The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook: Real-World Production Techniques

by Barry Andersson, Janie L. Geyen

A how-to guide for getting professional-quality video from your DSLRShooting HD Video with a video-enabled DSLR has many benefits and some tricky drawbacks that digital filmmakers and videographers can overcome to get professional results. "The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook" helps filmmakers harness the HD video capabilities of their DSLRs to create professional-level video. Packed with professionally-tested techniques, this indispensible book serves as a training guide for the complex steps that must be taken before, during, and after filming. Teaches you the key tools and techniques for using your DSLR to shoot high-quality, professional-level videoDistills dense information about filmmaking and filters it down to easily understood granulesShows you what to expect and what to avoid with your DSLR and how to maximize the visual look of your filmShares tools and techniques that have been used in real-world, independent movie-making environments

"The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook" shows you how to overcome any tricky drawbacks that you may face while shooting HD video with your DSLR.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2011

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fairly generic information for anyone who's already worked with photography or audio. I expected a lot more technique but got a lot of filler. Some short sections list a problem in the headline, proceed to describe the problem, and then offer no solution. :/

Any of the more detailed info can be easily found online in blogs, DIY/pro photo/film sites, YouTube/Vimeo, and in other manuals/DIY books.

The product recommendations are limited mostly to Canon and iPhone (for camera apps) or are otherwise generic blurbs. I'm using Sony and Android, so no help there either, if there were much of any.

I only recommend this book if you're absolutely unaware about anything to do with a DSLR camera or a computer. And if you're going to get it, definitely don't pay full price for it. Try to find in a library or buy used or on sale.

Returned.

[Santosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

[Harvey]

I'm new to this field, so perhaps I'm missing something, but I'm not clear who the author is aiming this book at.

On the one hand, the context of this information is definitely people using DSLRs to make professional movies. The example situations are in this context, and the technical language presupposes a solid understanding of filmmaking basics (there's no glossary).

On the other hand, the actual information is does provide seems very rudimentary. Paragraphs about why tripods are useful. Advice about having enough batteries on hand. That sort of thing.

I was looking for an introduction I could use to help me make decent quality informational videos for YouTube. In particular, i was hoping for some solid artistic principles or considerations, and a technical introduction that didn't presuppose any knowledge. For me, the book didn't help.

If you're already pretty cinematic, but don't know anything about DSLRs specifically, maybe this book is for you.