Can anyone weigh in on the training DVD's that are currently out for the EX1? There are 2 that I know of

1- from Vasst http://www.vasst.com/product.aspx?id=e5aa8309-4401-4b08-9ce6-27e4d912abaf

another from Vortex

http://www.vortexmedia.com/EX1DVD/EX1DVD.html


any info would be great.

thanks

Steve

351cameralight.com

I have the Vortex, well worth the price. I've even converted it and carry it on my iPhone. Hey you never know when you have time to brush up on things.

Don't know about the Vasst, but I would imagine someone here has it. And I would bet that its not a bad bet either.

Like they used to say on the GI Joe cartoon. "Knowing is half the battle"

Here's another to consider:
http://www.callboxlive.com/store/sony-guidebook-p-39.html

I find that it goes into greater depth and demonstration on some of the features than the Vortex. It also covers more of the Final Cut Pro workflow.

I own all three, but the Vortex will get you up to speed the quickest.

Thanks guys.... John - I had forgot about the one from Callbox. I was sort of leaning toward the one from Vortex but now I'm re-thinking. Sounds like you would go Vortex first?

I have both the Vortex and the Callbox DVD. I actually like the Vortex better. It has actual location footage on it and it gives you some great ideas for picture profiles and naming clips. The Callbox DVD is good also, although shots are limited to a studio setup, but it's a good overview of the camera and it has a really good demonstration on the work flow with Final Cut Pro. The Vortex also has chapters on using the EX1 with Sony Vegas and Final Cut Pro. I would recommend the Vortex if you only want to buy one DVD, and that's because it shows the camera better in real world situations.

I would go with the Vortex first. Yes.

I have the CallBox DVD. It wasn't the right DVD for me. I was looking for intermediate to advanced topics and more on set-up.

Again- thanks for the feedback....much appreciated.

I have every EX1 training DVD. The Vortex DVD is more of a visual tutorial while the Callbox is more of a "monologue from a pro cameraman". Given that it takes a while to watch visuals to make a specific point, the information density isn't high. Though, you know the cliche about pictures being worth a thousand words. The Callbox DVD is more of a rambling tutorial. Initially, I thought this approach was irritating and better suited for a book. However, after watching the Callbox tutorial, I really learned a lot. So, I'm glad I have both DVDs. They are worth their price.

I have the Vortex training video and I'm finding it to be excellent. I have not tried the others.

I have all 3 DVDs. I would rank them:
#1 Vortex
#2 Callbox
#3 Vasst
If I were going to have only one, I would go with the Vortex.

The Vortexx is great. Just like the Handson HDV for the Z1/FX1 I have. Really quick intro without going thru the manuals

There are a few of these DVDs selling on eBay.

THe Vortex EX! DVD (viewed for a week before the camera was delivered) had me up and running straight away. Doug's settings and advice meant that mastering the camera was a doddle.

Would the same principals in the videos apply to the EX 3? Or better yet, any EX 3 training videos to recommend?

Given that the EX3 is barely out, I wouldn't expect many such tutorial. Any word from Vortex, VASST or Callbox on that? Given that the feature set overlaps so much with the EX1, I think that any EX1 video would be a great help. Operation isn't that foreign if you're used to the Sony Z1/FX1, but there are definitely some warnings needed, such as for focusing.

Vortex is working on an EX3 version, soon to be out...

Also, for those wanting to play with the footage prior to purcashing either the EX1 or EX3
Vortex has a disk that simulates a SxS card with lots of footage with different setttings...

This way you can download the Sony software, put in the disk as if it was a SxS card,
ingest the video and go thru the workflow to see if tapeless is the way you want to go
and of course you get to input the footage into your NLE and play around to see if you
actually like the quality of the footage...