Nonlinear: A Field Guide to Digital Video and Film Editing

I've read a number of books on the subject, and this is by far the best. Its clarity and concision put most of the others (such as the disorganized Ohanian books) to shame.

As a working (nonlinear) editor, and as an editing teacher, I can't recommend this book highly enough. Six years ago I made the switch from film to computer, with Michael Rubin's book as my constant companion. Rubin writes with a keen intelligence and an implied sympathy for both the professional editor and the student trying to make sense of the complex and rapidly-changing world of post production. Because he IS an editor, Rubin is the only technical writer I know who is able to prioritize exactly what you need to know and to tell you why you need to know it. Like any good editor, he has the ability to think macro- and microscopically at once. His post-production flowcharts, history of nonlinear, and overview of systems and distribution are unsurpassed in the field. The down-and-dirty details of digital video- subjects like timecode, telecine and 3:2 pulldown, and compression algorithms- are clearly demystified. These are sections to which I still refer! This book is always in my cutting room as a reference, and when I teach I borrow examples from the book and urge my students to purchase their own copy. This book contains another unique feature, which is an intellectual and practical interest in editing theory. Rubin has worked not only as an editor, but also in research and development at several companies during the dawn of nonlinear technology. Thus, he is able to pose and answer the most fundamental questions: Why do we need nonlinear technology? And how can that technology serve our creative needs? What might we see in the future? This is a book that will be helpful for anyone who is already editing at any level, or for anyone just learning about the craft. Straightforward, well-organized, and filled with humor and wisdom, this is quite simply my favorite book about the technical side of editing.

Like many new editors, I came to Final Cut Pro with no NLE experience nor any knowledge of video whatsoever. In fact when I started, just over two years ago, there was not a single book on FCP. Since that time there have been a number of excellent books published about FCP. I have bought and read all of them.During the past two years I have learned the terminology used with FCP video. But my knowledge is FCP-centeric. I had little understanding of video, it's relationship to film or it's history.Last week I discovered "Nonlinear/4" written by Michael Rubin. I can best describe this book as a complete reference guide to all things video. But its actually more.Each element covered in this book is in it's own section. Each section is brief, concise and clearly written. Very simple (read: clever) analogies are employed to help the reader gain understanding. While there is technical information, the book is not overly technical. There is a great deal of art, illustrations and photos. This art furthers the learning experience and is one reason that the book works so well, the art really illustrates thelessons being taught.The history of film and video runs throughout the book. This history is essential to understanding how and why video is what it is today.I learned a great deal from this book and now have a better understanding of why things are the way they are. Our modern day NLE Digital video is the result of a long legacy, going all the way back to the early days of film. This book is a great reference guide as well with a full index at the back.I am really glad that I came across Nonlinear/4. I truly have a better understanding of what's going on with Video and how it works. This knowledge will certainly help me with FCP. --ken

This book helped me to put aside all doubt and really get a product. It made the process very easy and was a constant help throughout the whole editing experience. I feel a more competent and able editor thanks to this book. I hope everyone considers it when making their next purchase!

Mr.Camerron's comments speak well for his book. Interested parties should investigate all points of view, even those which appear... less than worthwhile. Nonlinear 3 continues to be adopted at film schools and corporate video groups in larger and larger numbers. Seek as much information as you can find.