Book Review

High Definition Cinematography. 3rd edition

by Paul Wheeler

Learn How to Shoot High Definition Video - for Broadcast Professionals

May 16, 2009 -

If you are interested in shooting HD - for broadcast, for the film business, this is a very good introductory book to the technology and the current camera/camcorder options.

High-definition is now ubiquitous in video production and High Definition Cinematography, Third Edition provides the explanations, definitions, and workflows that today's cinematographers and camera operators need to make the transition. Paul Wheeler will explain the high-definition process, suggest the best methods for filming, and help you choose the right camera and equipment for your crew with this comprehensive book. You'll also learn the different formats and when best to use them, how to create specific looks for different venues, and learn how to operate a wide variety of popular cameras.

This book is very well organized and easy to follow. The complexity ranges from basic to detailed, especially when Paul Wheeler gets into the details regarding the latest camcorder models. The real world notes and guides are also exceptional especially his lighting charts, troubleshooting guides, and camera set up and lighting recommendations.

After an introductory chapter, the book covers:  

Why Shoot HD?;
Which Formats to Shoot On?;
Picture Quality;
Display Quality;
Delivery Requirements & Six Sales Potential;
Crewing; Line Standards & Definition;
Three Chip Technology;
Single Chip Technology;
Setting the Colour Balance;
Lenses; Monitors & Cabling;
Playback;
Some Pictures Shot on HD and Why?;
The Sony HDW F500 VTR;
Update to Arriflex D-21;
Update to New Dalsa Model;
Update to Latest Variant of the Panavision Genesis;
Current Practice Recording Equipment;
The HDW f900 Menus;

Paul Wheeler BSC FBKS was trained at the BBC rising to become a Senior Drama Film Cameraman. Paul shot one of the first BBC Drama Series to be photographed using the then new Digi Beta cameras, by which time he was freelance. He is a renowned cinematographer/director of photography and trainer, he has been Head of Cinematography at National Film & Television School and still runs courses on Digital Cinematography there. He has also been Head of Cinematography on the Royal College of Arts MA course.

Paul was invited to become an associate of Panavision in order to help them introduce the Panavised version of Sony's HDW 900f camera which meant he joined the HD movement 3 days before the first Panavision camera arrived in Europe. Despite all this he is still very much a working cinematographer.

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. His previous books, "Practical Cinematography" and "Digital cinematography", are both published by the Focal Press.