The Ultimate Camera and Lens Kit

Oscar and Emmy-Nominated cinematographers demystify the camera and lens, unlocking the most powerful tool in the cinematographer's toolbox. From focal length and depth of field to exposing using the zone system and working with the shutter, this kit shows you how to achieve Hollywood-quality results with your own productions.

Whether you’re using a DSLR camera, consumer video camera, RED camera or Arri Alexa, the Ultimate Camera and Lens Kit will teach you how to get the best possible image. From demystifying focal length and exposure to focus-pulling techniques and using the zone system, this kit has it all. 

This incredibly in-depth series leaves nothing out as Emmy-winning cinematographers demonstrate each principle at Panavision soundstages in Los Angeles, California:

• Jason J. Tomaric (Emmy-winning director/Cinematographer)
• David Stump, ASC (Academy-Award winning cinematographer)
• John Gresch (Vice President, Arri Lighting)
• Jeff Cree (Emmy-winning cameraman, digital technologies specialist)
• Michael Bravin (Los Angeles-based Digital Acquisitions Expert)
• Bruce Block (Producer, Author The Visual Story)
• Harry C. Box (Camera Operator, Heroes, Brothers and Sisters, Everybody Hates Chris, Author of The Set Lighting Technician's Handbook)
• Blain Brown (Los Angeles-Based Cinematographer, Author, Cinematography: Theory and Practice and Motion Picture and Video Lighting)
• Laura Beth Love (Los Angeles-based Cinematographer)
• Ron Sill (Gaffer, Arri Lighting)

Disc 1

Introduction to Lenses
Enter the world of cinema lenses, and learn the differences between prime and zoom lenses, lens speeds, lens types and how to choose the best lens for your production. Taught by Emmy-winning cinematographer at Panavision in Hollywood, this hands on module will demystify the various attributes of the lens so you can choose the best lens for your production.

Lens Care
Learn to properly transport, store, change, replace and maintain camera lenses.

Disc 2

The Art of Focus
Although focusing is viewed as a purely technical process, it’s really a powerful artistic tool for the cinematographer. This module takes you into the world of using focus to draw the audience’s attention to a subject, how to set focus with both prime and zoom lenses, unlocking the power of the hyperfocal distance, focusing techniques in both documentary and narrative productions, setting focus marks, focusing on moving subjects, minimum focus distance and pulling focus.

Power of Focal Length
The focal length is undoubtedly the most powerful aspect of the lens, and understanding it’s true capabilities will enhance a cinematographer’s storytelling abilities significantly. Learn how to create deep and shallow depth of field, compress or expand distance in your shot, create the illusion of faster or slower time and increase or decrease shot size in this comprehensive yet easy-to-understand video.

Disc 3

Exposure
Exposure is a powerful tool in the cinematographer’s arsenal, and this module walks you through both basic exposure techniques. Learn about f-stops, latitude, under and over exposing your subject, using incident and spot light meters, exposing subjects with varying skin tones and exposing in both film and video.

Using the Zone System
This advanced tutorial on exposure teaches the principles of the zone system, how to expose for varying flesh tones and how to creatively control the look of the frame through exposure.

Disc 4

Macro Focus
The incredible world of macro focus is the cinematic principal used when shooting miniatures, forced perspective and objects within the minimum focus distance of the lens. Learn how to work with macro focus and use it to create incredible images every time.

Back Focus
This often misunderstood yet critical lens setting is critical for maintaining a crisp, in-focus shot. This video walks you through the importance of back focus, how to determine if it’s mis-calibrated and offers a step-by-step guide to properly setting your back focus.

Disc 5

Shutter Speed
Learn how the shutter functions in a film camera and the electronic equivalent in digital cameras, how it functions, how it affects the exposure of the shot and how you can create different looks by changing the shutter speed.

Gain
Using gain can either ruin or save a shot. This video explores the benefits and drawbacks of using the gain feature on digital cameras.

Comprehensive 43-page resource full of hundreds of inside-industry tips, trick and techniques from working Hollywood cinematographers:

• How to choose the right lens
• Prime lenses
• Zoom lenses
• Fixed vs. interchangeable lenses
• Fast vs slow lenses
• Lens problems
• The Five rings of the lens
• Focus
• Techniques for pulling focus
• Working with the hyperfocal distance
• Using focal length
• Cheating the depth in a shot
• Cheat time
• Techniques for setting exposure
• Exposing digital video
• Using the zone system
• Lens care
• Working with macro focus
• Setting back focus
• Basic camera functions
• The shutter
• Gain
• White balance techniques
• How to choose the best camera for the job
• The camera body 
• CCD and CMOS chips
• Video signal types
• Recording formats
• Monitors and essential features
• Follow focus
• Matte boxes and french flags
• Essential features
• Batteries
• Camera support options
• Choosing the right tripod
• Camera dollies
• Cranes and jib arms
• Steadicams