Please note: Online ordering is unavailable until Saturday 6:45 PM EST. Feel free to browse our site and add items to your cart or wishlist. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patronage.

Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow

  • Price: $77.95
  • B&H # VOEX1DVD
  • Mfr# EX1DVD

What item is right for you?

Ask our Experts!

866.276.1435
Live Chat

Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 and EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder and the XDCAM EX Workflow is the easiest way to learn both the fundamentals and advanced features of the Sony EX1/EX1R camcorders and their state-of-the-art tapeless workflow.

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, 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 EX1/EX1R owners' hours of time learning on their own.

About the DVD Workshop: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1/EX1R 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 workshop is designed to help anyone, from a novice to an experienced ENG/EFP shooter, get the best results from their EX1/EX1R. The DVD provides real-world examples and suggested techniques that are simple to put into practice.

All Vortex Media training DVDs are carefully planned and written by professional cameramen who have the experience to know what's important to teach and how to teach it without getting bogged down in jargon or unnecessary technical details.

About the Instructor: Doug Jensen is a cameraman, producer, director, editor, consultant and trainer with over 28 years of video production and post-production experience.

As a member of Sony's Independent Certified Experts (I.C.E.) team Jensen has taught high-definition classes at NAB for Sony. September 2007 Sony hired him to shoot test footage with a pre-production EX1 camcorder and to demonstrate the camera at special events. Jensen combines his extensive production experience with his teaching skills to bring a wide-ranging, real-world perspective to his independent DVD workshops.

In recent years he has directed, and co-produced Hands On HDV: A Complete Guide to the Z1U and FX1, 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 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.

DVD Workshop

Topics include

Clip naming methods that will avoid disaster in post
Tips for setting exposure accurately
Suggested focusing techniques
Recommended settings for the Assignable Buttons
Suggestions for time-code settings
Warnings about some features and settings to avoid
B&W vs. Color viewfinder
Suggested Shutter Speeds for various recording modes
Setting up a Time-lapse
Recording slow-motion
Deleting clips on-the-fly
Splitting clips
Getting a perfect white balance
Monitoring options for the EX1
Managing storage space on the memory cards
Importing clips into your computer
Managing clips, making back-up copies, and archiving
XDCAM Transfer overview and suggested preference settings

Chapter List

Introduction to the EX1
Overview of the Features and Controls
Navigating the Menus
Choosing a Video Format
Bit rates, Interlaced vs. Progressive, 720 vs. 1080
Controlling Exposure
Iris, Gain, Shutter, ND, Zebra, Histogram
Focusing Techniques
Manual focus, Auto-focus, Peaking, Expanded Focus
Audio Recording
Internal and External sources, Menu settings
Time-Code
Shot-Transition Buttons
Step-by-step instructions
Assignable Buttons
Overview of all choices and specific suggestions
Special Effects
Time-lapse, Slow-motion, Stop-motion animation, Slow-shutter
White Balancing
Programming A & B memories, changing the Preset value
Picture Profiles
Paint menu suggestions for better video, saving/recalling Profiles
Playback and Clip Operations
Media mode, working with clips
Clip Browser Software
Getting your footage off the card and into the computer
Backups and Archiving
Clip management and affordable archiving suggestions
Subclips & Editing
Tips for Sony Vegas
Tips for Final Cut Pro/XDCAM Transfer
Summary
Subject Advanced Videography
Author Doug Jensen
Edition First
Hard/Soft Cover DVD
Pages 3.5 hours
Dimensions DVD
Illustrations Yes
ISBN Number Not Available
Publisher Vortex Media
Date Published December 2007

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow
 
4.6

(based on 32 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (22)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (9)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

97%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Improves performance (9)
  • Easy to use (8)
  • Informative (7)
  • Professional quality (7)
  • Easy to follow (6)

Cons

  • Lacks content (3)

Best Uses

  • Reference (8)
  • Independent films (5)
  • Educational (4)
  • In the studio (4)
  • Complex projects (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Business owner (7), Enthusiast (5), Everyday reader (5), Professional artist (4)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (6)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Don't wait another day!

