Book Description
This full-color book is designed to tap the exploding market in serious digital photography with over 250 pages of new and beautiful photos, essential photography how-to information and no-fail formulas for getting great digital pictures with the newly announced Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi/400D. It goes above and beyond competitive digital SLR books with step-by-step techniques that cover exposure, composition, and professional shooting tips on perspective, impact, and more. Charlotte K. Lowrie, author of two previous Digital Field Guides (see below), is an acclaimed photographer who was managing editor of editorial content for MSN Photos and now writes online instructional content for Canon.
Charlotte K. Lowrie (Woodinville, WA) is a freelance editorial and stock photographer and an award-winning writer. Her work has appeared in Popular Photography & Imaging and PHOTOgraphic magazines, and she is the author of the bestselling Canon EOS Digital Rebel Digital Field Guide as well as Adobe Camera Raw Studio Skills, the Canon EOS 30D Digital Field Guide, and Teach Yourself Visually Digital Photography, Second Edition, all from Wiley. Charlotte also teaches photography classes through BetterPhoto.com.
Customer Reviews:
Not quite what I was looking for.......2007-09-29
I bought this book with the intention of learning more about my Rebel DSLR. I am pretty disappointed with this title.
The first issue I have with this book is the photos are entirely uninspiring. Next, everything you need to know to get started is available in the Rebel manual, which I have read and just paid for again apparently.
If you've never taken a decent photo before in your life, if you've never used an SLR of any type, if you've need a very rudimentary understanding of the histogram, apertures and shutter speeds, or if you've managed to lose your Rebel XTi Manual from Canon, you might want to pick up this title.
Otherwise I don't think there is anything offered here you can't obtain with experimentation and experience.
Great field guide.......2007-09-24
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi/400D Digital Field Guide
This is an easy-to-read "how to" for Digital Rebel XTi users. Ms. Lowry is easy to understand and concise throughout this book, and I find that I turn to it quite often when shooting in different settings than I am used to.
If you're unfamiliar with your Canon XTi/400D, this really is the book to have!
A great book for a beginning digital photographer.......2007-09-21
This book is well written, especially for a beginning photographer such as myself. Well stated review of the photographic essentials, lots of good recommendations concerning lenses, styles, settings, and a fairly complete list of all of the "knobs" that are available in the Digital Rebel. The last chapter has a lot of great examples and experiments that are fun to attempt. After reading this book, I keep it in my camera bag for reference, and have been having a lot of fun shooting volleyball and football games for my kids, as well as trying my hand at some more "artistic" styles of photography and having some mild successes after only having the camera for 3 weeks. Spent one evening with a half full glass of wine, and a lamp, shooting low light shots, and trying all of the applicable "knobs". Very informative, and gave me lots of good ideas for utilizing the camera's capabilities.
Very good Easy to understand Book.......2007-09-21
This book is very easy to read and the writer speaks in plan english language. I have only read a couple of chapters but I found all of the instructions easy to follow. There are some photography projects in the later chapters that help you to understand more about how the camera functions and how you can get some great pictures from the Rebel XTI.
Little more than a rehashed manual.......2007-09-02
I found this guide to be far too basic to be useful. Important topics are glossed over and they are covered in a sequence that will help a new user adapt to taking pictures. A more robust treatment of the cameras features or differences from point and shoot models would have been much more helpful. This is a book to buy used or get from the library.
Book Description
You've been waiting for an affordable dSLR with the quality and versatility of the Nikon D200. Packed with great techniques and full-color examples, this book helps you take advantage of all the D200's features. From the Quick Tour on how to use your D200 to the intricacies of setting white balance, working with the flash, converting NEF, and shooting superb images in more than twenty common situations, it's all here - and it goes anywhere you and your Nikon can.
