Motion Picture Camera Techniques

Defines the successful cinematographer as a discriminant synthesizer of creativity and technology, and outlines a myriad of filming considerations from light use and environmental conditions to projection methods and appropriate equipment.

The Five C's of Cinematography is one of the three most important books on cinematic technique ever published -- American Cinematographer

First published in 2014. With the shift from film to digital, a new view of the future of cinematography has emerged. Today's successful cinematographer must be equal parts artist, technician, and business-person. The cinematographer needs to master the arts of lighting, composition, framing and other aesthetic considerations, as well as the technology of digital cameras, recorders, and workflows, and must know how to choose the right tools (within their budget) to get the job done. David Stump's Digital Cinematography focusses primarily on the tools and technology of the trade, looking at how digital cameras work, the ramifications of choosing one camera versus another, and how those choices help creative cinematographers to tell a story. This book empowers you to both correctly choose the right camera and workflow for your project from today's incredibly varied options, as well as understand the ins and outs of implementing those options. Stump sheds a light on the confusing advantages and disadvantages of shooting theatrical features using digital technology and what it can or can't do. Topics covered include: * Detailed coverage of Arriflex, Blackmagic, Canon, Ikonoskop, Panasonic, Panavision, Phantom, Red, Silicon Imaging, Sony, and Weisscam digital motion picture cameras * Coverage of a wide variety of lenses, including Angenieux, Canon, Cooke, Fujinon, Hawk, Leica, Panavision, Red, Schneider, Sony, UniqOptics, Vantage, and Zeiss * Coverage of recorders, displays, and look management tools * Exposure theory tips - learn how to correctly expose digital cameras * Focusing tips - learn how to focus digital cameras correctly * Checklists to help design digital workflows * Practical tips on preparation - prepare for shooting a digital motion picture like a professional * Camera set-up and operation, color management, digital intermediates, 3D stereo cinematography, future trends, and much more If you aspire to be a successful cinematographer in this new digital age, or if you already are a working cinematographer in need of a resource to help you stay on top of your game, this is a must-read book.

Explains the devices and means available to create a screen image that enhances the dramatics of the screenplay. Through his own experience and the experiences of respected professionals, the author provides unique, invaluable information on filters, lenses, lighting, labs, testing and evaluation procedures that have been used in Academy Award winning films. Explains the devices and means available to create a screen image that enhances the dramatics of the screenplay. Through his own experience and the experiences of respected professionals, the author provides unique, invaluable information on filters, lenses, lighting, labs, testing and evaluation procedures that have been used in Academy Award winning films.

In 1891, William Dickson, a researcher at Thomas Edison's firm, developed the Kinetograph, a motion picture camera that used Eastman Kodak's new celluloid film. Almost immediately, an industry was born. The new artistic and technical discipline of motion picture photography matured as the film industry grew. From the beginnings of the movie camera, developments in film production and exhibition have been inextricably linked to the evolution of motion picture photography. This work traces the history of motion picture photography from the late 19th century through the year 1960, when color photography became the accepted standard. Generously illustrated, it covers each decade's cameras, lenses, cameramen, film processing methods, formats, studios, lighting techniques and major cinematographic developments. Each chapter concludes with examples of the decade's outstanding cinematography. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.