FS7: Fs7 first timers guide, From Alister Chapman.

Yes those videos have helped a lot of new users of the FS7 get started including myself. However for some reason that I cannot understand there are a few people that do not appreciate the help he gives.
 
Yes those videos have helped a lot of new users of the FS7 get started including myself. However for some reason that I cannot understand there are a few people that do not appreciate the help he gives.

Particularly since Alister is such a gentle and humble man who is open to disagreement with his particular methods / advice.

Maybe it has something to do with Alister being of a video / ENG background and the "Cine" snobs look down on that.

for anyone not familiar with Alister's website:

http://www.xdcam-user.com/alisters-blog/
 
I own an FS5, and while I’m familiar with the Sony video ecosystem, his YouTube videos really did a great job of explaining the various picture profiles and how to mix and match them based on the look you want. I appreciate any professional who takes the time and energy to put together these videos, they go a long way in helping new users and veterans alike.
 
I also found Doug Jensen's book very helpful, which I saw recommended by Philip Bloom initially in one of his FS7 videos. I liked that Jensen makes very specific recommendations and for me, that was helpful starting out. Also found Dennis Hingsberg's ebook on exposure helpful too, not too mention this forum, which has lively discussions pro and con on various issues. The main thing I've learned so far is to experiment and try things out for yourself. You can read what people say, but the proof is in the pudding, that is, seeing it with your own two eyes and at some point, trusting your own judgment.
 
Dunno why I didn't watch these before now... they are pretty informative without too much subjective talk of this and that. He's to the point and technically specific. So hat's off... I learned a couple of things myself that will surely help from here on when shooting the FS7
 
I also found Doug Jensen's book very helpful, which I saw recommended by Philip Bloom initially in one of his FS7 videos. I liked that Jensen makes very specific recommendations and for me, that was helpful starting out. Also found Dennis Hingsberg's ebook on exposure helpful too, not too mention this forum, which has lively discussions pro and con on various issues. The main thing I've learned so far is to experiment and try things out for yourself. You can read what people say, but the proof is in the pudding, that is, seeing it with your own two eyes and at some point, trusting your own judgment.

Wasn't aware Doug had an FS7 book. That's what I want. Too ADHD to sit through video world. For me, a book lets me address my direct issue instead of ingesting what I'm either not ready for or don't need. His F800 was the Gold Standard.
 
I'm also too impatient for video tutorials and prefer them, written. All of the information on alister's video can also be found in written form on his website.
 
I also noticed that Philip Bloom just produced a MasterClass and it looks like he filmed the whole project with an FS5 and FS7. It was watching Philip Bloom's review of the FS7 and then Jensen's FS7 reel that finally convinced me to give up my C100 and get one. I guess these "master classes" are becoming trendy. Martin Scorsese just made one too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PSxZC_Fl3A
 
I also noticed that Philip Bloom just produced a MasterClass and it looks like he filmed the whole project with an FS5 and FS7. It was watching Philip Bloom's review of the FS7 and then Jensen's FS7 reel that finally convinced me to give up my C100 and get one. I guess these "master classes" are becoming trendy. Martin Scorsese just made one too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PSxZC_Fl3A

Completely off topic... but I find these "masterclasses" somewhat lacking. I mean, I know some of these guys are great, but to boil down a life time of experience into hours worth? While actual film school takes years? It's nothing more than a money scheme..... at the same time we have mr. Deakins how is generously offering his support and advice to fans for free. Think about that...
 
Completely off topic... but I find these "masterclasses" somewhat lacking. I mean, I know some of these guys are great, but to boil down a life time of experience into hours worth? While actual film school takes years? It's nothing more than a money scheme..... at the same time we have mr. Deakins how is generously offering his support and advice to fans for free. Think about that...

I'd be careful not to lump in the likes of Alister Chapman and Doug Jensen into the "money scheme" that you're describing. Both Alister and Doug regularly contribute useful information through these channels and others, and quite frankly, I've paid for Doug's knowledge through his class rentals and he's worth every penny. I've also personally attended Alister's seminars when he comes to my area and he's also worth every penny. Furthermore, we're all trying to earn a living off of our equipment, so why not be willing to pay for the experience that others have when we have the need? If you think someone in particular is scheming for money without offering value, I'd encourage you not to patronize that individual and let it go.

We're all trying to earn a good living, so let's spend our time and effort building people up rather than tearing them down for finding a way to market their gifts and talents. This thread was started because someone appreciated Alister's work, so why not keep it that way and celebrate what he and others have to offer.
 
To echo what Vintegreo said, since I too became somewhat of an Internet Muppet (love this term devised by Sam Morgan BTW) when I delved into the world of Sony "higher end" cameras like the CineAltas, I realized that a large percentage of useful posts with discoveries or information i'd write would get lost and buried deep within the forums too easily. So I started reposting many of the common or useful bits I had written on my blog website (which has zero trick links or ads to products from resellers like BHphotovideo, etc.) in hopes that it'd be easier for people to find and read. I did this at my own peril and I know first hand how much time and even cost goes into publishing content.

I say if Doug has been successful at making some money for his efforts well then he completely deserves it. The information we share, publish freely or even sell in some cases is hard to come by otherwise and isn't it nice to know there are people you can ask or engage in a conversation with for a particular question or issue and quick answer?

I'm not complaining at all as I do enjoy writing and explaining things seem to come easy to me - but I do hope people realize that trying to monetize aspects of it shouldn't be frowned upon. If it bothers you that much, start your own video series and give it out for free. Build a base of followers and watch the personal emails, private messages and even phone calls trickle in. Easy to do and manage all for free right?
 
I've purchased products from both Alister and Doug. Doug has a great Resolve tutorial on Vimeo. I'm actually thinking of buying it again as a refresher. I even once contacted Doug privately looking for advice on a lens purchase and he helped me out. I appreciate the work both of them do along with everyone else that contributes. But I don't expect everything to be for free.
 
Back
Top