* Get a clear understanding of your camera's challenges and advantages
* Choose the right shooting, exposure, and focus modes for each type of shot
* Use extended ISO and noise reduction
* Explore how various lenses can enhance your work
* Work with different flash options and available light
Visit our Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks
Customer Reviews:
Better then the manual - Easier to set up and control my D200.......2007-07-31
I have been through the manual many times to locate items of interest but it does not read like a book but more of a reference. This guide has all the manual information but practical uses and setting to use in each case. The Digital Field guide also shows more detail to the specific capabilities of the Nikon D200. A much easier and detailed view of this professional camera. I am still enjoying it.
Great Book on Great Camera.......2007-07-13
Nikon D200 owners, this is a gotta have it book. Outlines what you need to know
Nikon D200 Manual.......2007-07-04
I have the book that came with the camera, another that I bought, and this one. This one is by far the best. It's a little too big to keep in the bag. The guy who wrote the book gives great simple tips for shooting in various situations, but is also able to talk in detail. A good read. A good reference tool.
Nikon D200 Field Guide.......2007-06-12
This is a great addition to the manual that comes with the camera, only it is easier reading than that fine print manual.
Nikon D200 Digital Field Guide.......2007-05-17
Excellent publication, easy to read,very well written .Like the colored pictures.
Book Description
Use every amazing option your Nikon CLS offers
Light is the essence of photography. The Nikon Creative Lighting System lets you create the same lighting patterns with a portable, detached, wireless system that professionals achieve using cumbersome and expensive studio equipment. This practical guide is like having an expert at your elbow. It's packed with information about the CLS as well as tips, tricks, and recommendations for lighting a dozen different shooting situations. Take it on every shoot and get the most from your CLS.
* Know all about the features and functions of the SB-800 and SB-600
* Get insider tips for creating flawless portrait lighting and staging the best poses
* Set up masters and remotes, flash modes, channels, and groups
* Choose equipment for a wireless studio
* Use the ideal exposure and Speedlight system settings for shooting events, nature, sports, groups, portraits, or products
Visit our Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks
Customer Reviews:
Good resources book.......2007-08-07
Good for beginner and amature photographer. Clean and easy to understand guide book for Nikon's creative lighting system. (Flashes) This is a book for those who wants to know how to use their Nikon flash fast, without going through your boring manual. (I think it is better to read the manual first) Many good tips. Worth the money!
Best Nikon CLS book on the market.......2007-07-05
After just finishing this book I wanted to let other photographers know how great it is. The book begins with explaining the actual flash and what all of those dials and switches do. That section also covers the settings for each mode. Then once you have an understanding of how the hardware works you move into the basics of photography which consists of studio lighting and strobes. This section was particularly valuable to me because the Nikon system meshes with this kind of setup so well.
Only halfway through the book at this point and already learning a ton of very good information. The next chapter is wireless lighting which might be a little beyond the normal photographer, but something you should look in to. A basic basement or guest room can be made in to a great photo studio. You will of course quickly learn this flash isn't only for indoor because it can also be used for some pretty interesting outdoor shots. One of which is extreme sports and events.
Overall I was very pleased with this book and highly recommend you go pick up a copy of your own.
Full of Information.......2007-05-18
I felt the book gave plenty of information on CLS. Sure you have to know a bit to grasp what you are being told here, but one can assume that anyone owning a couple of SB800 already has some knowledge of lighting.
For me it filled in serious gaps in the information Nikon gave in it's manual and we are now able to coordinate four 800 units. The Lumedynes are now in the box for backup and nothing more.
As I often say the great thing in my 40 year in the art and business of photography is that as I have gotten older, the equipment has gotten lighter and faster not to mention controlable.
Nikon D200 Creative Lighting Field Guide.......2007-05-06
This a good but not top notch introduction to Nikon flash photograhy and Nikon products.
I found it a bit thin, and probably not very useful once one had become familiar with the Nikon products.
I am not convinced that once i have gone through it I would keep returning in the future.
