"Mastering the Sony HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270" is the easiest way to learn both the fundamentals and advanced features of the new Sony Z7U and S270 camcorders.

This 3-hour, 2-DVD workshop includes tutorials, step-by-step examples, and detailed instructions covering the most important aspects of camera setup, menus, shooting techniques, exposure, the Memory Recording Unit, picture profiles, time-code, assign buttons, shutter speed, special effects, color correction, camera profiles, digital photos, audio, lens options, focus marking, shot transitions, clip importing, white balance, and even how to choose a recording format.

This DVD will pay for itself many times over by saving you hours of time figuring out things on your own.

"Mastering the Sony HVR-Z7U" is a completely independent production with no participation, sponsorship, input, or approval from Sony -- so it delivers unbiased information and professional advice that can't be found in the owner's manual.

This video workshop is designed to help anyone, from a novice to an experienced ENG/EFP shooter, get the best results from their Z7U or S270. The DVD provides real-world examples and suggested techniques that are simple to put into practice.

Like all Vortex Media training DVDs, this workshop has been carefully researched, planned and scripted (not presented as"live" or ad lib). This DVD was produced by professionals with years of broadcast-level experience who have the knowledge to recognize what's important about the Z7U and how to teach it without getting bogged down in jargon or unnecessary technical details.

Watch a Trailer for "Mastering the Sony HVR-Z7U" - Promo Video Watch a complete chapter - Chapter 11: "Shot Transitions"

3 hours / 2 DVDs NTSC / English $90

Topics include:

Tips for setting exposure accurately Operating the Memory Recording Unit Suggested Picture Profile settings Suggested focusing techniques Recommended settings for the Assign Buttons Suggestions for time-code settings Warnings about some features and settings to avoid Suggested Shutter Speeds for various recording modes Taking Digital Photos Focus Marking

Examples and demonstrations of different lens options Recording slow-motion Getting a perfect white balance Comparisons of various shooting modes Managing Camera Profiles Post-Production Overview Understanding the Menus Audio settings Cache Recording Loop Recording

About the Instructor:

Doug Jensen is the owner of Vortex Media, a cameraman, producer, director, editor, consultant and trainer with over 25 years of video production and post-production experience. Jensen combines his extensive production experience with his teaching skills to bring a wide-ranging, real-world perspective to his independent DVD workshops and live seminars.

As a member of Sony's Independent Certified Experts (I.C.E.) team he has taught high-definition XDCAM & HDV classes for Sony at NAB, Japan, Hollywood, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. In recent years he has directed, and co-produced several popular training DVDs including: "Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1", "HandsOnHDV: A Complete Guide to the Z1U and FX1," "A Guide to Shooting with the Sony XDCAM HD F350/F330 Camcorders," and "How to Setup, Light, & Shoot Great Looking Interviews." Jensen owns several cameras, including a Sony PMW-EX1, Sony F350 XDCAM HD, Sony HVR-Z7U, Sony HVR-Z1U HDV camcorder, and an Ikegami HL59 Betacam. His credits and clients include: NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, Fox News, CNN, PBS, BBC, NHK, EBU, TNT, Discovery, ESPN, E!, A&E, HGTV, WGBH, Food Network, NASCAR Images, MLB Productions, Travel Channel, History Channel, Sundance Channel, and NBA Entertainment.

Chapters: 1. Introduction 2. Overview of the Z7U 3. Navigating the Menus 4. Choosing a Video Format 5. Controlling Exposure 6. Focusing Techniques 7. Zoom 8. White Balance 9. Picture Profiles 10. Time-Code 11. Shot Transitions 12. Audio Recording 13. Assign Buttons 14. Digital Photos 15. Camera Profiles 16. Special Effects 17. Lens Options 18. Memory Recording Unit 19. Post-Production 20. Summary

Watch a complete chapter. Chapter 11: "Shot Transitions"   3 hours / 2 DVDs NTSC / English $90 (will also play on 99% of all PAL DVD players)

