Wondering whether to learn photography from video lectures or from a book you can mark up? That is the main fork in the road for craft maker photography training. These four options sit on different sides of that choice, with listed prices ranging from USD 5.83 to USD 18.00. Here is what each one brings and which type of learner it suits.
Quick take
If a book-and-video course with a companion guide appeals, the National Geographic Masters set brings both formats together. If a multi-disc course with a workbook is more attractive, The Great Courses Fundamentals of Photography 4-Disc DVD Set w/ Book fits that need. If you lean toward lecture-style video, the Great Courses - Masters of Photography - Video DVD offers that structure. And if a paperback reference is enough, The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video is a direct option.
Listed-price comparison
The price table below orders the options from the lowest listed price to the highest.
| Option | Listed price | Price bar |
| The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video | USD 5.83 | |
| GREAT COURSES - MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Video DVD | USD 11.95 | |
| The Great Courses Fundamentals of Photography 4-Disc DVD Set w/ Book, New Sealed | USD 14.95 | |
| National Geographics Masters Of Photography Course Guide Book & DVD Video Series | USD 18.00 | |
Decision matrix
| Product | Format | Condition | Suggested use |
| The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video | Paperback | Acceptable | Quick, least expensive grounding in camera basics |
| GREAT COURSES - MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Video DVD | DVD | Like New | Structured lectures with a companion guidebook |
| The Great Courses Fundamentals of Photography 4-Disc DVD Set w/ Book | DVD + book | Brand New / Sealed | Complete video course from a National Geographic Fellow |
| National Geographics Masters Of Photography Course Guide Book & DVD Video Series | Book + DVD | Brand New | Wide-ranging instruction from National Geographic photographers |
Product notes
National Geographics Masters Of Photography Course Guide Book & DVD Video Series - USD 18.00
This two-part set combines a bound course guide with a DVD series, and it is listed as brand new under the publisher National Geographic. The authors are identified as National Geographic Photographers, which gives both the text and video a common documentary-style foundation. The main limitation is price: at USD 18.00, it is the highest listed price in this group. If you want a permanent reference book to go with your video lessons, this is the format to choose. If you only need one format or want a lower listed price, one of the DVD-only or paperback options may fit better.
GREAT COURSES - MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Video DVD - USD 11.95
This Great Courses set is a lecture-based DVD with 24 lessons of around 30 minutes each, and the description says a course guidebook is included. Because it is listed as Like New, you are getting a pre-owned copy rather than a sealed one. At USD 11.95, it occupies the middle of the listed price range. It fits learners who like the rhythm of short lectures and want a printed guide without paying the highest amount. If a factory-sealed course matters more than condition, the Fundamentals set is the one to look at.
The Great Courses Fundamentals of Photography 4-Disc DVD Set w/ Book, New Sealed - USD 14.95
This set is the only one described as both brand new and factory sealed. It comes on 4 discs with a course workbook, taught by Joel Sartore, who is described as a National Geographic Fellow. The 24 lectures run through digital photography from camera equipment to composition and light. Its listed price is USD 14.95, which sits below the National Geographic masters series but above the Like New Great Courses set. That means the deciding factor is usually the new-sealed condition and the named instructor. If pristine packaging matters, this is the DVD option to choose.
The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video - USD 5.83
This paperback by Tom Schroeppel and Chuck Delaney gives you the fundamentals of film and video in a third edition. It is listed at USD 5.83, the lowest listed price in this comparison. The trade-off is condition: it is described as acceptable, and the description notes that the copy may contain considerable notes and highlighting from a previous reader. If you are comfortable with a marked-up book and want a compact reference, this is a direct route to the basics. If you need video demonstrations or a pristine copy, this is not the option to choose.
Final recommendation by use case
- For a multi-disc video course with a workbook: The Great Courses Fundamentals of Photography 4-Disc DVD Set w/ Book, New Sealed.
- For a lecture-based DVD with a guidebook at a mid-range listed price: GREAT COURSES - MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY - Video DVD.
- For a book-and-video set from National Geographic: National Geographics Masters Of Photography Course Guide Book & DVD Video Series.
- For the lowest listed price in this group: The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video.
