Basic Betacam Camerawork

by Peter Ward

Published 23 February 1994

Basic Betacam Camerawork offers a complete introduction to both the analogue and digital beta camera formats: Betacam, Digital Beta, Betacam SX and DV & DVCAM. Step-by-step instructions are given covering everything from pre-recording checklists, to technical camera specifications, instruction on exposure and lighting, composition, editing and sound and techniques for different programme styles.



Aimed at TV camera operators just starting out and film cameramen and women converting to video this book will also appeal to students on film and television production courses.

Peter Ward is a freelance cameraman and trainer working with the International Television Training Consultancy and ex-Chairman of the Guild of Television Cameramen. He spent many years working on a variety of programmes at the BBC before becoming Head of Cameras at Television South West. Peter is author of the following books for Focal Press: Digital Video Camerawork, Picture Composition for Film and Video , Studio & Outside Broadcast Camerawork, TV Technical Operations and co-author of Multiskilling for TV Production.

Basic Betacam Camerawork offers a complete introduction to both the analogue and digital beta camera formats.


Studio and outside broadcast is often done with more than one camera and has its own distinct discipline and operational procedures. Many camera operators now start with single camera operations and have little or no experience of the skills required for multi-camera operation, whereas it used to be the other way round. This book prepared newcomers to multi-camerawork and the techniques required to produce professional results.


Studio and Outside Broadcast Camerawork is a revised edition of Multi-Camera Camerawork, including new material on widescreen shooting and an update on BBC (and worldwide) policy of 'shoot and protect' for dual aspect ratio format production.