Padded and superficial.......2007-03-29
I wish I had noticed the earlier reviews of this book before wasting my money and time reading it. The author lays out the CLS flashgun basics more clearly than do the Nikon manuals, but then passes on into generalities, dwells at length on portraiture in a very superficial way (with pretty poor examples to boot), and further pads with unneccessary side issues. There are also factual errors.
Book Description
Whether you're a dedicated photographer on a budget or a serious hobbyist, the Nikon D50 will open new doors for you. You already know it's packed with features and reasonably priced; now learn to use all its tricks. This indispensable guide takes you step by step through everything the D50 can do. Better yet, it teaches you professional techniques for using lenses and lighting and taking top-quality shots. This is the book that belongs with you on every shoot.
* Use the Quick Tour to get familiar with your camera and start shooting
* Learn when to use each of the D50's seven DVP modes
* Explore metering techniques, ISO settings, and white balance
* Experiment with exposure, lenses, and lighting effects
* Delve into formulas for setting up and composing more than 25 different types of photographs
* Take the confusion out of downloading and editing your photos
Customer Reviews:
Great book!.......2007-06-27
This book is a big help for the beginner to digital photography, with very easy to understand illustrations and tips. It is a good tool to keep close to your camera bag for quick and easy reference.
"I don't get it".......2007-06-14
I own a Nikon D50 camera. I am also a beginner at photography. I thought I would learn more from buying this book. It was like trying to learn another language. Not an easy reader at all! At least I tried...
Best photo reference.......2007-05-15
Got it because of D50 camera and it is great reference but also love it for overall photography reference help.
Great book if you own Nikon d-50.......2007-05-14
A Must have if you own Nikon d-50. Better explaination then manual. Very complete. Take it along with yourself and the camera
Loaded with information!!.......2007-05-13
I ordered this book for guidance on my new D50 for an upcoming trip. I lost it in the airport, however I enjoyed what I had read so much that I purchased it again. It's a very helpful book with hands on information including: camera controls, working with light, photo subjects and lens selection. I would recommend this to anyone with a new SLR.
Book Description
Congratulations! You have one of the most versatile, feature-rich digital SLRs on the market, and this full-color guide helps you make the most of it. Learn how to set up your Nikon D70 or D70s and adjust it for every subject and circumstance. Get professional advice on choosing lenses, composing more than twenty-five types of shots, even downloading and displaying your photos.
Wherever your imagination takes you, take this book along.
- Use the Quick Tour to get the feel of your camera right away
- Shift easily between semi-automatic and manual modes
- Work with flash and available lighting to achieve different effects
- Explore special lenses like macro, vibration reduction, and teleconverters
- Discover the secrets of perfect action, business, portrait, or nature photography
- Make downloading and editing problem-free
Customer Reviews:
The book that Nikon should have sent with the camera.......2007-09-05
This book is way more informative than the manual. Not only does it cover all the capabilities of the camera, it covers the when to use them, and the why to use them. It also covers various types of photography, & the settings you use. I am a hobbyist photographer so I found this book extremely informative. I take along in my backpack, & have used it for reference frequently in the month since I purchased it.
Excelent Reading.......2007-05-14
This book is well written in easy to understand terms. It provides greater detail than the owner's manual and give examples to help one understand. I recommend this book to anyone who recently purchased a D70/70s either new or used. The book explained why my auto show photos were terribly under exposed, the built in flash is far too weak, leading my purchase of an external flash.
I am happy with the book and sometimes refer back to it when photographing in unfamiliar circumstances. -G
A great Field Guide.......2007-04-03
This book is designed as 30% how to operate the camera and 70% how to use the camera to take pictures in various situations. The first part of the book (the 30%) is a brief overview of things you would probably learn in the camera operators manual, with some tips that are a nice touch to help you understand practical applications of the camera settings. But the author notes that you need to go the Nikon user manual for more in-depth descriptions of the camera's operaton in some areas. This is probably true, but I found the book provided a fairly complete discussion of the camera operation and I could operate without the manual.