Note to S270 owners: The Z7U and S270 are basically the same camera except for the very obvious external physical differences. This DVD uses the Z7U exclusively in all demonstrations and close-up shots of the controls because it would be confusing (and pointless) to try to jump back and forth between showing both cameras. Although 99% of the information presented pertains to both cameras, the S270 is not actually used in the DVD. Nevertheless, I assure you that this is the best and most detailed training DVD you can buy for both the Z7U and the S270. You will not be disappointed. --- Doug Jensen, Trainer

Review: Vortex Media's Mastering the Sony HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270
by Shawn Lam

"Doug Jensen's Mastering the Sony HVR-Z7U and the HVR-S270 training DVD set filled gave me a further understanding of the video camera I had already been using for 6 months. It has positively changed the way I film, which is very high praise . . . (continued)

"Vortex Media did it again! This is one of the most complete training DVD’s I have ever seen. 3 hours with a personal professional teacher. Everything is covered from start to finish. I said it with the PMW-EX1 DVD-set that I own, and now I will say it again; this DVD must be in your toolkit like other important equipment you can’t without for shooting great HD footage. Some users on this forum have been writing that this 2DVD-set must be included with the camera instead of Sony’s user manual. Well, they absolutely right for 100%. With this 2 DVD-set the original user manual is almost becoming superfluous.

What I really enjoy is that Douglas Jensen is doing the presentation by itself. You can feel that Douglas knows what he is talking about, and loves it to teach to others. All the information you get is from a very experienced and professional cameraman. The presentation is kept very simple and straight to the point like all other training DVD’s from Vortex Media that I own . But that doesn’t mean it’s getting boring. No way!

I also liked that they not only tested the stock lens that is supplied with the camera, but also some other 1/2” and 2/3” professional lenses. Now you already can see how a real wide angle and real telephoto lens is behaving on the camera without having one of these lenses.

The chapter about the memory recording unit for shooting tapeless is another favorite of mine, because you can’t find anything about it in Sony’s general user manual. As I said before; this DVD covers it all! Not only the pros, but also the cons of the camera are mentioned in this 2DVD-set. And it is always good to know what the minor points are from your tools.

In this 3 hours of training you will learn more about the camera then when you are looking through the user manual for a whole week. Not speaking of all the tips and tricks you will get that are not mentioned in the user manual.

Because I am living in Europe, I tested this 2DVD-set on 4 different PAL standalone DVD-players. On all four of them they worked flawless. It looked very good on my 40” LCD television. And believe me, I’m very critical about picture quality. Most European customers who have bought a recent DVD or Blu-ray Disc player, don’t have to be afraid that these NTSC DVD’s aren’t going to work on their DVD and TV set.

It’s a pleasure to watch this well documented 2DVD-set about the HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270 professional HDV camcorders. It’s another well done masterpiece by Vortex Media!"

Ivan Snoeckx, Belgium
DV Info Net

Very Helpful. Great for all levels.
By dantheman Verified Purchaser from Los Angeles, CA on 9/11/2008
Pros: Well Written, Informative, Easy To Follow
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Very helpful. I like that even though everyone's opinions vary, he gives you his opinion on everything and even gives specific tricks and settings he uses.
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This is a great DVD!
By Deanster from Hollywood, CA on 9/4/2008
Pros: Easy To Follow, Informative
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

This is a great DVD if your wanting to get up to speed on the Sony Z7U. I highly recommend it to anyone who needs to learn more about this camera. All tutorial DVD's should be produced this way!

"I received my copy yesterday and absolutely agree with everything you've written. BUY IT. BUY IT. Did you hear me? BUY IT!

This DVD will suit everyone. From those who don't even own the camera and want to gain a good insight to it's capabilities before making the investment. To those who own the camera, familiar with most of the features, but confused by some of them and need things clearly and professionally explained in an unbiased fashion.

