Little Digital Video Book, The (2nd Edition)
by Michael Rubin
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Book Summary Information
Author: Michael RubinEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-09-22
ISBN: 0321572629
Number of pages: 240
Publisher: Peachpit Press
Accessories:
- iMovie 09 and iDVD for Mac OS X: Visual QuickStart Guide
- Apple Training Series: iLife (iLife '09 Edition)
Book Reviews of Little Digital Video Book, The (2nd Edition)
Book Review: Nice little primer on doing digital video projects
Summary: 5 Stars
Despite the plethora of video camera choices now and the popularity of video distribution sites like You Tube, it still isn't very easy for many people to create and enjoy their own video works. There may be too many choices in video equipment - models, formats, media, and software - and too many steps in the process of creating worthwhile material. For these people, a "friendly introduction to home video," like The Little Digital Video Book, Second Edition, is a welcome aid.
The author, Michael Rubin, is an experienced writer and professional editor who also is an avid maker of his own personal videos, a hobby he shares with his family and friends. His small (7 x 7 inch), slender, well-produced volume may be all one needs to get started on one's own personal video projects.
The book is an easy read with plenty of full-color photos. Nearly every page contains photo or graphic illustrations or sidebar content, including clearly-designated Notes, Tips, Warnings, and references to free online examples taken from the book. Throughout, there is much friendly encouragement to the reader to get started shooting and editing. The casual approach is suitable for the purpose, although I thought some of the presentations were a bit confusing and could benefit from some text editing.
In the first two chapters, Rubin explains the basics of buying and using consumer level equipment and in preparing, shooting, editing, and finishing what he calls "sketches" - not feature films, but four to five minute video projects taking up a days worth of effort at most, from beginning to end. The author spends nearly 10 pages alone emphasizing the concept of "timecode" which is the time data stored on video media. This concept is especially important in facilitating indexing, storage and recovery of film segments for current and future projects. The author has learned from experience that one will likely accumulate video material which if not organized and stored in a coherent way be inaccessible for both viewing and incorporating into new projects. Chapter 4 is all about intelligent organizing, covering labeling media, keeping a log, storing media and clips, and archiving.
The author's focus on "results oriented video" means helping the reader get up to speed on becoming a video maker by making product recommendations and simplifying nearly everything about the video making process. This is basic instruction and guidance and is not comprehensive in any way. The author's attempts to simplify may not suit some readers. Rubin's discussion of hardware selections was insufficient, I thought, especially regarding decisions on choice of media and camera and computer input/output formats. Some readers will like the "Assignments" found in most of the chapters designed to help beginners get a feel for the processes. He does this primarily by relating how he creates his personal projects.
One of the more useful sections deals with shooting footage. The author explains the different factors in shooting beginning, middle and end footage and emphasizes his "Rules of Shooting" - shoot to edit, ad-lib, use existing light and a static camera, simplify content, and more. He categorizes the types of shots, the purpose of shots, and how to "cover" a scene using different perspectives, angles, and types of shots all designed for later editing where one's masterpieces are completed. The magic of good video, he explains, is in the editing, both visual and sound. Those topics are covered in chapters 5 and 6. Basic editing concepts are explained and illustrated. The last chapter called "Finishing up" contains short sections dealing with video compression, You Tube postings, and copyright.
Summary of Little Digital Video Book, The (2nd Edition)
One of the more frustrating aspects of buying a new digital video camera for consumers is trying to discover not only how it works, but how to shoot good movies with it right away. For most of us, we just want to turn on the camera and go, without spending too much time sorting through dense jargon and video editing software manuals. Here to guide the troubled newcomer to the exciting world of digital video is The Little Digital Video Book, 2e. This friendly, approachable guide will teach users the basics of shooting, organizing, and editing their own footage, with short examples so they can practice the techniques as they read through the book. This revised edition of the bestselling book on digital video is now in full color and completely updated for the modern beginning videographer. Users get a thorough grounding in the basics of digital video, but without all the jargon. Michael Rubin explains in under 200 pages all users need to know to get great shots, add sound, organize the footage, and use basic editing techniques. They will learn how to start and actually finish that video project they had in mind--in less than a day.Computers & Internet Books
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