an Assistant Camera Person are and how best to execute them read this book! If you are a working AC and want an easy to read, text-book style reference this is it.

The Best Book On The Subject. PERIOD........2005-12-03

Nothing comes close to David Elkins' book. It's that simple. This is the best, most complete book on the job of the camera assistant. PERIOD. If you are new to the job of the camera assistant, this book is an absolute must have. If you are a seasoned "vet" who has years of experience working on motion picture sets, again, this book is an absolute must have. Elkins' total description of every aspect of the AC's job is so consise, it's like a classroom in a book. Loaded with every conceivable diagram and chart, and covering every motion picture camera currently being used, this book goes well beyond your typical "job description" type tome.

The bonus materials alone make this book invaluable. Along with the companion website, the reader has vast amounts of precious material available for when the job calls for it...label templates, charts, manufacturer links and contacts, the list goes on and on and on. The best part is the writing style is clear and informative, almost like Elkins himself is teaching you as you go.

Look no further than this book. It's all here.

The Best Technical Book on Moviemaking.......2005-11-29

David Elkins's The Camera Assistant's Manual, Fourth Edition is the best technical book around, and one of the best books on movies, period.

Dave manages to cover every aspect of an assistant's job, no matter how obscure or infrequently encountered. But the completeness is only one aspect which recommends it to any aspiring or working cinematographer.

Written in a clear, conversational manner, Dave manages to demystify both the jargon and the sometimes strange job of an assistant. His accounts of procedure for both first and second assistants clarify what we in the business call "industry standard": the accepted, professional way of conducting yourself and doing a job. Outside of a job on a
Hollywood set, it is nearly impossible to learn these classic, time-saving routines. And unless you've been a pro in the business, you're not going to know about such things as the relative merits of Magliner and Rubbermaid carts for hauling equipment.

The book covers the general characteristics of film, cameras, and lenses in such a way as to give a general technical education. Dave also gives a valuable overview of the camera department and its place in film production overall.

What many readers will find most useful are the sections on troubleshooting, the diagrams and threading patterns of every currently used camera, and the wealth of forms and lists to organize the on-set work.

I've tried to give a good idea of what the book covers, but it contains much, much more. I've been using The Camera Assistant's Manual since the first edition. This is the biggest and the best version. I only wish that, when I started as a camera assistant, I had had access to such a clear, helpful book.

Beginner to Pro.......2005-10-17

The 4th Edition of the Camera Assistant's Manual by focal press author David Elkins is a must have for the beginner as well as the seasoned pro. From how to set up a darkroom, to threading diagrams on all "in use" cameras, to lifelong useful tables and charts, this edition has it all.

Must Have Manual.......2005-09-27

The Camera Assistant's Manual is a must have reference book for both beginners and experienced professionals in the camera department. If you are a beginner, this manual will teach you all of the basics as well as the advanced details of camera assisting. Although not a substitute for actual experience, author David Elkins also coaches you on how to act efficiently and professionally on a set. This can save you countless embarrassing blunders on your "first barbeque." But before learning all of the AC's duties, the reader is introduced to the basics of cinematography and a complete overview of the camera department. This is extremely helpful - allowing the beginner to understand the "big picture" first. If you are an experienced professional, Elkins gives you hundreds of tips and suggestions that will add to your knowledge base and help your job go smoothly. This 4th edition contains the most complete and up to date camera diagrams, tables, and formulas of any single reference source. Imagine your relief when you have to load and thread a new camera for the first time. The Camera Assistant's Manual is worth it's weight in gold.

Video Camera Techniques, Second Edition (Media Manuals)

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Video Camera Techniques, Second Edition (Media Manuals)
Gerald Millerson
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0240513762

Book Description

Video Camera Techniques is an ideal starter guide for anyone owning a camcorder, newcomers to the field of broadcast or corporate video-making, or students who all wish to make videos to professional standards.

Written in Gerald Millserson's easy to understand style, this step by step guide will help you to master the operation of your camera and quickly develop your own style and imaginative skills.

This new edition now covers the latest types of video camera and gives guidance on camera handling and picture making form basics to advanced techniques.

Gerald Millerson's books on video and television have long been acknowledged as among the best ever published. For more in-depth coverage of all aspects of video production his highly acclaimed Video Production Handbook is the definitive work on the subject. He is the author of two other titles in the Media Manuals series - Lighting for Video and Effective TV Production. His other books published by Focal Press are The Technique of TV Production (now in its 12th edition), The Techniques of Lighting for TV and Film and TV Scenic Design Handbook.

Learn all you need to know to produce videos of a professional standard
Keep you up to date with the latest technologies
Comprehensive step-by-step guide to provide you with the knowledge and the confidence of working with any kind of camera

Troubleshooting and Repairing Camcorders

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Troubleshooting and Repairing Camcorders
Homer L. Davidson
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill/TAB Electronics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Complete Camcorder Troubleshooting & Repair

ASIN: 0070157596

Book Description

The profileration of home video and accompanying advances in camcorders translates into a need for a reliable, technician-level repair gudie. This popular, bestselling manual is completely updated to account for recent developments. In addition, flowcharts are added throughout this information-packed, well-illustrated guide. Electronics guru Homer Davidson provides practical, hands-on troubleshooting and repair techniques, covering such topics as control systems; video, servo, motor, and audio cirucits; mechanical tape operation; parts removal and replacement; and mechanical adjustments.

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