Avid Editing a wonderful and necessary tool

Avid Editing has been a useful tool for me both as a student and as a professional. As a film student, I first picked up Sam Kauffmann's second edition in a production class. Most of us had never touched an Avid before, and yet to guide, my classmates and I were producing dynamic and adeptly edited pieces. Not only does the book provide simple exercises for the reader to try, it also includes a DVD with actual footage to work with. Avid Editing is carefully organized for the beginning editor, but I also use it as a reference now that I am out of college, working as an assistant editor. This new third edition not only expounds upon all the steps, shortcuts and settings covered in the previous editions, but also dedicates entire chapters to editing with 24p and HD footage, making this book invaluable to editors entering the professional world. I strongly recommend this guide for anyone who seeks to teach, learn, or refresh his or her memory.

Kauffmann combines straightforward style and cutting edge technology

Sam Kauffmann's third edition of his Avid Editing textbook is the culmination of his usual down-to-earth writing style and the most up-to-date Avid technology.

As the capabilities of digital editing continue to grow, Kauffmann accommodates these changes difficult concepts with very straightforward explanations and examples. In the past year, I have worked with both 24p and HD (720p), but sometimes I didn't fully comprehend Avid's role in dealing with each of these formats. Kauffmann has added several chapters to address issues like these--always with comprehensive clarity and unambiguous language (something that other software guides often lack). He also makes helpful revisions within pre-existing chapters to encompass changing software and hardware topics.

Kauffmann's up-to-date books have proven to be a great source of support and education for me for many years. Additionally, for the past year, I have had the chance to take Kauffmann's advanced digital editing course, as well as teach under him in several filmmaking and editing courses. I can therefore vouch that his innate ability to explain difficult concepts originates straight from the source; that is, reading his book is as close to being in the classroom with him as humanly possible.

Amazing - A must buy

I came across this book when I looked up Avid and bought it immediately. I had read all of the previous edition reviews before I purchased this book and bought it without reservation.I really felt like I grasped the concepts for each chapter before moving on. Mr. Kauffmann not only shows you the tools in the AVID system, but with every tool gives you the reason and purpose behind it.