It's probably one of the most professionally produced training DVD's I've ever viewed. Doug is a natural presenter and his completely unbiased approach is a breath of fresh air in an industry with it's fair share of know-alls.

I love his wry smile when explaining that you should be using this camera in manual. You can tell he wants to scream "If you use AUTO you are a STUPID MONKEY!!" - but he doesn't. And the "Don't mess with the settings - Not broken, don't fix it" message is great reinforcement of common sense principles.

There are a couple of things I would have loved to hear him explain... (a) xy colour and (b) expanded contrast... but as he explains, the camera has a steep learning curve and the purpose of the DVD is to get you up and running quickly, so that you can then experiment with fine tuning confidently by yourself.

Mastering the essential 4 manual exposure functions (gain, iris, shutter and white balance) is absolutely key to making the most of this camera - and these principles are covered in huge depth.

Forget the manual, every Z7 owner should buy and watch this DVD, period."

John Knight, Christchurch, New Zealand
DV Info Net

"My three top recommendations regarding the new Vortex Media "Mastering the Sony HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270" training DVD are -- 1. BUY IT . . . 2. BUY IT . . . 3. BUY IT! I ordered it at the Vortex website last Friday and I've watched it twice already . . . it's awesome.

This new training DVD from Vortex is top-notch from start to finish. It's not the first training DVD to reach the market for the Sony HVR-Z7U, but it is the best by a long mile. I now own two different Z7U training DVDs and this is the one the offers the goods – it fully covers all of the core features and settings. This certainly isn't the case with my other Z7U training disc. As an example, the other DVD I purchased only alludes to the new “focus marking” feature that Sony offers on the Z7U, whereas the new DVD by Doug Jensen gives a full account of what focus marking is . . . Jensen skillfully illustrates how to use this new feature. He also carefully and effectively instructs us in the use of the new compact flash unit which Sony debuted with the Z7U. The other Z7U training disc that I purchased (by another author) flubbed his way though this portion of the training, leaving me with little or no useful information on compact flash recording.

In a perfect world, Sony would be including Jensen’s disc with every camera shipped since the training and tips go way beyond what the manual conveys – thus making it the perfect companion for the Z7U.

After watching "Mastering the Sony HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270"it is apparent that Doug Jensen has spent a lot of long hours with the camera. A great deal of time and effort goes into how he supports his training – utilizing lots of quality footage shot with the Z7U. The first disc I bought, prior to buying Jensen’s, barely has any sample footage shot with the camera. I'm not sure if the presenter on that other video really has the full grasp of what the Z7U is all about or knows how to effectively demonstrate its feature set. Just one example of how Jensen effectively uses Z7U footage is in his side-by-side comparison of what the camera’s default image looks like, out-of-the-box, compared to several picture profile examples. I really like that Doug Jensen shares some of his favorite settings. He is cautious about his suggestions, reminding the viewer that picture profiles and other setting choices all boil down to the subjective nature of personal preference. Right from the start of the DVD I knew that Jensen was on the right track. In chapter two Doug takes us on a tour of the camera. Every time he shows or mentions something which will be explained in detail in later chapters, there is a graphic which appears on screen indicating which chapter to navigate to in order to get the full story of that detail instantly. Very nice indeed.

