Book Description
The RAW file format is the uncompressed data file captured by a digital camera's electronic sensor. When your camera saves an image in RAW format, settings like white balance, sharpening, contrast and saturation are not applied to the image but are saved instead in a separate header. Because RAW files remain virtually untouched by in-camera processing, they are essentially the digital equivalent to exposed but undeveloped film.
This makes RAW an increasingly popular format with amateur and professional digital photographers, because it affords greater flexibility and control during the editing process-if you know how to work with RAW files.
Most digital camera manufacturers supply their own software for converting RAW data, as do some third party vendors. Increasingly, however, the RAW converter of choice is a plug-in included in the latest version of Adobe Photoshop, the most popular and widely-used digital image editing tool in the world. Adobe Photoshop CS2 is emerging as the best place to edit RAW images, and the best way to master this new format is with Photoshop CS2 RAW.
An important book dedicated to working with RAW in Photoshop, this comprehensive guide features a unique design that helps readers grasp the subject through visual instruction and prompts. The entire RAW process is explored, from shooting to using the Adobe plug-in converter and new Bridge navigation software. The primary focus of Photoshop RAW is, as the title suggests, Photoshop editing technique: automating RAW workflow, correcting exposures, extending exposure range, manipulating grayscale and working with the new DNG (Digital Negative) open standard that Adobe supports.
Presented by photographer Mikkel Aaland, a pioneer of digital photography and author of eight books, including O'Reilly's Photoshop for the Web and the award-winning Shooting Digital, Photoshop CS2 RAW investigates and instructs in an accessible visual style. Required reading for professionals and dedicated photo hobbyists alike.
Customer Reviews:
Photoshop Raw - M.Aaland.......2007-01-29
Minimum text balanced with excellent sidebar explanations, examples and illustrations made the book easy to read and understand, and to fully exploit the many features or RAW. Of particular interest was the coverage of colour balance, High Dynamic Range and Black and White conversion in RAW
Not bad for the second draft, but not ready for print.......2006-12-22
Hi,
Short about me:
I'm new to Adobe Raw/Photoshop and knew almost nothing about it. Very little knowledge about digital photography, however have extensive background in computers and film/SLR photography.
I absolutely hated this book, and I'm returning it now.
The wording is confusing, the terms are barely explained, sometimes not explained at all, I had to use Internet extensively to decipher the book.
Author keeps repeating the same things again and again, using the same abstract and confusing language.
The illustrations are small, really small, there is no way to see what is pictured, forget about seeing the supposedly shown effects.
Author many times refers to tools in Camera Raw/Photoshop, without clearly show where those tools are located, so for novice like me, it took some time to find out what is he talking about.
Author description of histogram and clipping is disastrous. I had to spend some time online to finally understand the terms.
The book needs another revision badly, or may be it should be rewritten from scratch.
Any way if you are new to it like me, you won't find clear definition and descriptions. If you know what you are doing, this book will teach you nothing, get more comprehensive book
Photoshop CS2 RAW.......2006-08-15
I must admit, I took a long time switching to digital for photo work, and then I thought I was set. It appears that not only do a I have to master the camera for settings, but in those instances where the money talks, I have to learn about RAW format rather than the high res JPG format I thought was dealing me a good deal.
If you shoot professional photography in digital format, you best scurry on down to the local bookstore for this one (or order online d'oph).
RAW gives you the ground base to build and perfect the data that results in great photographs. Of course you have to be a great photographer to begin with, so that said, this is why professional photographers need this. Alright, its important for photo illustrators too, but if you photographers do not understand why its important to shoot RAW, then the illustator, or yourself cannot do diddly with the jpg in terms of coverting to RAW again.
Must for professional digital photographers and illustrators. Handy for designers dealing with photos. Not relevant to non photo centric people. Printers will have an intrest in this as it relates to client work.
Too much graphic art - too little substance.......2006-08-06
In the field of digital photography, capturing and developing "RAW" files is a hot topic, largely because this is usually the route to the highest image quality attainable. The subject can be a bit opaque because each manufacturer mechanizes in-camera RAW files differently. Also, there are many different RAW converters (software packages for developing the RAW files into optimized images) from both the camera manufacturers and third parties. One of the most popular RAW converters is Adobe Camera Raw (ACR), originally released by Adobe as a plug-in for Photoshop 7 and Photoshop Elements, and now integrated into both products.
