Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen

  • Price: $72.95
  • B&H # VOZ7DVD
  • Mfr# Z7DVD

What item is right for you?

Ask our Experts!

866.276.1435
Live Chat

Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop - This DVD covers all aspects of camera setup, exposure, focus, shooting technique, profile settings and much more. The tutorial leaves no stone unturned in helping you master these cameras.

Geared towards both the beginner and experienced shooter, the DVD gives actual examples of how to get the most out of the camera and get images that are truly worthy of what this technology can generate.

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.

Note! The DVD uses the Z7U as an example, however, the lessons apply to both cameras

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
Subject Advanced Videography
Author Doug Jensen
Edition First
Hard/Soft Cover DVDs
Pages 3 hours
Dimensions DVDs
Illustrations Yes
ISBN Number Product #: Z7DVD
Publisher Vortex Media
Date Published 2008

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen
 
4.7

(based on 18 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (13)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Informative (11)
  • Easy to understand (7)
  • Broad range of information (5)
  • Good resource (5)
  • Reliable research (5)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Occasional refresher (6)
    • Educational (4)
    • Home movies (4)
    • Complex projects (3)
    • Everyday use (3)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Advanced (5), Business owner (4)

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 18 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-18

    Back to top

     
    5.0

    Extremely helpful video!

    By Debi

    from South Florida

    About Me Advanced, Intermediate

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Understand
    • Good Resource
    • Great for fast start-up
    • Informative
    • Reliable Research

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Immediate familiarization
      • Occasional Refresher

      Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

      This is one of the most thorough, complete and straight-forward tutorials I've seen. It has made a huge difference in my work and got me up and running in a weekend. I thought I could figure things out after shooting with a different model for two years. But this camera is seriously deep and it would have taken me who knows how long to get fully functional. I really hesitated at the price of the DVD, but now I'm so glad I took the plunge. It was well worth the cost and it's a valuable resource.

      Comment on this review

       
      4.0

      Very Informative

      By Psicologo

      from Queens, NY

      About Me Beginner

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Broad Range Of Information
      • Good Resource
      • Informative
      • Reliable Research

      Cons

      • Limited Information

      Best Uses

      • Everyday Use

      Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

      Detailed information for advance videgrapher, too short for beginners; similar product offer 2 dvd and expanded material

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Well worth buying!

      By Mustang

      from Key Largo, FL

      About Me Advanced

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Broad Range Of Information
      • Easy To Understand
      • Informative

      Cons

      • None

      Best Uses

      • Everyday Use
      • Occasional Refresher

      Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

      Doug's common-sense approach to this camera makes it easy for us "non-pros" to understand its best features. He's able to give a subjective, and very educational, overview of this high-end video camera. Many of his comments will apply to other cameras as well. I highly encourage anyone who has purchased this camera to also buy this video. Doug is able to blend his personal, hands-on experience of video photography with the best and not-so-best features of this camera. You will not regret buying this DVD.

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Very useful Training DVD,

      By LATWTV

      from Los Angeles

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy To Understand
      • Informative

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Occasional Refresher

        Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

        Doug is the professional guy, the DVD is well made, details, good quality. Have the DVD training first then back to the operation manual. It will save you lots of time, no matter what kind of the machine you have.

        Comment on this review

         
        5.0

        Excellent product!!!

        By Eric

        from Oak Park, MI.

        About Me Advanced

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Broad Range Of Information
        • Easy To Understand
        • Entertaining
        • Excellent resource
        • Good Resource
        • Informative

        Cons

        • None

        Best Uses

        • Occasional Refresher

        Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

        I run a video production department for a school district, and recently purchased the HVR-Z7U. We use this camera for everything, and while I have a lot of experience with cameras, this DVD was a great shortcut to learning all the intricacies of the camera. The lessons are presented by chapters, and Doug Jensen does a fantastic job covering all the necessary information without unwanted or unneeded info. He also presents his opinion (for those who want to copy his personal camera settings), but presents the information in a generic enough fashion to let everyone make their own decisions.

        Comment on this review

         
        4.0

        Nice Service

        By Raj

        from California,usa

        About Me Advanced

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Understand
        • Informative
        • Reliable Research

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Everyday Use

          Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

          Its really good dvd covering almost all the important topics and points.

          Comment on this review

           
          4.0

          Very helpful!

          By Videogoddess

          from Scottsbluff, NE

          About Me Advanced

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Broad Range Of Information
          • Easy To Understand
          • Good Resource
          • Informative
          • Reliable Research

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Occasional Refresher
            • One Time Use

            Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

            I recently purchased the Z5U and was dismayed that there wasn't a training video for it. After much research I found that the Z7U was nearly identical to the Z5. Although the program is quite expensive, it has been worth every penny in helping me discover things about the Z5 that I was unaware of. I will undoubtedly use this video time and time again.

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            This is an amazing tutorial!

