High Definition Cinematography

First Published in 2009. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

High end digital cinematography can truly challenge the film camera in many of the technical, artistic and emotional aspects of what we think of as 'cinematography'. This book is a guide for practising and aspiring cinematographers and DOPs to digital cinematography essentials - from how to use the cameras to the rapidly emerging world of High Definition cinematography and 24p technology. This book covers the `on-the-set' knowledge you need to know - its emphasis lies in practical application, rather than descriptions of technologies, so that in this book you will find usable `tools' and information to help you get the job done. From `getting the look' to lighting styles and ratios, what is needed for different types of shoots and the technical preparation required, this is a complete reference to the knowledge and skills required to shoot high end digital films. The book also features a guide to the Sony DVW in-camera menus - showing how to set them up and how they work - a device to save you time and frustration on set. Paul Wheeler is a renowned cinematographer/director of photography and trainer, he runs courses on Digital Cinematography at the National Film & Television School and has lectured on the Royal College of Art's MA course and at The London International Film School. He has been twice nominated by BAFTA for a Best Cinematography award and also twice been the winner of the INDIE award for Best Digital Cinematography.

This authoritative new reference demystifies the technologies of high definition and 24P cinematography. It is written for the director of photography, camera crew and producer or director and deals with the subject from their point of view. It provides a thorough and logical description of the five scanning formats 24P, 25P, 30P, 50i and 60i as well as recording formats, editing options, delivery potential and discussions on the financial implications theses decisions might have. It looks at comparative costs between different decisions surrounding camera formats, such as 16mm to 35mm shooting for different examples, such as a 100-minute low budget movie or 30 second commercial. There is also considerable discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of using HD versus film, seen from a producer's perspective and what the impact is on all those involved in making a movie. Different delivery systems and camera equipment are discussed as well as editing. Filled with practical advice for tackling everyday decisions and choices, this is a must-have guide for anyone using or considering using high definition technology.

This authoritative new reference demystifies the technologies of high definition and 24P cinematography. It is written for the director of photography, camera crew and producer or director and deals with the subject from their point of view. It provides a thorough and logical description of the five scanning formats 24P, 25P, 30P, 50i and 60i as well as recording formats, editing options, delivery potential and discussions on the financial implications theses decisions might have. It looks at comparative costs between different decisions surrounding camera formats, such as 16mm to 35mm shooting for different examples, such as a 100-minute low budget movie or 30 second commercial. There is also considerable discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of using HD versus film, seen from a producer's perspective and what the impact is on all those involved in making a movie. Different delivery systems and camera equipment are discussed as well as editing. Filled with practical advice for tackling everyday decisions and choices, this is a must-have guide for anyone using or considering using high definition technology.

Over the past few years, HDV has burst onto the professional video production landscape and is changing the world of high-definition acquisition. Are you ready to make the transition to HDV? Let this book, with its clear, unbiased overview of HDV, be your guide. More than a catalog of HDV products, this book provides you with perspective on the driving forces behind high-definition, technical information about digital video technologies that's easy to follow, and real-world tips for getting the most out of your HDV investment. The book also includes a tear-out focusing chart, HDV resource guide, and detailed glossary for quick reference, making it a timely and valuable resource for video professionals and students. Working with HDV provides the answers to some of the big questions surrounding this exciting format: - Why has HDV become so popular so quickly? - Is HDV right for your next project? - What are your HDV camcorder/equipment options? - How does HDV differ from other video formats? - Why is shooting with HDV similar to shooting with a film camera? - How will you manage your HDV post production workflow? - Does HDV make good business sense for your operation? - What are the alternatives to HDV on the market? Don't get left behind as HDV momentum continues to build--get up and running quickly with this handy guide that demystifies what to use and how to use it.

High end digital cinematography can truly challenge the film camera in many of the technical, artistic and emotional aspects of what we think of as 'cinematography'. This book is a guide for practising and aspiring cinematographers and DOPs to digital cinematography essentials - from how to use the cameras to the rapidly emerging world of High Definition cinematography and 24p technology. This book covers the `on-the-set' knowledge you need to know - its emphasis lies in practical application, rather than descriptions of technologies, so that in this book you will find usable `tools' and information to help you get the job done. From `getting the look' to lighting styles and ratios, what is needed for different types of shoots and the technical preparation required, this is a complete reference to the knowledge and skills required to shoot high end digital films. The book also features a guide to the Sony DVW in-camera menus - showing how to set them up and how they work - a device to save you time and frustration on set. Paul Wheeler is a renowned cinematographer/director of photography and trainer, he runs courses on Digital Cinematography at the National Film & Television School and has lectured on the Royal College of Art's MA course and at The London International Film School. He has been twice nominated by BAFTA for a Best Cinematography award and also twice been the winner of the INDIE award for Best Digital Cinematography.

This book consists of edited conversations between DP's, Gaffer's, their crew and equipment suppliers. In common with the other CML books it doesn't have the same structure as a "normal" film reference book. It covers discussions on High Definition between Janaury 2001 and November 2004. The discussions have occasionally been edited for clarity and brevity. They will sometimes ramble a little but that's the nature of a conversation and some interesting information comes out in the process! Our aim is to promote the free exchange of ideas among fellow professionals, the cinematographer, their camera crew, manufacturer's, rental houses and related businesses. Kodak, Arri, Aaton, Panavision, Otto Nemenz, Clairmont, Optex, VFG, Schneider, Tiffen, Fuji, Panasonic, Thomson, K5600, BandPro, Lighttools, Cooke, Plus8, SLF, Atlab Kinetta and Fujinon are among the companies represented.

The REBO Guide to High Definition Video Production is the first and only book on high definition video to focus on production, not politics. It's a practical book about what it really takes to produce programming in high definition video starting from the very earliest days of production right on out to the most up-to-date techniques and equipment. Given the inevitability of the widescreen market acceptance of some form of high-resolution, widescreen video transmission, film and video production professionals will find the book's emphasis on the real-life issues involved in using high definition in film-style and live, multi-camera productions invaluable in `Preparing for a Widescreen World'. The book is organized into sections based on the major components of a production--from Production through Post Production, Engineering, Creative Considerations--and includes the experiences, insights, and anecdotes of some of the most experienced High Definition producers, directors, DPs, and engineers in the world. The Guide...was written to appeal to people with various levels of technical knowledge. It includes an introductory section on video technology, anecdotal non-technical case studies, and the hard-core technical information that producers and engineers need to know to get their jobs done. REBO has led the way in field-testing new equipment and ground-breaking applications for all aspects of high definition video technology since 1986. The company remains the only independent concern in the world involved in every aspect of high definition from production, post production, and programming through education, to research and applied technology development. Each year REBO is recognized internationally by a diverse body of professionals for its achievements. Accolades include the Prix du Court Metrage award for Best Fiction Short at the Cannes International Film Festival; special recognition from NASA for the first high definition videotaping of the shuttle launch; and, for six straight years, the highest awards at the International Electronic Cinema Festival in Montreux and Tokyo. Clay Gordon is a twelve year veteran of computer graphics, interactive media, and video production industries. He has undertaken a wide variety of research, design, development and writing projects for clients as diverse as IBM, Interactive Digital Solutions, AGFA Matrix, AV Video, Millimeter and Wired.