Reviewer: Norman H.

This will explain things to you starting at a very basic level. It goes as far as to explain the variables involving depth of field and the effects caused by using a high shutter speed. I've learned from it. Disk two is strictly files viewable on the PC including a workbook and test.

Reviewer: Clyde J.

Great Basic Video on shooting. will improve your shots.

Reviewer: Huie D.

Oh my goodness!!! I am SOOOOOOO glad the makers of this DVD had taken the viewer, admittedly from "Assuming you know NOTHING about video production/lighting, etc." to a level of comfort; building upon the previous chapter. They do an excellent job of showing examples of what they are talking about and then they go back and review before going to the next chapter. The two gents in the DVD are extremely knowledgeable about this craft of motion videography and break it down for even the most "green" beginner and they don't make you feel inferior.

If you are new to or just want to learn something new, please, please rent this DVD. Give yourself time, because it's very long-but, with all that you learn by watching, it's all very much worth the time to view it. Thank you SOOOO much, SmartFlix for offering these types of specialty video.

Reviewer: Paul S.

Wow! This is by far the best educational video I’ve ever seen. Just three minutes into the program, I had to hit pause because I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. And this video kept me laughing again and again.

But this program isn’t just extraordinarily funny - it’s highly educational too. “Harnessing the Potential of Your Video Camera” covers everything from how your camera’s iris works to marking focus during blocking. Along the way, viewers see what a CCD actually looks like, learn to compensate for low light, and compare images created by different lenses.

Like a supersized game of “Show and Tell,” this video takes concepts that are hard to visualize and lets you see and experience them first hand. If taught by others, many of the presented concepts would be dryer than Death Valley. But not here. Not even close. No one – not even those with zero interest in video – could be bored while watching this video.

So who should watch it? Well, beginners will get a hilarious and thorough introduction. Pros will get ideas for their next production. But the people who most need to see “Harnessing the Potential of Your Video Camera” are those who work in education. If all of America’s teachers had half the ability of the people who made this video, every kid in America would happily attend school on weekends and over the summer. Fortunately, for those of us who shoot video, school is now in session!

Reviewer: Rob R.

This was produced by professionals who know the trade. Watch it a second or third time and focus on the production side of things. A double win. Good advice and good production principles to learn from.

Reviewer: Patrick K.

This was an excellent tool to learn the principles of cinematography in a fun "Bill Nye the Science Guy" type fashion. It is jam packed with useful, essential information that you cannot do without. It is definitely a must rent.