Adobe Photoshop is the undisputed king-of-the-hill in digital image editing software and has spawned an entire industry of "how-to" books. The subject is so vast and so technical it's nearly impossible to put it all in one book that is actually readable, though many have tried.
In this case I believe the author tried to accomplish too much in too little space. To thoroughly cover the topic of digital RAW would require many more pages, and would be better served, in my view, by taking a more narrowly focused, more studious approach to presenting the information. The target audience is questionable too: too much complexity for beginners; too little real meat for advanced users.
I also found the layout of the book disconcerting. It's bright and colorful with lots of white space, and is visually attractive from a graphic artist's perspective, but primary topics are presented as snippets of information followed by a host of screen shots and illustrations and sidebars with explanations. This disrupted the continuity of the ideas and I had to keep backtracking to pick up the main thread.
There's no doubt that the author knows his stuff, but the book left me unsatisfied. If you're really looking to understand and use Adobe Camera Raw to its fullest capability, there are better texts available.
A nice introduction to RAW.......2006-05-24
I bought this book after reading the other 5-star reviews, so I thought Wow! This must be it! Well, it's almost 'it'. The book gives a well-written and useful explanation of what RAW is all about, and also shows some good examples of what you can do with RAW. It also helps you to decide when to shoot in RAW or when you'd better just switch to JPG.
Unfortunately, the images used in the book are of poor quality, both in terms of press and art. Actually they are just ordinary snapshots, for which JPG would be enough. The photos don't contribute so much to the text, because they are quit messy. Often it was not very clear what a certain change in Photoshop really does with the picture. The images are quit dull and smudgy.
Text however is clearly written, and after reading this book you have a very good impression about the power of RAW and how you can greatly enhance your photos by using Camera Raw and PhotoShop CS2. It gives you enough starting material to go on. Too bad the author didn't use more appealing pictures to show what awesome things you can do with RAW. From a award-winning professional, I expected high quality images and print.
Nevertheless I can recommend this book to anyone who wants to use RAW and who can work with Photoshop. You are able to master several important techniques with this book by your side. Then proceed to the next step: enhancing your finest pictures to exceptional pieces of art.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Primer.......2007-01-02
This book takes you through the terminology, meaning and use of the features of your digital SLR. Very easy read; been through it roughly twice myself. This is the book that got me from 'what is going on' to 'ah, I see' after purchasing a Canon 30D. After reading this book, I could at least understand the 30D manual!
The book stops at basic digital workflow. To pick up from there, have a look at the books by Scott Kelby about Photoshop. If you're looking to understand how to get sharp photos, have a look at "Digital Photography", also by Scott Kelby.
For Those Considering A Switch From Film To Digital.......2006-11-10
I think I would have purchased Chris Weston's MASTERING YOUR DIGITAL SLR simply for its photos. Just looking at the book makes the reader want to get up, get the camera, and begin shooting, but most how-to books on photography have beautiful pictures, and many times they can be sparse on content. I found that this book has both good content and inspiring shots.
The purpose of the book seems two-fold. First, it aims at convincing film users that the digital world is not as scary as many think and good, artistic photography is available using digital cameras. Throughout the book the author points out how the film and digital differ. The second purpose of this book is as an introduction to people who may be new at photography and shows the way a SLR differs from a point and shoot camera. For some of the information in the book, the information could apply to either a digital or film camera since the basics of photography are the same.
For me, the most helpful portion of the book is the third section on image processing. As a film user, primarily color prints and E-6 slides, processing meant dropping off film and visiting the lab to correct flawed but interesting photos. With digital, a home computer can become the lab. The book gives and introduction to how photos can be improved, the software and printers needed, and provides explanations of new terms. As I have started doing some repairs to images and trying to enhance others, I've found the book helpful as a beginner to using a computer to edit and enhance photos.
At one point, the author states that for many people, digital has helped rekindle their love of photography. I didn't think my love for photography needed a jump start until I purchased my new digital camera (the Nikon D70S. Now that I have, I can't wait to get out and get some shots or set up something just to use the camera. Digital is enjoyable, can be artistic, and is with considering and trying.