In the 70% of the book, as I see it, the author takes on other aspects of photography and using the camera to take "great photos". He begins with the basics of photography (aperature, shutter speed, ISO, etc.) Then he discusses things such as using different lenses and their effect, how to use the external flashes and how to set up lighting. He delves into things such as how to work with auto focus, and depth of field.
He then discusses the various types of photography (e.g.night photography, photographing children, photographing landscape, night scenes, on-line auction photography, etc) and gives some very practical tips for taking the pictures as well as specific things to do to set up the picture and ensure the camera is set properly; Things such as having help from a parent and sibling to help relax a child during a photo session. The author also takes you through the software that Nikon provides, and offers suggestions on other options (some less costly...free) for doing some of these same tasks. The author provides a candid snapshot of the software packages, telling you their capabilities and limitations. This includes the Nikon software. Finally, a glossary is provided that de-mystifies the language of photographers. I found the book to be unbiased, informative and properly named "Field Guide".
A must for D70 owners.......2007-02-08
Forget the manual that came with your camera. This book has everything you need to know and more. It just doesn't show you how to turn your camera on and use the functions. It shows you how to really use your camera to get fantastic photos.
The writing style is very entertaining and conversational. Not a ton of "techie" speak. Best of all is the size of the book. It is just the right size to go in my camera bag and not take up a lot of space. I carry it everywhere.
In a nutshell...if you own a Nikon D70...BUY THIS BOOK!
New owners of a Nikon D70s.......2007-01-31
I recently purchased a Nikon D70s and I found this book to be very helpful. It provides more information than the supplied manual, with very helpful tips and techniques
Book Description
Having trouble putting down your Nikon D80 long enough to read the manual? Slip this convenient, full-color guide into your camera bag instead. You'll find big, clear color photos to help you identify the camera's many controls, complete information on using each button and dial, and breathtaking examples of the results. Then discover step-by-step recipes for shooting terrific photos in more than 15 specific situations. This indispensable guide is like having a personal photographic assistant.
- Test-drive your Nikon D80 with a Quick Tour.
- Learn to efficiently operate all your camera's controls.
- Review photographic basics like exposure, lighting, and composition.
- Explore different types of lenses.
- Discover the appropriate lens, ISO setting, aperture or mode, shutter speed, and lighting for a variety of subjects and situations.
- Get expert tips on downloading and editing your photos.
Order today so you'll have this go-anywhere guide along wherever you go.
Customer Reviews:
Not for me.......2007-09-24
After reading this book I don't understand why anyone would buy it over using the Nikon D80 Manual that comes with the camera. The Nikon manual describes everything that you might need to know about using you D80. The book, on the other hand, glosses over many important details of how to specifically use the D80. Don't think that you need an extra book when you have a free and complete manual. Read the manual; skip the book.
Handy Field Guide.......2007-09-10
David Busch Nikon D80 is a very handy field guide for those who are new to digital SLRs like me. I bought the Nikon D80 months ago and found the official manual coming with the camera in "bits & pieces", difficult to find the information, even about the same subject. This book really helps me to understand my first DSLR.
Nikon D80 Digital Field Guide by David D. Busch.......2007-09-08
After trying to make sense of the owner's manual I bought this guide from Amazon and have been very pleased. The photos let me take my camera and know exactly what I am looking at. The text I find to be very concise and easy to follow and with a few exceptions, it has been a huge help in my learning curve on this camera. My only real disappointment has been the size of the book because it is not easy to carry in the field.
Clear, Complete Explanations for Using D80.......2007-09-05
Please ignore the other amazon review about this book that states this book is hardly about the camera at all. NOT TRUE! This book gives wonderful descriptions of how to use this camera, and explains how to use good photographic techniques with this camera. Great book!
A Good Addition To The D80.......2007-08-25
This book is an easy read and packed full of good information. I would recommend it to anyone with a D80.
