Choosing a photography course can feel like a maze: do you need a textbook, a DVD series, or something more hands-on? The four options here span the craft-maker photography space, with listed prices from $5.83 to $18. You'll find an Acceptable-condition classic field guide, two National Geographic video courses, and a 3D-printed miniature terrain tile that gives you a realistic surface to practice shooting RC vehicles. If you're a maker who photographs your projects, the right pick depends on how you learn best and how much you want to spend.
Quick take
At a glance:
- The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video is the lowest-priced pick at $5.83 in Acceptable condition.
- National Geographics Masters Of Photography Course Guide Book & DVD Video Series is the highest-priced at $18.00 and comes as a book-and-DVD set.
- Masters of Photography DVD 2014 National Geographic 12 Masters Course splits the difference at $12.99 with a Very Good DVD set.
- RC Crawler Course Tile Big Rock 3D Print adds hands-on terrain practice at $14.00 for makers shooting miniature RC subjects.
Price comparison
The price spread here runs from $5.83 up to $18.00, so the lowest option is 68% below the highest. The scale below shows where each product sits.
| Product | Price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video | USD 5.83 | |
| Masters of Photography DVD 2014 National Geographic 12 Masters Course | USD 12.99 | |
| RC Crawler Course Tile Big Rock 3D Print | USD 14.00 | |
| National Geographics Masters Of Photography Course Guide Book & DVD Video Series | USD 18.00 |
Decision matrix
- Need a new two-format course with both reading and watching? Go with the National Geographics Masters Of Photography Course Guide Book & DVD Video Series.
- Want the lowest-cost entry point into camera and video basics? Pick up The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video.
- Prefer video lessons from multiple National Geographic photographers? Choose Masters of Photography DVD 2014 National Geographic 12 Masters Course.
- Shoot miniature RC vehicles and want realistic terrain for staged shots? The RC Crawler Course Tile Big Rock 3D Print is the tactile option.
Product notes
RC Crawler Course Tile Big Rock 3D Print
At $14.00, this black 3D-printed tile is the only hands-on practice tool in the group. Jigsaw-style connections let you link multiple tiles into a larger course for scale RC vehicles. It is compatible with Axial and Traxxas models, plus scales from 1:20 to 1:50, making it a flexible option for maker photography of small subjects. For makers who like to stage miniature scenes, this tile adds realism to the frame. Where it falls short: it doesn't teach camera technique, such as exposure, lighting, or composition; it provides terrain for shooting RC crawlers in a controlled setting.
National Geographics Masters Of Photography Course Guide Book & DVD Video Series
If a new two-format package sounds right, this is the one. Priced at $18.00, it is the highest-priced item in the lineup. The set pairs a textbook with a DVD series, and National Geographic Photographers are the authors. The language is English, and the publisher is National Geographic. You can switch between reading and watching without tracking down a separate video series. The trade-off is the price: $18.00 is the largest single investment here, so it makes sense if you want a comprehensive resource in one purchase.
The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video
This one suits readers who want a straightforward primer. At $5.83, it's the lowest-priced option in the comparison. It's the third edition of a trade paperback by Tom Schroeppel and Chuck Delaney, covering film and video basics in a compact format. The condition is Acceptable, meaning the copy may include notes or highlighting from a previous reader. The catch is the Acceptable condition and the book-only format, so it's a paperback crash course rather than a multimedia package. For the price, it's a practical way to get core concepts.
Masters of Photography DVD 2014 National Geographic 12 Masters Course
For video-driven learners, this $12.99 DVD set delivers 24 lessons with multiple National Geographic photographers, including Michael Melford, Cory Richards, Jim Richardson, Joel Sartore, Steve Winter, and Michael Yamashita. It's in Very Good condition, comes in a standard DVD case, and is Region 1 and English-language. The constraint is the DVD-only format, so you'll need a compatible Region 1 player. If you prefer learning by watching rather than reading, this course gives you a structured curriculum.
Final recommendation by use case
If one product has to solve your immediate need, the choice comes down to format and budget. For under six dollars, The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Video gives you a straightforward primer in paperback form. If you want a new, book-plus-DVD set with National Geographic's approach, the National Geographics Masters Of Photography Course Guide Book & DVD Video Series is the complete package at $18.00. For structured video lessons, the Masters of Photography DVD 2014 National Geographic 12 Masters Course offers an alternative at $12.99. And if your photography revolves around RC models, the RC Crawler Course Tile Big Rock 3D Print is the only product here that gives you something to shoot.
