"MASTERING THE SONY PMW-EX1 & EX1R" |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
NEW: Although the PMW-EX1R offers many welcome improvements over the original EX1, there are not enough changes to warrant creating a totally new 3-hour training video or a new Field Guide book. Operationally, the EX1 and EX1R are basically the same camera. Therefore, Vortex Media has simply added a 3rd DVD (40 minutes long) that addresses the operational differences between the EX1 and EX1R. |
"Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1/EX1R" is the easiest way to learn both the fundamentals and advanced features of the new Sony EX1 & EX1R camcorders and their state-of-the-art tapeless workflow. This 3.5-hour, 3-disc (DVD video) workshop includes tutorials, step-by-step examples, and detailed instructions covering the most important aspects of camera setup, menus, shooting techniques, clip naming, file management, clip importing, picture profile settings, basic editing, and even archiving. This DVD will pay for itself many times over by saving you hours of time figuring out things on your own. This 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 DVD workshop is designed to help anyone, from a novice to an experienced ENG/EFP shooter, get the best results from their EX1 or EX1R by providing real-world examples and techniques that are easy 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 EX1/EX1R and how to teach it without getting bogged down in jargon. Please read the testimonials down below to see what other customers are saying about this valuable resource. |
|
||
Topics include:
Review by Phil Bloom:"The Vortex Media EX1 training DVD is an essential purchase. Even for someone like me who uses the camera most days and knows most of what it can do. I learnt quite a few little things from it and for the the beginner this is the best learning tool out there.It last 3 hours and covers the camera fully. From operation to ingest. You learn more here that any manual and is great for quick reference. I have one for XDCAM HD F350 and it was so useful. I have also seen the ENG lighting DVD, I watched it and thought, god I wish many cameramen I have worked with or know had this DVD!
Review at Creative Cow: "With three hours of content, this two disc set will provide you with more than enough information and guidance to get the most out of your PMW-EX1. Back in the bad old days, we had to buy the camera, and spend days if not weeks tweaking our settings to get the look that we wanted. Months after buying a camera we would "stumble" on a feature than wasn't documented and we'd feel oh so smart. Workshop courses like those in the VORTEX MEDIA series takes some of the "treasure hunt" out of owning a new camera but get us up and running much faster and far smarter. Finally, if you are planning on purchasing a SONY PVM-EX1, or want to learn more about tapeless workflow and acquisition, this Workshop course will be an invaluable addition to your knowledge base. The production values are top notch as always and the information is presented in a logical and interesting manner that won't have you fast forwarding. I predict some serious rewinding though, especially if you have the camera in hand.
Review at LifeLong Magazine:"It’s easy to see why Doug Jensen is the most qualified person to produce a complete DVD guide and training program for mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 camcorder and the XDCAM EX workflow. This three-hour, two-disc video-based workshop includes 19 well-structured tutorials with step-by-step examples. Doug presents the most important aspects of camera setup, menus, shooting techniques, clip naming, file management, clip importing, picture profile settings, basic editing and even archiving. During the three hours of presentations, you will learn all the necessary techniques through real-world scenarios that will save you long hours of experimenting and frustrations from mediocre results. The DVD set is not only for relatively inexperienced videographers, but also for experienced professionals who want to jump into high definition production and the tapeless workflow."
"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 screen shots 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." "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." "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 post production 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." "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!" "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 post-production 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." "This video covers everything needed to be up and running from beginner to novice in three hours. It's in depth, well organized, easy to follow, and does a great job teaching the controls of the EX1 and a few tricks to videography as well. A definite must with the Ex1 or Ex1R purchase." "I reviewed the DVD before I started using my PMW EX1R and again after I started to use the camera. As a result, I understand the functions more fully than if I relied on the the user instruction supplied by Sony. The DVD has some great tips that it would have taken me months of use to figure out on my own. The video focuses on the main information common to both models. There is an update video at Vortex Media, that points out the new features on the PWM- EX1R. Buy the DVD, you will be glad you did." "Since the DVD is not published by Sony, you will learn about the Sony PMW-EX1 from an unbiased authority. Many simple tips and tricks to speed up your work flow and shooting times. Easy to follow and is quick paced and will not put you to sleep. " "One of the best DVD instructional videos I have ever seen. If you just bought and EX1 or EX1R you have to get this DVD. It tells you everything you need to know about the camera." "This DVD takes the complexity out of understanding and learning how to use a professional camcorder. Clearly, one of the best DVD instructional videos I have ever watched. I am now more confident that I can operate this camcorder and will be purchasing it shortly. The best thing about this DVD is that it shows you how to use the camcorder and provides actual settings for maximum efficiency. The only thing that the DVD initially lacked for me, is that it did not go into enough post production detail for a particular editing software I was about to get; however, after watching this DVD I decided to get the editing software that he spent the most time on and I am glad I did. Clearly five stars."
|
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 classes for Sony at NAB, Japan, Hollywood, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. In the summer of 2007 Sony hired him to shoot demo footage with a pre-production EX1 camcorder, and to operate the camera during field tests conducted by Discovery Communications. In recent years he has directed, and co-produced several popular training DVDs and books including: "Vortex Media's PDW-700 & PDW-F800 Field Guide", "Mastering the Sony PMW-EX3", "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 PDW-F800, Sony PMW-EX1, Sony PMW-EX1R, Sony PMW-EX3, Sony PDW-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.
Customer Comments & 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." "Like others, I bought my Vortex EX3 DVD a few weeks before my EX3 arrived and yes, it's more expensive than my "Star Wars Holiday Special" bootleg DVD (the worst production *ever*) but it's all about value. The cost of Doug's DVDs are noise when compared with the time I have saved not re-inventing wheels, not beating my head against various walls, and most dangerous of all, not developing incorrect superstitions on how things work. Going from 0 to 60 for $125 in training on a $10,000 camera. Bargain of the century. Thanks to Doug and the crew at Vortex, I was comfortable enough with the EX3 and its workflow that I was shooting almost immediately and used it on its first real gig within a couple of weeks. Time is money and so is knowledge." "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." "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." "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." "Just got my copy of "Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1" and it's worth every penny" "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 acquisition to computer editing. I was particularly 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." "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." "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. " "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." "Hi guys, I just finished watching "Mastering the Sony EX1" which I received in the mail a couple of days ago. Fantastic! I really, really liked, it's perhaps the best instructional video I have seen. Usually they are boring and uninspiring, but not this one. I am an inexperienced videographer and was worried this video would be too technical. But Douglas explains things simply, without wasting any time. Incredibly he manages to cover EVERYTHING. Every single point in the menu - but he is selective about what to put emphasis on. Congratulations, this is really a quality product." "I have just finished working through the two DVDs on the SONY PMW EX1. 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 on Rhode Island are great!" "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 post production 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." "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 acquisition to computer editing. I was particularly 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." "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." |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Copyright 2009 Vortex Media
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.