I have a few other Vortex titles – and have come to rely on them all. This is the first camera training DVD that I’ve seen where Doug Jensen hosts. The others I own are written by Jensen, but are fronted by professional hosts. It’s an added bonus to have the author of the material step forward and share his knowledge on-camera directly with us. This is a nice touch. I mentioned earlier that Jensen has spent appreciable time with the camera. After doing some shooting and then determining what the Z7U has to offer, he goes about his work. First, he makes great choices in how he presents his training. He has the rare talent of making difficult things seems simple. He works from a well crafted script - which serves the training well – since in three hours he covers more than I would expect one could. Some skilled trainers are overly verbose, making things way more complex than they actually are and in the process end up taking time away from the training. One stand out moment is how quickly and perfectly Jensen explains time code. He even improves upon his similar explanation of time code from his "A Complete Guide to the HVR-Z1U" DVD. A nice addition to the disc is seeing Jensen attach a Fujinon accessory lens to the Z7U camera body. In fact, Jensen includes valuable footage which he’s shot with the Z7U using a couple of non-Zeiss lenses. The comparison of these lenses against the stock Zeiss lens is wonderful. This demo will have you drooling if you’ve been waiting for an HDV camera that allows for the creative freedom of lens choices and options. Sweet. He is quick, however, to inform that the use of a non-Zeiss lens means giving up the use of “shot transition” and other camera functions. It’s important to note that as he extols the virtues of certain “cool” features, he’s also taken the time to uncover any side-effects that may occur from their use. As fair warning to shooters recording with the compact flash recording unit, Jensen demonstrates how when hitting the “stop” button you may not be recording all the video you thought you just shot. His workaround is perfect and simple – don’t be “trigger happy”.

I should mention that the disc is beautiful looking. It’s a straight forward, clean, and well shot presentation which includes lots of stunning footage examples he’s shot with his Z7U. I find I trust the advice more from someone like Jensen who knows how to produce, shoot and edit great training support material compared to those who offer marginally acceptable training DVD’s. In other words, when this project is presented as professionally as it is, it lends credence to the credentials of the trainer.

There are lots of invaluable tips that the author shares which I wouldn’t have likely stumbled upon on my own. The “Focus” chapter alone gives me added insight into the focusing capabilities the Z7U has with what Jensen terms “hybrid focusing”.

The first Z7U training DVD I purchased is riddled not only with misinformation, but in my opinion is poorly shot and it’s incomplete too. You see the host talking about camera accessories, for an example, which are supposed to be shown on-screen – but never appear! It’s sloppy and poorly edited. The misinformation is plentiful – more than I cite here. For an example the host says that there is no difference when setting the auto gain control to "off" or to "O". Ouch! This mistake alone can trip someone up majorly. In the audio chapter of this DVD I couldn't figure out what "automatic manual gain" was all about that the host talks about. I went to the Z7U owners manual to try to get more information, only to find he is referring to "Audio Manual Gain" (not automatic) -- now THAT makes sense. Another glaring error is found when the presenter shows us how to use the assignable RET button on the stock Zeiss lens. Yes, indeed he does show a button, but it's NOT the RET button as he says and illustrates -- it's another button (the L1 or L2 button) that he's already addressed properly. He doesn't seem to know that the RET button isn't found on either this lens or camera, or any other Carl Zeiss lens as far as I know. It's a button found only on other accessory lenses. I hate to sound critical, but it's my opinion it’s a poor effort. It’s fair to comment that it’s both sloppy and lacking especially after spending a fair bit for a DVD which has me scratching my head for answers, only to find the manual often at odds with what is said / shown on his DVD.

And now that a new Z7U training DVD by Jensen does say it all so nicely in a beautifully organized fashion, I want to share the differences from my perspective between the first video I bought and Jensen’s Z7U DVD set. The two offerings are night and day in terms of quality of training, accuracy of information and presentation. Jensen’s disc is far and away the true contender. I want to support the Jensen effort for two reasons. First, for me a new camera kind of exists in a void until it’s properly understood. Jensen’s material really helps in this department. And the other reason I write this review is that I hope that Jensen and others of his caliber continue to support the next generation of cameras with training materials. Without the sales and our support we likely won’t have these tools made available in the future – especially when the market for these titles is relatively small.

If you are looking for a tool to help demystify the Z7U and its daunting feature set, I highly recommend "Mastering the Sony HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270". Not only have I learned a lot about the camera and its settings . . . I also find this DVD helps me re-examine the ways I shoot and gives me the confidence to rely more on manual settings and not worry about playing it safe in the “auto” world.