Book Description
Start taking the best photos of your life--today
Your Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 has dozens of amazing features. Would you rather spend hours studying the manual or snapping pictures? This guide gets you on the fast track, with full-color illustrations that help you identify and understand every button and dial and the effects you can shoot for. Learn to use every control, what pitfalls to dodge, and the secrets of capturing spectacular images in more than 20 shooting situations. Wherever your A100 goes, this book should go too.
* Follow an illustrated road map that makes it easy to locate the controls on your camera and learn what each does
* Review photographic essentials including exposure, lighting, and lens choices
* Learn to capture great images of tricky subjects like flowers, pets, sporting events, sunsets, and fireworks
* Explore such techniques as fill flash, infrared, panoramic, macro, and filter effect photography
* Troubleshoot potential problems with your A100
Visit our Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks
Customer Reviews:
good overview.......2007-10-01
a good simple no-nonsense guide to the camera...amkes the learning curve far shorter if you're not used to a sophisticated digital camera.
A Pretty Good Guide but not the Best.......2007-09-27
I found this to be a well-written and generally helpful guide to using the Sony DSLR-A100, far easier to follow than the manual that came with the camera. However, I found that for my purposes the Magic Lantern guide (titled simply SONY DSLR A 100 and also available from Amazon), which is comparable in cost, to be more helpful. While it lacks the color pictures of this guide, the trade-off for me was the more detailed information in the latter guide about the camera itself. In short I found that the "Digital Field Guide" tended to be simply a generic guide to DSLR cameras with Sony DSLR information pasted in wherever the author found it appropriate. The Magic Lantern guide on the other hand was Sony DSLR specific from the get-go (and you can by a parallel Magic Lantern DVD that is outstanding).
The Perfect companion.......2007-09-17
This book is excellent and very clear. All functions of the camera is explained in depth - this book should have been in the camera box. I never go without it and it is always in my backpack for a quick reference or so.
Should have came with the camera.......2007-09-08
This is the book that sould have come with the camera. It is clear, easy to use and even a bit fun. The information is very specific but also would help you if you had other cameras. I started with a DVD guide for the A100 and ended up buying this from Amazon. Glad I did, now I have some shots to show people and not feel like I waisted my money on this great DSLR. Perfect book to get started with.
Sony Alfa Field Guide.......2007-07-30
The book is very complete, the photographs in color are fantastic and with technical information treated in a very symple way for everybody to understand.
Book Description
Photography is all about light. Canon Speedlites give you the next best thing to cumbersome studio lighting - wireless flash units that you can actually pack in your camera bag and take along. Tuck this full-color book in there, too. It will help you maximize the effectiveness of your Speedlites and help you create professional lighting effects in more than a dozen unique settings. With this Digital Field Guide you'll:
- Learn all your Speedlite's settings and how to use E-TTL metering.
- Experiment with bounce flash, fill flash, and using multiple flash units.
- Set up a portable wireless studio with backgrounds, umbrellas, and soft boxes.
- Use Speedlites to light professional-quality shots ranging from studio portraits to concerts to product photography.
- Explore exposure, lens choices, and lighting for outdoor portraits, still lifes, and much more.
Order your copy today!
Customer Reviews:
Not enough depth or detail..........2007-09-16
I picked this book up at a local bookstore. Unfortunately I gave the book a quick look before purchase only to find it less than I have hoped once I got it home.
The book doesn't go in depth on any specific topic which is what one expects of a book dedicated to a specific niche on a specific product. The whole book reads like a couple of chapters from a more general purpose photography book rather than a book dedicated to the Canon 580ex and 430ex Speedlite System. Please note that other models are not mentioned and while they don't have all the bells and whistles of the new versions, they can be used with some minor tweaks. Too bad he doesn't even mention that.
Well, I do know why he didn't mention that...
The author never gets beyond using the flash system outside of E-TTL II mode where the camera uses the flash in automatic mode. While I think E-TTL II is good, it always isn't the answer. I cannot imagine he never mentions manual mode other than early on when mentioning the various modes available with the camera.
