Digital SLR Video and Filmmaking For Dummies

by John Carucci

Step-by-step guide for using your digital SLR to make quality video

With digital SLR cameras becoming more and more popular as replacements for standalone video cameras, this book helps photographers become better videographers and shows videographers how to incorporate DSLRs into their work. The book includes an overview of the DSLR video tools and process and shows how to establish camera settings for effective capture, light a scene, get sound, and achieve the film look. The book also offers the basics on editing footage into a final product using common video editing tools.

Offers everything needed to shoot, produce, and edit a professional looking videos using DSLR video equipment Written for both professional photographers and videographers and those just starting out Includes the steps for applying information to a film project, including developing a screenplay, approaching shooting like a cinematographer, and directing Contains a walkthrough of common video projects including making a music video, a wedding video, and video greeting card

Digital SLR Video and Filmmaking for Dummies is designed to help photographers ramp up their video skills, videographers add DSLRs to their toolkits, and amateurs begin shooting their own short films and videos.

Genres: Nonfiction, Photography

607 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 23, 2013

Reviews

[Alyssa Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

I begged my parents for DSLR specifically because of its capabilities to capture high-quality still images and high-quality video. So, when I saw this at BookExpo America last year, I made a point to pick it up. DSLR Video & Filmmaking for Dummies is a user-friendly reference book brimming with helpful information to make any video a success. As an amateur who wants to try her hand at making videos with her new fancy camera, I found this book to be incredibly helpful.

Carucci gives a comprehensive overview of just what's involved with using a DSLR camera to make a video. For the most part, I read the book straight through and found it easy to follow along. The information is presented in a logical format, with straight-forward chapter titles and headings, so it's easy to guess which information is covered where. And he covers pretty much anything you need to know, from the basics on how to use the correct shutter speed to how to edit the video using Adobe Premiere Elements. I especially found the audio and lighting section helpful, since I don't really know what I need, or how to find the best equipment for my limited budget.

What impressed me the most was the fact that this book doesn't even just cover the technical aspects of shooting a movie on a particular type of camera -- there are also sections about how to plan a movie, which I found to be a huge bonus. Carucci goes over the basics of writing a script, making a shooting log, and putting together a schedule. I really think that there's something for everyone in here, and for amateurs, it contains pretty much all the basics that you'll need to know.

It's hard to say much more other than: This book covers all the basic information you need to make any type of video you ever want with your DSLR. Want to make that home video using your new fancy camera? Read this book. Want to take your book blogging to the next level by becoming a BookTuber, but you can only afford a DSLR for shooting your videos? Read this book. Want to make a short film on your DSLR? Read this book. There's a lot of good information in these pages, and I feel more confident in my abilities to make a video knowing that I'll have this on-hand to reference.

Also posted on Purple People Readers.

[Stef Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely written, but very superficial in regards to filmmaking and a bit outdated.

[Michael (Mike) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested this book from Santa Claus. I do not own a digital SLR but have been debating on the purchase of one versus a camcorder. This book has been helpful in my research on the matter. Seems like the digital SLR will be sufficient for my objectives in home movie-making and in still photos. The book is a quick read. Lots of good tips.

[Jennifer Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is VERY helpful if you have a DSLR and want to take quality video. Initially I wanted it for creating YouTube videos but now I mostly use the information in the book to help with creating high quality family videos. The format and structure of the book is perfect for a videography “dummy” like me. I continue to refer to the book even after reading it.

[Óli Sóleyjarson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fín bók. Ég sleppti reyndar forritaköflunum og öðrum sem voru ekki á mínu áhugasviði.