Excellent Digital Photography Book.......2005-11-11
This book is an expansion on his book - '500 Digital Photography Hints, Tips, and Techniques: The Easy, All-in-One Guide to those Inside Secrets for Better Digital Photography (Paperback)'. This is the best digital photography book I bought. The writing is very clear and full of tips. I especially like the topic on exposure compensation and white balance and certainly benefit a lot from the book while exploring the features on my Canon 350D. The pictures are very good (beautiful). I strongly recommend it for those new in DSLR. The book is published on very high quality gloss papers and certain worth the price as it is a very durable hard cover book.
Magnify your eyes.......2005-07-07
The pictures are nice. The quality of the book is superior.
The print is so small it is almost impossible to read and takes away from the reading experience
Book Description
In the tradition of the author's classic book "Using Your Camera", "Using Your Digital Camera" is packed with all the basic concepts, no-fail techniques, and practical information that aspiring and veteran photographers need know to become experts in every area of digital photography.
Readers will find hundreds of stunning full-color examples and comprehensive, up-to-date information on such topics and macros; digital zoom; "digital" camera controls; image resolution and compression; the best settings for email and prints; and even how to get images from the camera to the computer. Plus, this comprehensive and authoritative guide combines clear, engaging text with simple illustrations that make it all easy. The bible for anyone who wants to master the art of digital photography!
Customer Reviews:
easy to understand.......2006-08-21
This book has been a great help for me to understand the basic's of my digital camera and how the different settings work and how changing the setting can produce pictures with different feelings. I would recommend this book to all those new to digital photography.
good basic digital camera book.......2005-08-28
Very basic and very clearly written and comprehensive As a novice, it is just what I needed to learn the basics of how a digital camera works and how to organize pictures on your compnter.
Product Description
A great phtograph begins when you recognize a great scene or subject. But recognizing a great opportunity isn't enough to capture it; you also have to be prepared. A large part of being prepared involves understanding your camera well enough to capture what you see. Getting you prepared to see and capture great photographs is what this book is all about. It doesn't matter if you are taking pictures for business or pleasure, there's a lot here to help you get better results and more satisfaction from your photography.
Average customer rating:
- Easy to Read, Yet Very Detailed, Still good for years more.
- A bit dated, assumes you know nothing
- A Five star review - BY THE AUTHOR !!
- message from the author
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The Everything Digital Photography: How to Take Great Pictures, Send Them to Your Friends, and Post Them on the Web (Everything Series)
Elizabeth T. Schoch
Manufacturer: Adams Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| How-to
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Digital Photography
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Equipment
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Digital Photography
| Digital Photography & Video
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1580625746 |
Book Description
Mastering a new digital camera can be fun and easy! If you're thinking of purchasing a digital camera or have just bought one, you'll need to know how to get things started. The Everything Digital Photography Book provides you with useful advice on every aspect of photography, from buying the right camera to framing beautiful images. You will discover how to maximize your digital experience by learning to use the latest features, including continuous photography and image storage.
Taking great photographs is only the beginning - with your digital camera, the options are endless. The Everything Digital Photography Book teaches you how to download images to any computer and, if necessary, touch them up with the latest software. Packed with instructional photos, and including a color insert, The Everything Digital Photography Book provides you with all the step-by-step guidance and inspiration necessary to create and share your most memorable pictures.
Features practical information on how to:
Purchase a camera
Know which features are essential, desirable, and optional on a digital camera
Use automatic controls for better results
Download images to print or upload to the Web
Improve your digital images with a variety of software
Create digital files from old photos
Customer Reviews:
Easy to Read, Yet Very Detailed, Still good for years more........2006-06-12
The descriptions of technology are very applicable today. The author provided lots of current, technical details, which tied to relevant aspects of today's cameras. "PASM" and "SCENE" were covered very competently and clearly, although not using the current labels.
The term "digicam" may not be so popular today, and the actual products were 2001 and prior. HOWEVER, her writing is clear, concise, relevant, and the BEST descriptions I have yet found of: Digital cameras functions, limitations, how they work, and how to use them.
She also has good sections on Printers, Scanners, Software, Computers, and Photography techniques - old and new.
I consider this an excellent book, for everyone new to Digital photography, or anyone who doesn't understand what all of the options on their digital camera.