The good is he does describe the Speedlites a little better than the user manual (or at least in a more interesting style) in the first chapter. Some additional good is the wireless section and ratios but it does lack real detail but it is enough to get you started with the concept.
The bad is all the custom functions of the Speedlites are ignored. The examples of flash photography are generally not great examples and the explanations are totally lacking. There are no diagrams of how the flashes are arranged or what accessories are being used. Even if not possible for every shot, some should have been shown with the additional detail.
I also don't know why the book gets into posing techniques unless it is to broaden its appeal. That truly is not the function of a Speedlite. I would rather see some more depth in the use of fill flash which is a complicated thing to do well.
Overall the book is good for someone wanting a quick read to learn the very basics and get some start on more complex flash set ups using the Canon Speedlites at a modest cost. If you are familiar with the functionality of your Speedlites already, then skip the book.
Excellent presentation.......2007-09-04
This book is for anyone interested in learning to use Canon's external flash units, either camera mounted or remote.
No point is left untouched and one can learn good technique towards achieving great pictures both indoors and outdoors. I learned a great deal about using a flash for ourdoor photography.
I would highly recommend this to anyone.
Good for people who don't read manuals.......2007-08-08
I'm sure the manual covers a lot of info provided in this book, but I don't read them because the information is often too dry and boring for me. I thought that this guide was better at explaining the features for someone like me, who is new to flash in general and is trying to understand what certain buttons do. It isn't a good reflection of theory, and I'd recommend considering web searches for certain flash techniques and also the book Light: Science and Magic - 3rd Ed.
Book needs a re-write.......2007-07-19
The book held a lot of potential and promise but barely came through to fullfill. I agree with the author's premise and have been using Speedlites in the field myself for wedding and portrait photography to stay "low impact"; dragging around lots of lights and equipment is just not practical. I fly out to Orange County for a wedding next week and won't be bringing strobes or tripods or any heavy equipment.
The errors drove me nuts. Refering to figures that just plain were not there, indication of examples that did not exist, not picturing equipment such as light modifiers, etc. is just plain inexcusable. Also there were times of great contradiction, such as on page 56 where he says to set your camera to flash setting for White Balance at the top of the page, then at the bottom says leaving your camera set to auto-white balance is more accurate. Which is it? Why not just start the options and tell the user to experiment instead?
I give this two stars since there is some value here; some nice examples and some inspiration. If this can be re-done into a more advanced edition, and be generic to speedlites (not just the 580 and 430) then it could have a wider range audience and won't appear to be out-dated information in a years time. I own the 550 and 420 and I purchased it anyway; so why not include the others and make enough elbow room for when new Speedlites are introduced (like Canon just did with the new 580 EXII).
If you want to gain some technique and inspiration with low impact speedlite lighting in the field, do consider this book. Just don't buy it new. Pick up a used copy for $5-$10 if at all possible, or borrow a friends.
Happy speedliting!!
-Jeff, Johansen Photography
Disappointed .......2007-07-14
I was looking for a book that would help me understand Canon's Speedlite system and E-TTL II. This book is not it. As others have said, it begins as a manual describing the Speedlites with the what and where each button and part. There is a short chapter on setup that basically describes the flash modes. Then there are two chapters on multi-flash, wireless setups. I guess they are good if that's what you are trying to do. The idea for chapters on Applications and Posing is good but the execution is lacking.
What's missing: I tried to find the answer to the question In what modes does the Speedlite operate as a fill flash and in what modes does it operate as the primary light source? This book does not tell you. In a short paragraph on fill flash it mentions that in Tv and Av modes the flash operates as a fill flash. How does it operate in other modes? I couldn't find the answer. Also, missing is a discussion of the custom function settings and why one would set them one way rather than another. Maybe the author consider most of the them obvious. But a short discussion should have been provided. The book discusses the different types of batteries. It doesn't discuss milli-amp Hour ratings and how one might choose rechargeable batteries based the the mAH or why its important.