A couple of minor criticisms: I wish there had been a little more information about some of the gamma settings and color settings such X.V. It would have been interesting to learn a little more about things I am still hoping to better understand. But as Jensen says in the DVD, there isn’t time to get into all the settings. If I had my way, the DVD would have a running time of nine hours long, or so. I’m, however, pretty happy with what is offered at running time of 3 hours.

The Vortex Media website has a fair bit of information about this new DVD. The text I read there states that the cost of the $90.00 disc set should repay itself many times over. That's true. Believe me; if you are professional shooter who is serious about getting the most from your HVR-Z7U -- I have no doubt that "Mastering the Sony HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270"is one unbeatable bargain.

So, if my above ramblings about the new Z7U DVD sound like a sponsored endorsement – they aren’t. I’m happy to personally endorse something I value which already contributes to my better shooting and my improved understanding of my Z7U.
"

Ian Campbell, Toronto, Canada
Reviews

"This DVD must be in your toolkit, just like a tripod, if you are serious about shooting professional video. Although it still is a standard definition NTSC DVD and I am in PAL land, the quality of the picture looked awesome on my new 40” Bravia TV from Sony. The DVD structure is very simple and straight to the point, which makes it very easy to navigate.

From the first chapter you feel right at home. The presentation is very well done. When someone is watching the DVD with the camera by her or his side, she or he gets enough time to make the settings that are explained. You are getting lots of tips that will help you master your camera even better after watching this DVD. Throughout the whole DVD-set I never got the impression it was sponsored by Sony. This DVD is completely independent.

For me personally, on a scale 10 it deserves a 10! I recommended it to everyone who already owns, or is going to buy a Sony PMW-EX1 camcorder. After watching this DVD, everyone with a little bit of talent can pick up an PMW-EX1 and start shooting gorgeous HD footage without even touching the manual supplied by Sony. Never expected less, because all the DVD’s and products I own from Vortex Media are great and well calculated products."

Ivan Snoeckx, Belgium
DV Info Net

"Doug Jensen did a presentation with Rule Broadcast on the EX-1, and his presentation helped to convince me to buy the EX. 100 bucks or so of solid training is invaluable and for those of us buying the camera it's really pennies."

Benjamin Eckstein, USA
DV Info Net

"Another vote saying it's worth the money. I watched this before I got my camera and I've been watching it, with judicious use of the Pause button, again now that my EX1 is delivered.

If Sony had sense they'd have commissioned this for the camera launch and placed it in every box even if it meant a slight mark-up in price."

Ian Smith, London
DV Info Net

"I ordered my copy because it is not - Can I Learn This Myself - but rather will the DVDs help me learn it faster. As for the price, I compared that to hiring a trainer or trying to get into a class and it proves to be cost effective."

David Schmerin
GotFootageHD.com

"Just got my copy of "Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1" and it's worth every penny"

Brian Rigler, UK
DVi

"Yes, I would recommend this to a friend. As an amateur videographer with a V1-U I purchased this video because of my interest in the new EX-1. I found it to be a very straight forward, logically organized and professionally produced introduction/guide to the EX-1. It concentrates on practical usage of the camera and all it's features from acquistion to computer editing. I was particurlay struck by the comparisons to digital SLR photography as it relates to a file-based format. After viewing it I realized that the EX-1 is within my sphere of abilities and plan to purchase one this year. Kudos to Mr. Doug Jensen, the instructor, and his staff for their excellence. If I can master 1/10 of his knowledge I'll be a better videographer. Thank you sir."

Timber, Florida
Reviews

"I received "Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1" today and have been through the first DVD and it is excellent. I highly recommend it to EX1 owners."