A bit dated, assumes you know nothing.......2004-12-29
I was able to skim/read this book in a few hours. I have previously had and used a digital camera, so I am not a complete newbie, so some of the sections were a review. A couple of the chapters were nice to read since I've only had a point and shoot digital (and currently looking to get a digital SLR), so I didn't know much about lenses, f-stops, etc.
My biggest problem with this book is that the information is old. To me, it seemed that it was even older than the copyright date of 2002. The chapters on what to look for in a digital camera, and how to select one list technology that has been discontinued, such as digital cameras using floppy disks to store their pictures. There is also no discussion of shooting in RAW picture format.
In Summary, this book is strictly a beginners book, but I would not suggest it even for beginners due to the out of date information.
A Five star review - BY THE AUTHOR !!.......2002-11-29
This may indeed be worthy of five stars (maybe), but personally I would be reluctant to buy a book where the only review is by the author trying to boost their ratings.
message from the author.......2001-12-20
While researching and writing this book, I discovered a little secret: You don't have to be a techie to have fun with digital photography. I've come to realize that it's possible for anyone to enjoy the instant gratification and creative freedom that digital photography provides. I've designed this book to be your guide as you explore the exciting world of digital photography. It is intended for anyone who has considered purchasing a digital camera but is not sure where to begin, already owns a digital camera and wants to get more creative with it, or would like to experiment with digital images made from scanned 35mm photos. You'll find tips on purchasing digital cameras, scanners, printers, and software, plus pointers on taking great
photos and getting the most from digital photography. I invite you to join me in creating, using, and sharing digital photos. Read, learn, experiment, and enjoy!
Book Description
Take advantage of the power, flexibility, and efficiency of one your digital camera—the biggest upgrade in photography since color film. Follow projects using special effects and techniques for editing digital photos using Photoshop Elements and Paint Shop Pro. Plus, learn about new software, new imaging technology, and new buying recommendations.
Download Description
This easy-to-follow guide explains how to enhance existing images as well as print your own photos and publish them on the Web for others to see.
Customer Reviews:
very pleased.......2007-01-31
So far I'm finding this book helpful. I've only used point and shoot cameras so far and I just purchased my first DSLR and have no experience with SLRs to begin with. I needed a book that DIDN'T assume previous photography (not snapshot) experience. This is it. I foudn the explanations helpful and am not worried about any technical errors mentioned in the previous reviews. Once I'm ready for more srious picture taking, I'll find other sources to make up for any of the mistakes there may be in this book. All in all I think this is a good beginner basics book that covers quite a bit of material.
Good overall guide to digital photography.......2007-01-02
I like the overall layout, discussing various topics relating to digital photography. Have only read 1/2 the book and have already learned a lot, found new things to try, and new "accessories" I want/need to buy. :-)
As others have noted he does have some errors, some so obvious you wonder how they weren't caught, but then I've found errors in virtually every book I've ever read so I don't fault him too much for that.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking to understand more about how digital photography works, how to use their camera, memory, computer, etc. as an entire system to take, edit, store, and print photos.
For Beginners........2006-12-03
How to Do Everything with Your Digital Camera, Fourth Edition( 2005)will change every beginner into an effective digital camera user. 424 pages divided into 4 parts : part I on Your Camera from pages 1 to 170 covers the history of digital camera and then goes into the process of shooting a photo( exposure, composition,etc); part II from page 171 to 234 covers the act of Transferring Images to the Computer( file formats, organizing); part III from pages 235 to 370 goes into Editing Images and finally part IV talks about Using Your Images from page 371 to page 428.
So, about 40% of the text is devoted to the process of shooting a photo and about 31% to Editing. A good proportion to my mind.
There is a Detailed table of contents per chapter that takes a little more than 6 pages and an 8-page Index for zeroing quickly on a particular piece of information.
At the center of the book , there are 8 pages of color photos to explain corresponding techniques. Almost every page is illustrated with black and white photos to show as well as explain a technique.
To illustrate the clarity of the language used , here is a sample :
" what the heck is a 9.3mm lens ? If this digital camera were a 35mm camera its 9.3mm lens would give you the same picture as a 50mm camera, for instance.Many photographers know that 20-35mm is considered wide angle, while 50-90mm is thought to be "normal" - great for portraits, for instance. " Pages 10 and 11.
In the Introduction , the author invites readers to write and send him questions and comments at his indicated e-mail address; he also mentions his website.
