Basic Betacam Camerawork

Basic Betacam Camerawork offers a complete introduction to both the analogue and digital beta camera formats: Betacam, Digital Beta, Betacam SX and DV & DVCAM. Step-by-step instructions are given covering everything from pre-recording checklists, to technical camera specifications, instruction on exposure and lighting, composition, editing and sound and techniques for different programme styles.

Aimed at TV camera operators just starting out and film cameramen and women converting to video this book will also appeal to students on film and television production courses.
Peter Ward is a freelance cameraman and trainer working with the International Television Training Consultancy and ex-Chairman of the Guild of Television Cameramen. He spent many years working on a variety of programmes at the BBC before becoming Head of Cameras at Television South West. Peter is author of the following books for Focal Press: Digital Video Camerawork, Picture Composition for Film and Video, Studio & Outside Broadcast Camerawork, TV Technical Operations and co-author of Multiskilling for TV Production.
Basic Betacam Camerawork offers a complete introduction to both the analogue and digital beta camera formats.
an excellent beginner's guide and essential on-the-job' tool
a vital reference for operational controls and camera features
also includes fundamental recording, sound, lighting and editing techniques

The Television Fundamentals: The (Non) Standard TV Signal, Colour, The Digital Signal, Why compression is needed, Compression standards, Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs), Frame Interline Transfer (FIT), CCD Integration; Formats: Recording formats, Format and the Production Budget, Betacam Format, Digital Betacam Format, Betacam SX, The DV & DVCAM format; The Zoom Lens: The Zoom lens, Angle of View, Depth of Field, Resolution, Dual Format cameras; Camera Controls: Camera Controls, Lens Controls, Colour Temperature, In-Camera Filters, White Balance, Black Balance, Viewfinder, Monocular and 5-Inch Viewfinder, Exposure, Contrast Range, Visual Perception, Contrast Control, Electronic Contrast Control, Adjusting Exposure, Zebra Exposure Indicators, Production Requirements, Face Tones, Gain, Noise and Sensitivity, Electronic Shutters, Time-Lapse Controls, Timecode, Timecode and Production, Timecode Lock, Menus, Gamma and Linear Matrix; Customizing the Image: Customising the Image, Effects Filters, Scene files, The "Film" Look, Aspect ratio, Widescreen, Protect and Save, Viewing distance; Programme Production: Invisible Technique, Program Production, Customary Technique, Shot Structure, Composition, Composition and the Lens, Camera Movement (1), Camera Movement (2) Controlling Composition, Camerawork Styles; Video Journalism: Video New Journalism, Objectivity, Structure, Interviews, Live Inserts, Satellite Newsgathering (1), Satellite Newsgathering (2); Editing: Camerawork and Editing, Continuity and Editing, Perennial Editing Techniques, Non-linear Editing, Editing Technology, EditingRequirements (1), Editing Requirements (2), Editing Requirements (3); Lighting: Location Lighting, Charecteristics of Light, Controlling Light, Lighting a Face, Lighting Levels, Cold Light, Colour Correction, Mood and Atmosphere, Colour and Mood, Electrical Location Safety; Sound: Programme Production and Audio, The Nature of Sound, Audio Recording Tracks, Basic Audio Kit, Choice of Microphone, Radio Microphones, Audio Levels, Recording Levels, Digital Audio, Using an Audio Mixer, Location Sound, Recording an Interview, Stereo; Road Craft: Road Craft, Operational Checks (1), Operational Checks (2), Camera Mounts, Batteries, Pre-recording Checklist, Safety, Glossary: Production Terms.

Freelance cameraman and trainer, working with ITTC and ex-Chairman of the Guild of Television Cameramen. He spent many years working on a variety of programmes at the BBC before becoming Head of Cameras at Television South West. He is the author of Basic Betacam Camerawork 3rd edition, Digital Video Camerawork 3rd edition, Digital Video Camerawork, TV Technical Operations (all in the Media Manual series), Picture Composition for Film and Television and co-wrote Multiskilling for Television Production.