If you own a PMW-EX1 Sony camcorder, and you
aren't a professional director of photography
(well, even if you are), this 2-pack DVD set
is a must s...Read complete review

If you own a PMW-EX1 Sony camcorder, and you
aren't a professional director of photography
(well, even if you are), this 2-pack DVD set
is a must see. I say this not because the
explanation of the camera is incredibly deep,
but because no matter who you are, this DVD will
surely teach you at least one or two new things
about the EX1 that you would otherwise never
find out, and just that fact is worth the money and time.
The DVDs are well designed and easy to watch and
understand with just the right examples and demonstrations.
On the other hand, it is made clear throughout the DVD that
some subjects such as photography terms will
not be covered in the DVD, and so beginner camcorder
owners/operators might be left scratching their heads over
some of the terms and advices that are used and expressed
through-out the lecture.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

short, not in deep coverage.

well produced video, but for someone that already owns the camera and have used for a while, does not cover in detail some topics.

well produced video, but for someone that already owns the camera and have used for a while, does not cover in detail some topics.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 32 customers

Sort by

Displaying reviews 1-20

Back to top

Previous | Next »

 
4.0

Great information

By Steve

from massachusetts

About Me Business Owner

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Loads of useful info

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Complex Projects
    • Home Movies
    • Independent Films
    • In The Studio

    Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

    This DVD explains the camerain a way that a novice can understand.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

     
    5.0

    Nicely done

    By Aytek

    from Tampa FL

    About Me Business Owner

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Great tutorial

    Cons

      Best Uses

        Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

        anybody has ex1r needs this dvd. very well done. lots of details.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Comment on this review

         
        4.0

        Super DVD

        By JC

        from Springfield, MA

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Use
        • Improves Performance
        • Professional Quality

        Cons

          Best Uses

            Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

            Well presented information in a well organized format with lots of examples and closeups. Nicely done.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            Get the full use out of your camera.

            By Cut Wing Productions

            from Elkhorn, WI

            About Me Business Owner, Independent Filmmaker

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy to follow
            • Improves Performance

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Camera Operating
              • Sharpening your skills

              Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

              This DVD is a very good way to get to know your Sony PMW-EX1R more than you normally would. It is very informative and gives you more insight than what you would read in a manual. I believe this DVD is a good tool for beginners or pros who want to use the Sony EX1R to it's full potential.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Comment on this review

               
              5.0

              Very helpuf tutorial!

              By Peter

              from Stamford, CT

              About Me Hobbyist

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Use
              • Highly Compatible
              • Improves Performance
              • Professional Quality

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Complex Projects
                • Home Movies
                • Independent Films
                • In The Studio

                Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                If you are thinking of buying or already bought EX series camcorder I would strongly recommend this product!
                It's over 3 hours of guide how to operate a camcorder with using all advanced functions. Very good DVD for begginers and professionals also!

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                5.0

                Sony should provide this with camera!

                By Bob

                from Baltimore

                About Me Hobbyist

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Compact Design
                • Easy To Use

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • In the field

                  Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                  The book is well written. All photos in book are full color. It's nice not having to dig the data out of the manual provided by the camera manufacturer. I purchased the videos as well but will be using this guide far more then the videos. Excellent Guide!

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Comment on this review

                  (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Excellent tutorial

                  By Patty

                  from Albuquerque, NM

                  About Me Business Owner

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Use
                  • Professional Quality

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                      Great layout of functions of camera. Easy to follow.

                      Comment on this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Very Informative

                      By Irishman

                      from PA

                      About Me Business Owner, Professional Artist, Pro videographer, Video producer, Video Professional

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Compact Design
                      • Easy To Use
                      • Highly Compatible
                      • Improves Performance
                      • Professional Quality

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Complex Projects
                        • Independent Films
                        • In the field
                        • In The Studio

                        Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                        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.

                        Comment on this review

                        (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                         
                        4.0

                        Really Useful

                        By Andrei Z

                        from Fort Lee, NJ

                        About Me Professional Artist

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Improves Performance

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Independent Films

                          Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                          a very useful how-to DVD. lots of working tips.

                          Comment on this review

                           
                          5.0

                          This DVD set is fantastic.

                          By King Burger

                          from Ellicottt City, MD

                          About Me Hobbyist

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                                Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                                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 DVD is for the PMW-EX1, and the PWM-EX1R is the current model. No problem. The video focusses 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.

                                Comment on this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                Invests in education!!!!!

                                By Jose Manuel

                                from Jalisco, Mexico

                                About Me Wedding videographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Easy To Use
                                • Improves Performance

                                Cons

                                • Lacks content

                                Best Uses

                                • Educational reference

                                Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                                This DVD is very helful for those want to learn and make the best advantage for the EX1, not think twice, buy it.

                                Comment on this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                Get a jump start on your EX1!

                                By Xpleo Media

                                from Cave Creek, AZ

                                About Me Business Owner, Professional Videographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Great tips offered
                                • Professional Quality

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Training on EX1

                                  Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                                  Great training DVD.

                                  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.

                                  Comment on this review

                                   
                                  4.0

                                  Good Primer on a great camera

                                  By Cat MacLeod

                                  from El Sobrante, CA

                                  About Me Business Owner

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Beats Reading the Manual
                                  • Clearly Presented

                                  Cons

                                  • Lacking Picture Profiles

                                  Best Uses

                                    Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                                    Some of the instruction was a bit basic but this is a worth while investment even if your starting on the EX1R.

