Canon 7D Crash Course : Made for Beginners!

Very nicely laid out and presented. The first portion of the DVD is a mini-course in photography. Although I am already somewhat experienced in this, having owned an SLR camera for many years, this is still a welcome feature as I have not actually used my SLR in a long time. I have been using my point and shoot Canons for years now. So a refresher course is definitely in order and this DVD has a very well presented and pretty comprehensive one, using the Canon EOS 7D as the example and, as such, also taking the viewer through its functions at the same time.The last part of the DVD goes through the actual buttons and menus and functions of the Canon EOS 7D in depth and detail. The presenter is very thorough and articulate. Everything is presented very clearly with the buttons and functions he is talking about very clearly indicated in close-ups on the camera's features under discussion, and highlighted in a way that there can be no mistaking what he is talking about. I find myself pausing, rewinding, and playing along on my camera to get a real feel for what he is demonstrating.The DVD also has a very well laid-out and easy to navigate interactive menu, so one can jump to the preferred section and get going on it quickly and easily.I have barely begun to scratch the surface of this DVD but, so far, I am very (!) happy I got it. I will surely be adding more to my review when I have watched more. For now, I can say that it looks like it delivers everything that is promised in the description. And it does so beautifully. Both the audio and the video quality of this DVD are professional grade, high quality. I think it is worth every penny I spent on it, even though I flinched when I did so.I recommend this DVD highly, if you want to get to know your Canon EOS 7D quickly and in a very pleasant way. Also recommend it on its value as a wonderful photo course for beginners - with or without the specific camera.My only recommendation to the sellers would be to package the product more carefully when sending it out. It looks like they are recycling old bubble wrap envelopes, which is not a bad thing to do, other than it looks a bit tacky. However, the larger concern is that I had to order this product twice because they forgot to seal the torn side of the envelope with scotch tape. And so the envelope arrived empty, except for the Amazon invoice, which somehow survived the journey. Overall, not a problem for me, except for the extra wait involved, because Amazon immediately issued me a refund. But I did notice that the second DVD was shipped in exactly the same kind of recycled bubble wrap envelope with the side slit open. Fortunately, they did not forget to tape this one up...Update: 11/27/2012 Still very happy with this DVD, so I thought I'd add Michael's description from his web site in here in a clearer format than there is in the product description above. Here is how it looks on his web site:Canon 7D Crash Course Training Video DVD GuideIf you own a Canon 7D and are looking to improve your photographic skills or aren't exactly sure how everything works....this is the DVD for you!Run time is approximately 3 Hours and 45 minutes.Included Lessons- Michael's FULL Photography School!:Digital Photography Crash Course, including:Exposure LessonShutter Speed LessonsAperture LessonsDepth of Field LessonsISOComplete Composition Lessons- 11 in allDigital GreenhouseCompressionEncryptionHistogramsLens Crash CourseWhat to do if not enough lightLighting Crash Course.Portrait Crash courseSensor CleaningWhat's In Michael's Bag?Free Access to Michaels Online video lessons and homework, including updates.Canon 7D LessonsSet UpButton ReviewMode DialHow to FocusCustom Set UpAll Basic ModesAll Creative ModesLCD ReviewAdvanced OperationExposure CompensationExposure Lock OperationMetering ModesWhite BalanceExtensive menu guideBuilt in FlashScreen Interface OperatonExclusive NEW Lessons!!7D Live View Focus Modes!7D Flash Transmitter Guide!Why SLR Video? Pros and ConsVideo History and Terms, including FPS, Resolution & Interlaced vs Progressive Scan!Video Shooting with the Canon 7D & Workflow!And Much More!!

it was pretty comprehensive

Every generation of of DSLR cameras has ever more improvements, upgrades and special gizmos' to make them more useful. The Canon 7D was quite a leap forward for me as I'd been using and elderly, but none the less very good 10D.I've been a club photographer for over 40 years and have used Canon cameras throughout that time. In the past a quick scan through the book of words was all you needed. For the modern camera a DVD like this one is essential if you are going to to get the best out of a very expensive camera.The DVD goes through the basic theory of photography, which many people buying this type of camera are already familiar with, but it still manages to come up with a few useful tips.Where it comes into its own is with the set up of of functions etc there are lots of highly very useful ways of putting 'short cuts' onto the camera so you don't miss a shot because you are trying to remember what a particular set up is .Well worth the money. It takes a bit of time to arrive, but worth the wait. Its also region free which means you can play it on any device.

Michael is a great teacher...

I wish I would have been aware of when this video was created. The camera/buttons do not match the newer version of this camera. It made it very confusing for a beginner.

I really enjoyed this video. Although I didn't need the beginning photography section of it, it is always good to refresh on the basics. I bought this video to familiarize myself with the 7D. It didn't disappoint. It thoroughly goes over every aspect of this camera. I am upgrading from the Canon 50D and there are some significant differences. Almost anything you want or need to know about the 7D can be found on this video. My recommendation would be to watch the video by itself first, then watch it again with camera in hand. This way you can be somewhat familiar with it before a hands on lesson. lf I was forced to find a con to this video, some parts may be covered a little fast for a total beginner, but watching it twice should remedy that. I thought enough of this video, that I also bought the one for the Canon 580EX ll, after purchasing that flash. In closing, I would recommend this video to anyone new to photography, new to this camera or someone who wants to get the most out of their camera instead of using it as a very expensive point and shoot.

very good very clear

The series is easy to understand & am very grateful to get this simple & in depth video for My otherwise complicated camera,a must have for us that used film cameras in the past.