The Digital Filmmaking Handbook

Rating:
Summary: Good Book but wait for the new edition!
Review: 3rd Ed. coming in March '04.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Springboard.
Review: An excellent start to get you aquainted with the wonderful world of DV. This book did well in covering selection of equipment and software by the features they offer rather than brands or models. It also was careful to emphasize audio, where many DV books can be lacking. The under-devoped web site supporting it was a small dissapointment. The demos included in the CD are neat but instructions for related projects were too brisk and general for me. All in all it is an excellent book that I would reccomend to anyone getting into DV.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Springboard.
Review: An excellent start to get you aquainted with the wonderful world of DV. This book did well in covering selection of equipment and software by the features they offer rather than brands or models. It also was careful to emphasize audio, where many DV books can be lacking. The under-devoped web site supporting it was a small dissapointment. The demos included in the CD are neat but instructions for related projects were too brisk and general for me. All in all it is an excellent book that I would reccomend to anyone getting into DV.

Rating:
Summary: First Rate
Review: I purchased this book as a reference in using my new Digital 8 camcorder. I was looking for something that would be an introduction to the theory of digital filmmaking and technical reference to make my home videos look good and maybe get me started in small MPEGs for use on the internet. The book has an engaging, easy to read style. It is a general overview of video/film production and editing. It makes clear that running the camera is a very small part of a very large and complex process. If you have a dream of writing and producing a screenplay, this book will lay out the reality of the situation. Additionally, the book offers other references that provide more in depth information on specific subjects. The website is a nice idea, but like most of the book/cd/website combinations, large parts are still under construction since 3-28-2001. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for information on how to make better quality home videos and/or anyone dreaming of writing a screenplay.

Rating:
Summary: Great Introduction to Digital Filmmaking.
Review: I purchased this book as a reference in using my new Digital 8 camcorder. I was looking for something that would be an introduction to the theory of digital filmmaking and technical reference to make my home videos look good and maybe get me started in small MPEGs for use on the internet. The book has an engaging, easy to read style. It is a general overview of video/film production and editing. It makes clear that running the camera is a very small part of a very large and complex process. If you have a dream of writing and producing a screenplay, this book will lay out the reality of the situation. Additionally, the book offers other references that provide more in depth information on specific subjects. The website is a nice idea, but like most of the book/cd/website combinations, large parts are still under construction since 3-28-2001. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for information on how to make better quality home videos and/or anyone dreaming of writing a screenplay.

Rating:
Summary: Recommended if you're serious about digital video
Review: I'm impressed with this excellent reference book. I'm not an absolute beginner with video, but there is a lot I don't know, and I am new to digital. Technology changes so fast that you have to learn all the time or you can't keep up. This book seems to cover it all, from choosing a camera and NLE software through basic lighting, filming, audio, and editing, and on to compositing special effects and transfer to film. It's aimed primarily at high-end videographers and no/low budget filmmakers, and it's packed with information that is clearly presented and easy to understand. The book is great for just browsing, or for when you want to find specific information. The CD-rom contains demo versions of a variety of editing and effects applications and support files for the book's tutorials. The associated website is a bit meagre compared with the book, but does have some updates. (And, with the speed of technological advance, this copyright 2000 book is already going out of date...eg, some reviewed camera models are already being replaced...) If you're serious about digital filmmaking, and aren't already an expert, this book deserves a place on your shelf.

Rating:
Summary: Recommended if you're serious about digital video
Review: I'm impressed with this excellent reference book. I'm not an absolute beginner with video, but there is a lot I don't know, and I am new to digital. Technology changes so fast that you have to learn all the time or you can't keep up. This book seems to cover it all, from choosing a camera and NLE software through basic lighting, filming, audio, and editing, and on to compositing special effects and transfer to film. It's aimed primarily at high-end videographers and no/low budget filmmakers, and it's packed with information that is clearly presented and easy to understand. The book is great for just browsing, or for when you want to find specific information. The CD-rom contains demo versions of a variety of editing and effects applications and support files for the book's tutorials. The associated website is a bit meagre compared with the book, but does have some updates. (And, with the speed of technological advance, this copyright 2000 book is already going out of date...eg, some reviewed camera models are already being replaced...) If you're serious about digital filmmaking, and aren't already an expert, this book deserves a place on your shelf.

Rating:
Summary: First Rate
Review: So far the best book about digital filmaking I have read so far. There are not too many books on the subject, but this one is the best I have read to date. Very honest opinions and guidance.

Rating:
Summary: Great starting guide and more!!
Review: This book covers all aspects of digital film making and as such doesn't really have the space needed to go into in depth detail on every subject. Regardless, it is a great place to start. It's a very easy read, unlike a lot of film making books that assume you've already got a Masters degree in film. I wont talk much about content descriptions as other reviewers have done a good job of that already - infact, it was on the strength of such user reviews that I bought the book in the first place. I will say this though, if you haven't already bought a camera, buy this book before you do. Lack of funds may make your choices limited anyway, but you wont regret having read this book first.
I have given the book 4 stars instead of five simply because I found the tutorial sections to be a little out of place. The tutorials seem to make the assumption that you have equipment at your desposal - such as expensive lighting kits - and as I imagine that many readers wont, the significance of these tutorials will be slightly lost by the time you do actually have these items in front of you. Unfortunately I couldn't rate the book at 4.5 stars, but that is what I'd like to give it.
In closing, this shouldn't be, and if you're anything like me it wont be, the only book on digital film making that you buy, but it is definately the perfect place to start.

Rating:
Summary: By your side
Review: This is a book witch gives you the confidence that it stands beside you all the way in order to give you a clear, tested, working and in a professional level guidance of what and most important HOW someone has to deal with when digital filmmaking. Unlike many books, this one has not been written with any taboo most professionals have. On the contrary it gives you all the directions and secrets you need, in order to understand, to search or experimentise, or expertise yourself in order to make serious work with a digital camera. How to shoot your digital footage (camera choice, lighting, framing, scripting...), it guides you through the ways to import and manipulate this footage in a professional manner in your home PC (editing, synchronizing, special effects...), whether you are a low or high budget. Least but not last it ends in every detail with the different types of media your footage can end with (theatrical release, web, cd's and so on). It even gives you tip's on how one can promote his digital artwork. Those people have done a beautiful job.