American Cinematographer Manual -

The manual is designed for practical use on set, serving as both a field guide and a textbook for cinematography students. It covers a wide range of specialized topics, including:

While new physical editions are released only once every several years, the manual remains a staple in film school curricula and professional camera kits. You can find various editions through the or as digitized archives on platforms like Internet Archive . American Cinematographer Manual

Detailed charts on depth of field, lens characteristics, and field of view. The manual is designed for practical use on

The manual is authored and edited by active ASC members and industry experts. The 11th edition, for instance, was edited by , with assistance from associate members Rob Hummel and Jay Holben. This ensures that the information reflects the actual, current practices of high-end Hollywood productions. Legacy and Availability Detailed charts on depth of field, lens characteristics,

The manual has its roots in the ASC Cinematographic Hand Book , first published in 1935 as a pocket-sized guide. Following the success of nine editions, the ASC released the first official American Cinematographer Manual in 1960.