Paul Cronin, Rhode Island
WhiteCap Video

"I just finished watching your training video on the Sony PMW-EX1. Well worth the time and money! Your insight and instruction was effective and informative. Thank you. "

Peter Fuhrman
http://www.peterfuhrman.com/ (from customer email)

Excellent Operator Guide
By Timber Verified Reviewer from Florida on 1/19/2008
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

As an amateur videographer with a V1-U I purchased this video because of my interest in the new EX-1. I found it to be a very straight forward, logically organized and professionally produced introduction/guide to the EX-1. It concentrates on practical usage of the camera and all it's features from acquistion to computer editing. I was particurlay struck by the comparisons to digital SLR photography as it relates to a file-based format. After viewing it I realized that the EX-1 is within my sphere of abilities and plan to purchase one this year. Kudos to Mr. Doug Jensen, the instructor, and his staff for their excellence. If I can master 1/10 of his knowledge I'll be a better videographer. Thank you sir.

Excellent to get you out shooting fast!
By Nato Verified Purchaser from Sacramento, CA on 9/9/2008
Easy To Follow, Informative
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I love this product, it teaches you all of the little ins and outs of the camera in a fast and efficient way saving you tons of time and headache. It also shows quite a bit that you may have not known about what the camera can do.

Accessible, Succinct and Very Useful
By Max the Shooter Verified Purchaser from Oslo, Norway on 8/14/2008
Pros: Informative, Easy To Follow
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

This is a great introduction to the PMW-EX1. Anyone who is planning to buy the camera or already has it would benefit tremendously.
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A must for any PMW-EX1 user.
By paul Verified Purchaser from new york city on 7/2/2008
Pros: Informative, Easy To Follow, Great Ideas
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I watched this video over 2 nights before using my PMW-EX1 for the 1st time.then read most of the sony manual and returned to the Vortex DVD again.if you think the sony manual lacks certain details as to what each setting does, then the Vortex DVD is for you.it will tell you at what gain the EX1 is best. what shutter speed should be used at each frame rate and many other head scratchers.here is one sample after watching the vortex video.

"This Should Come With Every PMW-EX1. We own two PWM-EX1 camcorders and keep them at different locations. After watching only 4 chapters of this program, I decided to order a second copy. No owner of the PMW-EX1 should be without this program. The learning curve on this camera is steep enough that when we got ours last month, I briefly thought about making our own video to quickly bring our freelance cameramen up to speed. Then I found this program and ordered it. I couldn't have come close. Doug's instruction is well thought-out and presented in an orderly manner. He also gives an honest evaluation of the camera’s features and how to take advantage of them as he goes. His explanation of the postproduction workflow is easy to follow and understand. If you are new to the tapeless production process, this is a good place to begin. In my opinion, if you buy a PMW-EX1 without ordering this program, you are making a mistake."

Bob, New Jersey
Reviews

"My copy (shipped by Vortex to the UK) arrived yesterday. As someone still waiting delivery of his PMW-EX1 and somewhat bored with reading and re-reading the manual (which has too many gaps or missing explanations for a novice like me) I was really impressed with this DVD set. Good stuff!"

Ian Smith, London
DVi

"Admitting to being something of a "beginner" , I must say I found this DVD to be very useful, as well as wonderfully produced and presented. I am currently shooting with an FX1 and two other HDV cameras. I had read everything I could get my hands on about the EX1, including all of the material on the Web put out by Sony as well as the gazillion posts and screenshots on various forums. So last week, I purchased the "Mastering the Sony PMW-EX-1". And it was the fulcrum for my decision to purchase the camera!

I found that the production added some real meat to the bones of what I had so far discovered. In terms of the content presented, I was first struck by the similarities of operation between the EX1 and the FX1, as well as the total dissimilarities in some other features, functions and operation. In particular, seeing the "live" on-screen operation of some of the menus and the handling of the camera body were particularly enlightening to me - try to get that in that way from an instruction book! And I was really taken with the well organized, cohesive, informative presentation - it helped tie together for me both the positive attributes and shortcomings I had noted elsewhere. It was worth far more to me than every cent I paid for it."

