Jennie Bourne, my partner in producing Future of TV.net, is building an HDV studio in Long Island, and is finding this a highly practical book to help make equipment choices. We're getting extraordinary results with the (amazingly affordable) Sony HDV cameras, but lighting is proving crucial to getting the quality we need. This was recommended as a great book to learn how to get professional results.
What makes this volume special is the writer's success in explaining the key ideas in so few pages. It reminds me of classic computer manuals I've used, including "The C Programming Language" and the original "little Mac Book." Clearly covers the subject with obvious expertise and no excess wordiness.
New eqipment is coming fast and furiously, so we'll also be visiting the shows, checking the stores, and reading the magazines. However, this book is providing great perspective to priniciples that don't change.