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

by Barry Andersson, Janie L. Geyen

Learn to shoot professional-quality HD footage with your DSLR Camera The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook, 2nd Edition is the expert guide to getting professional movie-making results with an HD video-enabled DSLR camera. Fully updated to reflect the latest technology, this updated edition provides guidance toward best practices and techniques that maximize results. Shooting HD video with a DSLR has many benefits ― and also a few tricky drawbacks ― but this guide gives you the insight and training you need to overcome these challenges as you learn what to anticipate, how to work around it, and how to fix imperfections in post-production. Award winning independent filmmaker Barry Andersson walks you through the shooting process and shows you what to do before, during, and after filming to ensure high quality results. Most of today's DSLRs have the capacity to shoot HD video. This, combined with incredible low-light capabilities, shallow depth of field, and relatively low price point make these cameras an extremely attractive entry point for would-be independent filmmakers. This book shows you how to exploit your DSLR's capabilities to produce beautiful film, with step-by-step expert instruction. With thorough explanations and expert instruction, The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook, 2nd Edition is the training you need to start shooting beautiful HD footage.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

480 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.