general

Ablan's "Digital Cinematography & Directing" is a great addition to my growing "Digital" library from New Riders Publishing. After the "Digital Lighting" book came out, I couldn't wait for all aspects of digital imaging and 3D animation to be covered.

Like the other reviews pointed out, the "Digital Cinematography and Directing" book cover a topic that isn't found in other books. Sure, I've picked up a few camera and cinema books, and adapted those ideas to my 3D program, but the $39 I spent on this book was well worth it. First, the book is in color, with big clear example images. Second, it's not a huge book that locks you to your desk. At 240 pages, it's easy to slip into your case and read it on the train ride to work (as I do). More importantly, the content is not overly inflated with technical jargon or crazy bulbous examples. You can tell this book was written by an animator, as it addresses issues every 3D animator should be aware of when it comes to cameras and lenses, shots and directing subjects.
Great book, great reference. I would have liked to see more cool characters used for the examples, rather than stock models. All in all, the examples work, which is what's important. If the examples were cooler, something using LOTR Gollam character, I would say this is 5 star. Now I'm waiting to complete my "digital" library with "digital compositing".

"Digital Cinematography & Directing", is the newest book in my Lightwave library. and by far the most entertaining.

I have found Dan's books to be the best Lightwave training resources available. This book is no exception! I like how the book focuses on the aesthetics of animation, rather than the typical "how-to". It's the story that can really make the difference and I feel that this book guides you in the path to becoming a better animator. The book begins by giving the reader a foundation in photography, which is applied to the 3D camera. It then goes on to helping the reader to develop and visualize their story. Later chapters include topics such
as directing, lighting, staging, and editing.

I feel that Dan's book, from beginning to end, covers all of the essential concepts of cinematography and directing.
This book is a must-have for all 3D animators!

The word "[digital]" may be the title of the series, but this is probably the =least= "digital" book of the whole lot. It is about ... "cinematography, and directing."

I like that approach very much and found it quite helpful, although I wished that the book were about twice as thick because I know the authors had much more depth to their knowledge than they delved into here. (But: they defined their level and they stuck to it.) I proceeded to read the book three times carefully, and learned something new each time.

The execution of this book is exemplary: bright, clear prose; well-organized delivery; appropriate level.

I was also surprised to notice how they actually weave a =story= into the delivery of CG graphic example-scenes. You find yourself wondering about that boy and his father and the mob... Oh, no, it's never presented as an explicit example, but suddenly you notice how, artfully, it IS an example of how a story can be told, subtly, just in how you cut a few scenes together. They did it, without mentioning it, right in their own book.