A great book for Digital Photography beginners !
your digital camera.......2006-02-17
Good Digital Camera with all your camera questions answered for boath digital and 35 mm also.
how to do everything with your digital camera 4th ed.......2006-01-15
An excerllant book, a little cver my head in a couple of places, but in all, very useful,excellant book................
Book Description
Join the digital revolution and take better pictures than you've ever dreamed possible. Intimidating technical terms become easy to understand, and forbidding bells and whistles become easy to manipulate. With detailed illustrations, see how the camera works. Learn to use memory cards. Then master the art of editing pictures on your PC, including special editing effects to enhance a photo's mood, transform its background, or delete clutter. Quickly, you're ready to print pictures on your printer and e-mail them to your friends. Later sections show you how easy it is to add accessories such as close-up, telephoto, and wide-angle lenses, remote controls, and software for editing and storage. Along the way: first-person accounts of "disasters and how I fully recovered."
Average customer rating:
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Digital Camera Design Guide: Creative Explorations with Your Digital Photographs
Peter G. Aitken
Manufacturer: Coriolis Group Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Darkroom & Processing
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| How-to
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Equipment
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Web Graphics
| Web Design
| Web Development
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Graphics & Multimedia
| Programming
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
Digital Photography
| Digital Photography & Video
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Graphic Design
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Software
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1576101843 |
Book Description
Explains how to change brightness or contrast, adjust gamma correction, fix blemishes, and restore old photographs. Shows how to retouch backgrounds and remove distracting elements. Demonstrates how to add people or text to photos, create collages, and shoot a panorama. Teaches all about special effects, such as adding textures, posterizing, embossing, adding shadows, and making a photo look "old-fashioned." Covers both digital cameras and scanners. Provides a number of advanced tips and techniques for professional-quality digital picture taking.
Book Description
Specially written for the digital camera, Shoot Your Own Erotic Photographs shows you how to create a sensual, artistic portfolio celebrating your partner and the intimate encounters you share. Written by Tom Ang, who photographed the most recent edition of The Joy of Sex, with Wendy Ang, this book helps you compose both couple shots and solo portraits, set up the shoot, including lighting and camera work, establish the right ambience and mood, and live out your own and your partner's fantasies.
Customer Reviews:
Buyer beware!.......2006-07-31
I've bought a number of Tom Ang's books, and in general find them to be informative, well written, and good value for money. This particular book, however, is none of the aforementioned.
I bought Tom & Wendy's previous book "Erotic Home Photography: How to Take Your Own Nude Portraits", thinking it would be a good introductory book on the subject. I was quite disappointed to find that the writing was poor, the subject matter not as advertised, and the photography of an extremely low standard. Indeed, the author even admitted that the photo's had been done in a day, just before the book was due to go to press.
I decided to buy this book, thinking that it would be an improvement on the other one, that the authors had learned from their previous book, and that this one would be a significantly better work. I was sadly mistaken. The book is merely a re-titled, soft cover version of "Erotic Home Photography: How to Take Your Own Nude Portraits".
While it's the author's prerogative to title a book any way he or she pleases, I can't help but feel that in this case the exercise was nothing more than a trick to squeeze an extra dollar out of the unwary with the absolute minimum amount of work on the authors' part.
Under normal circumstances I'd be happy to recommend this book to others, I simply can't say that this is a good buy.
Product Description
This book/eBook package is your guide to getting more interesting and creative photos with your digital camera. If you want to learn more about the concepts of photography, this is for you. This book discusses every available procedure and photographic technique in a clear, well-illustrated style. It will help you quickly master your camera so you can start getting the kinds of photos you hope for. The book is printed in black & white and has a well-liked spiral binding that lets the book lie flat or be folded back. The accompanying eBook on a CD disc is a full-color version of the same book in Adobe's popular PDF format. It can be read on a PC or Mac using the included Acrobat reader or any current Web browser. The CD also includes trial versions of a number of the author's favorite programs. If we have published one of our Short Course books for your specific camera model, you do not need this generic guide that covers the same ground.
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Real World Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS2 (Real World)
Adobe Camera Raw for Digital Photographers Only (For Only)
Photoshop CS2 Workflow: The Digital Photographer's Guide
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Photoshop LAB Color: The Canyon Conundrum and Other Adventures in the Most Powerful Colorspace
