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by John Suda

“Digital Video Pocket Guide”, by Derrick Story, is another in the series of “Pocket Guides” from O’Reilly & Associates, Inc. Like the others, (including “The Digital Photography Pocket Guide” reviewed here favorably a number of months ago), it is a well-written, comprehensive introduction to a technical/aesthetic area.

This is a small, pocket-size book of 113 pages, including index, published on bright, glossy paper which provides brightness and contrast for its included photographs and makes it easier on the eyes for reading.

I have been contemplating investigating digital video myself for some time and found this little volume to be a near perfect introduction for a couple of reasons. First, the substantive material contains about everything one needs to get a start in digital video, from buying a camera, to learning and understanding its controls and features, to using the equipment, and tips on how to get some quality production from the camera. The second reason is the unusual (for a computer book) author’s “voice”. Story’s style is casual, friendly, clear, simple, encouraging, and even soothing, Imagine attending a 2 or 3 hour presentation by an informed camera salesperson who knows how to produce videos, who has the personality and presentation of Mr. Rogers.

It’s the substantive material which is most important however. Story walks the reader through the entire movie-making process, from start to finish. Even technical concepts like “black the tape”, “bumping”, and “zebra patterns” are made simple and easy to follow.

The book has three parts encompassing explanation of the equipment, how to use it, and how to produce some quality product. There is an appendix of a handful of quick reference tables pertaining to color temperature charts, types of microphones, and other incidental matters.

The best sections deal with learning how to shoot scenes including how to light a scene, and how to prevent wind from ruining your audio. There is a nice 10-step movie production checklist which details all one needs to start and complete a beginner’s video project.

For a small volume on a technical topic, this is an unusual good read.