Because of their low prices and dual-functionality, DSLRs are going to be around for a while -- regardless of whatever new cameras come out in the next 12 months. To that end, I'd like The DSLR Cinematography Guide to be the #1 resource for anyone interested in making movies with DSLRs. If you're reading this site you've already discovered the guide, but there are millions out there who haven't. So in an effort to improve the guide, I've been working for quite some time now on a new eBook version (PDF or ePUB), that will be updated, expanded, full-color, high-resolution, 100+ pages, and will be perfectly portable and perfectly printable. How much will I charge for this longer, offline version? You might be surprised:
Nothing! A lot of people would try to sell something of this length -- or even something that's much shorter -- for good money. But I'm more interested in building a community and sharing what I learn -- which I believe will create greater long-term value, both for myself and others -- than I am in making a buck in the short-term. Plus, the guide has attracted enough traffic by virtue of being free that I think it's been more valuable in term of intangibles than it would've been had I erected a pay wall around it. Finally, every time someone donates I get a warm and fuzzy feeling, since the content's already available for free online.
On that note, for anyone who's donated, you'll probably notice that the current PDF isn't 100% up-to-date with the online version, and it's not the nicest on the eyes either. Rest assured that you'll be the first to get ahold of the new version when it's done (I'm working with a designer on the eBook, since my print design experience amounts to laying out my high school yearbook). Which means if you're interested in getting ahold of this new PDF, now is the perfect time to donate! Thanks again to all of you who've already done so.