SonyUser, Texas
DV Forums

"Just got my copy delivered today. Excellent production, very pleased. (Now if only the kids would go to bed I could get control of my TV and watch it again!)."

Vaughan Wood, Australia
DVi

"I've bought and watched the DVDs and found it quite informative and useful. With all my years of experience I probably could have learned everything I saw on the DVD . . . BUT TIME IS MONEY.I learned in 3 hours what might have taken me a day or two or three. Given my hourly rate, I've saved hours of experimentation and discovery which means more time I can spend earning income.

It's not whether you can learn it all yourself, it's if you're a working professional can you learn it as fast otherwise. I'll earn several times the cost of the DVD on the first half day shoot. I'd rather do that than tie myself up experimenting for a day without income."

Craig Seeman, New York
DV Info Net

"This week I finally splurged and ordered a copy of Vortex Media's "Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1". GREAT INVESTMENT!!! In 3 hours last night watching it I learned more about the EX1 than I found out in three weeks of owning the camera. I feel like I just had a one-on-one training session with somebody who really knows the camera inside and out. The last few chapters on post and archiving with FCP were icing on the cake. If you've got an EX1 -- get his DVD today!!"

Jack Ottenberg, USA
CreativeCow

"I have just finished working through the two DVDs on the above camera. I cannot get over what a superb production it is. Not being one to use a manual unless everything has gone completely pear shaped, I found this easy route through the intricacies of this complicated camera and its workflow to be painless and informative. The best part of it all was that I could take it at my pace, I could stop it all while I tried it on my camera, I could get the presenter to repeat the material, all the while learning a whole range of new things about videography which I knew existed but didn't dare try because the steps seemed too daunting. I suspect I shall produce better videos now and not just because the camera is better than the PD170 and the DSR250 I have always used. The best part of the whole thing was the presentation of the methods of transfer from the SxS card into my 17" MacBookPro - just like Doug on the screen. Tomorrow morning not just a new chapter in my life will begin, but a whole new book. WOW! Thank you for a superbly engineered presentation which is worth every cent of its price. You guys in Rhode Island are great!"

Justin C Waldman
JUSTIN JAMES ADVERTISING (from customer email)

Should be mandatory to purchase with EX1
By Videodoc Verified Reviewer from Tampa, FL on 6/17/2008
Pros: Well Written, Deserves Multiple Readings
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

This is extremely useful from the very basics to advanced use. It is worth every penny of the price.

Excellent EX1 DVD
By Danny Verified Purchaser from Lockport, IL on 6/2/2008
Pros: Informative, Deserves Multiple Readings
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I referenced the DVD almost as often as my manual for the camera. It is necessary for those new to professional cameras, and seasoned professionals may find it as a nice addition to aid in learning the important components of tapeless workflow with SxS cards.

The Real Deal
By fraser howard Verified Reviewer from Toronto on 4/15/2008
Pros: Concise, Knowledgeable
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Thorough, clearly presented, useful examples. Covers all the fundamentals. The depth and complexity of the menus on the EX1 as well as some quirky functions make this an invaluable reference. Absolutely worth the money in time saved and knowledge gained!

This Should Come With Every PMW-EX1
By Bob Verified Reviewer from New Jersey on 1/28/2008
Pros: High Quality
Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

We own two PWM-EX1 camcorders and keep them at different locations. After watching only 4 chapters of this program, I decided to order a second copy. No owner of the PMW-EX1 should be without this program. The learning curve on this camera is steep enough that when we got ours last month, I briefly thought about making our own video to quickly bring our freelance cameramen up to speed. Then I found this program and ordered it. I couldn't have come close. Doug's instruction is well thought-out and presented in an orderly manner. He also gives an honest evaluation of the camera?s features and how to take advantage of them as he goes. His explanation of the postproduction workflow is easy to follow and understand. If you are new to the tapeless production process, this is a good place to begin. In my opinion, if you buy a PMW-EX1 without ordering this program, you are making a mistake.