            By RDH

            from Naples/Bonita Springs, Florida

            About Me Intermediate

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Broad Range Of Information
            • Easy To Understand
            • Good Resource
            • Informative
            • Reliable Research

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Occasional Refresher

              Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

              After extensive research, I chose to rent a Sony HVR-Z7U for my niece's wedding. And having no experience with this camera (or ANY camera since 1999), I purchased this tutorial with less than a week before the wedding. Although, nowhere near expert, I was able to capture great images throughout the evening. The training videos were EXTREMELY well done; very easy to follow and understand. Because of the training videos, I placed a Sony HVR-Z7U camera in my B&H wish list for purchase in the near future.

              Comment on this review

               
              5.0

              Great Video Worksop, Great Product

              By Juan M Garcia

              from Indianapolis, IN

              About Me Business Owner, Hobbyist

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Complex Projects
                  • Home Movies

                  Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

                  Very easy to understand. Cover a lot features. Professionals gives an easy explanations. Really Great. I recommend "Mastering the Sony HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270" training DVD. Buy it guys. I ordered a few weaks ago and I've watched it several times already . . . it's awesome.

                  Comment on this review

                   
                  5.0

                  A must have to get the best quality

                  By Eddie

                  from New Jersey

                  About Me Business Owner

                  Verified Reviewer

                  Pros

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

                  Cons

                  • NONE WHAT SO EVER

                  Best Uses

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

                  Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

                  I had purchased a training DVD by someone else... But this DVD is completely diffrent.. I have always used auto settings on this camera and I was very unhappy with the quality of results... being a novice in the game of videography I didn't know much about manual setting, exposure, ND filters.. But when i got this DVD i was blown away by how much I have learned. and now I understand why my footage looked terrible in auto mode... All I can say is WOW!!! Get this DVD if you want to learn how to get the most out of this camera. He takes you through everything step by step with examples. You will be amazed specially if your a newbie!

                  Comment on this review

                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Fast track your learning curve

                  By Patrick M

                  from DeKalb, IL

                  About Me Business Owner

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Use
                  • Improves Performance
                  • Professional Quality

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                      Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

                      I was skeptical of buying this DVD, my main concern was that I would not learn anything that I could not figure out in about 10 minutes hands on with the Z7U. Boy was I wrong. Not only does this DVD give you a fast track start to operating the Z7U, it also provides insight and answers to many of my questions. For the price, this DVD is essential for nearly everyone except perhaps highly advanced professionals.

                      Comment on this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Great DVD Workshop

                      By Daniel Nomadprod [@]

                      from Santa Cruz CA

                      About Me Professional Artist

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                            Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

                            Goes further than the camera manual. Really Helpful.

                            Comment on this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Great training video

                            By tamerlane

                            from Hamilton, OH

                            About Me Hobbyist

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Improves Performance
                            • Professional Quality

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Home Movies
                              • Independent Films

                              Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

                              This is a very useful training video which teaches you how to use this high definition professional camcorder. Practically every aspect is gone over which can get you up and going very fast. It would have been helpful for me for the video to have spent a little longer time in post production, but then again, this video is about the camcorder. All in all, a great video.

                              Comment on this review

                               
                              5.0

                              Best training DVD i have ever seen

                              By Shastasage

                              from Austin, TX

                              About Me Business Owner

                              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 Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

                                You will not get a better training. I got it for my Sony Z5u and have learned so much.
                                It is also nice to go back to a certain chapter.
                                You can tell this guy is a pro! and he teaches at a very understandable level.
                                This is a Must if you own one of these cameras

                                Comment on this review

                                (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                                 
                                5.0

                                Perfect disc from master trainer!

                                By Ian

                                from Toronto, ON

                                About Me Everyday Reader

                                Verified Reviewer

                                Pros

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

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Educational
                                  • Reference
                                  • Staying Informed

                                  Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

                                  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 have a couple of other Vortex titles – and have come to rely on them. 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. This is a nice touch. 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. One stand out moment is how quickly and perfectly Jensen explains time code -- better than I've heard it addressed elsewhere.

                                  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 a 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”.

                                  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.

                                  This DVD is a PERFECT compliment to my Z7U purchase. Well worth the small investment!

                                  Comment on this review

                                   
                                  4.0

                                  good training

                                  By Vandy

                                  from PA

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Easy To Follow

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Educational

                                    Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

                                    I am recommend for every body

                                    Comment on this review

                                     
                                    4.0

                                    Very Helpful. Great for all levels.

                                    By dantheman

                                    from Los Angeles, CA

                                    About Me Casual Reader

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    Pros

                                    • Easy To Follow
                                    • Informative
                                    • Well Written

                                    Cons

                                      Best Uses

                                      • Educational
                                      • Reference
                                      • Staying Informed

                                      Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

                                      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.

                                      Comment on this review

                                      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                                       
                                      5.0

                                      This is a great DVD!

                                      By Deanster

                                      from Hollywood, CA

                                      Pros

                                      • Easy To Follow
                                      • Informative

                                      Cons

                                        Best Uses

                                        • Educational

                                        Comments about Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen:

                                        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!

                                        Comment on this review

                                        Displaying reviews 1-18

                                        Back to top

                                        Vortex Media Training DVD: Sony HVR-Z7U and S270 DVD Workshop by Doug Jensen
                                        • 2 x DVDs
                                         
                                         
                                        See any errors on this page? Let us know.

                                        Close

                                        Close