                                    I know PR and Doug's sessions aren't about pimping Sony. He's got some valid complaints which he shows you how to work around.

                                    Why not 5 stars. Needs more examples of picture profile settings to get the most out of the camera.

                                    Comment on this review

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    Don't hesitate just buy it!

                                    By KJ Digital

                                    from Detroit, MI

                                    About Me Professional Artist

                                    Verified Reviewer

                                    Pros

                                    • Professional Quality

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                      • In The Studio

                                      Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                                      One of the best DVD instructional videos I have ever. 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. The only con is, it doesn't have any info about the EX1R, but you can find an update on their website.

                                      Comment on this review

                                      (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                       
                                      4.0

                                      Product has lot of room for improvement.

                                      By None

                                      from Los Gatos

                                      About Me Professional Artist

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Improves Performance

                                      Cons

                                      • Limited Compatibility

                                      Best Uses

                                      • Independent Films

                                      Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                                      Person who is just starting with camcorder, this DVD provides very good overall understanding about how to use the camera. Unfortunately, what you should know about the product is explained as quick as possible and as short as possible. That leavse the person back in dark hole all over again.

                                      Comment on this review

                                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                       
                                      4.0

                                      Workshop Weak on Picture Profile Use

                                      By Ragged Edge Productions

                                      from San Jose CA

                                      About Me Film Student

                                      Pros

                                        Cons

                                        • Poor on Picutre Profile

                                        Best Uses

                                          Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                                          Watch out for lack of EX1 Picture Profile support from Sony or this Doug Jensen DVD.

                                          Just purchased EX1, studied Doug Jensen's DVD workshop, searched at Sony and online.

                                          I'd agree that the EX1's a good camera, but lack of Support for Picture Profile setting, esp detailed definitions and usage examples, makes many functions useless.

                                          Comment on this review

                                           
                                          5.0

                                          Great learning tool

                                          By Tamerlane

                                          from Hamilton, OH

                                          About Me Hobbyist

                                          Verified Buyer

                                          Pros

                                          • Easy To Use
                                          • Improves Performance
                                          • Professional Quality

                                          Cons

                                            Best Uses

                                              Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                                              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. Clealy five stars.

                                              Comment on this review

                                               
                                              5.0

                                              Very Helpful!!

                                              By Diver

                                              from San Diego

                                              About Me Hobbyist

                                              Verified Buyer

                                              Pros

                                              • Easy To Use
                                              • Improves Performance

                                              Cons

                                                Best Uses

                                                  Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                                                  This DVD was extremely informative and easy to understand even for a complete novice.

                                                  Comment on this review

                                                   
                                                  4.0

                                                  Waaaay to pricey !

                                                  By progres

                                                  from norway

                                                  Verified Buyer

                                                  Pros

                                                  • Easy To Follow
                                                  • Informative
                                                  • Quality Photos
                                                  • Well Written

                                                  Cons

                                                  • Lacks Content

                                                  Best Uses

                                                  • Educational
                                                  • Reference

                                                  Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                                                  But this is indeed a very good dvd for learning about the EX1 camera and it's related workflow.

                                                  Both the fundamentals and the more advanced features are well covered - but personally I miss some more comments on tweaking the EX1's picture profile settings. Also - I'd like to see more examples on workflow in post when using Premiere Pro ( Sony Vegas and FC and Sonys Clip browser well documented)
                                                  But otherwise, all in all this is a DVD that have saved me - a non pro - hours of time figuring out how things work.
                                                  Vortex Media's "mastering DVD" should be enclosed for a rebated price when purchasing such a camera - I guess there is quite a number of non professionals ( and even profressionals?) that would benefit from this //* home_class_more_than_introducory_Dvd

                                                  Comment on this review

                                                   
                                                  5.0

                                                  The great guidance to the Product I Own

                                                  By K.B.Ng

                                                  from Singapore

                                                  About Me Rarely Read

                                                  Verified Buyer

                                                  Pros

                                                  • Informative

                                                  Cons

                                                    Best Uses

                                                    • Reference

                                                    Comments about Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow:

                                                    I uses the product to enhance my understanding W.R.T (With respect to)the operating Manual

                                                    Comment on this review

                                                    Displaying reviews 1-20

                                                    Back to top

                                                    Previous | Next »

                                                    Vortex Media DVD: Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 & EX1R: A Complete Guide to the Camcorder & the XDCAM EX Workflow
                                                    • 2 x DVD
                                                     
                                                     
                                                    See any errors on this page? Let us know.

                                                    Close

                                                    Close