I am disappointed in this book. It has not enough technical information on the Speedlight and too many pages on basic photography.
Book Description
Whether you're a professional or an advanced amateur, the Canon EOS 30D delivers outstanding performance and image quality. This guide is designed to help you get the most from your 8.2-megapixel EOS 30D, regardless of your shooting preferences and style. Packed with valuable advice from a professional photographer, it will help you make every shot memorable. Tuck this handy Field Guide in your gear bag and take it with you as a quick and insightful reference.
* Investigate all of the features of your Canon 30D
* Learn the various modes, view, play back, and protect images or erase unwanted shots
* Brush up on composition guidelines and the elements of exposure
* Explore conversion programs for RAW images
* Compose the best possible shots with expert advice on lighting and exposure
* Get insider tips on shooting portraits, weddings, business and product photos, landscapes, and much more
Visit our Web site at www.wiley.com/compbooks
Customer Reviews:
The Canon 5D field guide.......2007-09-10
The book is awesome. It really breaks down all of the information in an easy to comprehend presentation and format. This is one of the best instructional books I have ever read. I was torn between this book and another 30D instructional book. I'm so glad I had the wisdom to choose the correct one. I have learned so much about the Canon 30D by reading this book. Kudos to the author and the illustrator........THEY GOT IT RIGHT!!!!!! Yes, THEY GOT IT RIGHT!!!!!!
added very litle for me.......2007-08-23
The portion of the book that explains camera functions didn't expand very much
beyond the original instruction manual.
The sections on different types of photography, i.e. portraits, macro, landsace,
etc. were too cursory to be of much value. Canon EOS 30D Digital Field Guide
Complete Guide for the 30D.......2007-08-06
After owning this camera for some time I find it hard for a book to be useful. However the Canon EOS 30D Digital Field Guide broke that mold and very well I must say. The book starts off by walking through the features of the 30D and getting you up to speed on how it all works. Once you have an understanding of what the camera is capable you move into setup where you learn how to set the camera for various shoots and uses. One point that stuck out for me in this section was the author explains in great detail advanced settings, such as White Balance and Bracketing. Two very important settings that allow you to create stunning photos.
Part II of the book moves in to setting up your shoot, but keeps it specific to the 30D and compatible hardware. A crash course in Composition was a nice bonus and a necessity for any "starter" photographer or even a pro.
In Part III the author focuses on subjects and how to achieve the best photos depending on who or what your subject happens to be. This final part ends off with three very important topics. Downloading your images, working with Raw photos and keeping your 30D up to date using Canon's periodic firmware updates.
Overall I found this book to be very well written and full of very relevant information. The book is for a 30D but many aspects of it could be adapted to any camera.. such as the composition information, which would be used with an analog film camera as well as digital. If you are looking to learn everything your 30D is capable of, this book is for you!
Excellent Field Guide.......2007-07-13
Excellent field guide to an astounding camera, the 30D Canon! I bought one for a friend who got the same camera after seeing and using mine.
Excellent companion to the owners manual.......2007-01-10
The Canon 30D Digital Field Guide is a perfect visual companion to the owners manual that was included with your new camera. Packed with easy to understand step-by-step prodedures for utilizing the many features of the Canon 30D, this compact book will be all that you need to have on hand when out in the field. Its comact design coupled with dozens of full of color photos make this a must have for every level of photography expertice.
Book Description
Your digital camera is the perfect travel companion. You don't need to pack extra film, worry about airport scanners, budget for processing costs, or wait until you get home to learn whether you got that once-in-a-lifetime shot. Tuck this book in beside your Frommer's(r) travel guide and you'll have everything you need for fantastic photos-how to watch for the right opportunity, compose the picture, work with lighting-even how to edit and upload from the road.
* Learn what you must take along and which accessories are nice to have
* Capture the soul of a city, its people, and its sights
* Include fellow travelers without shooting stereotypes
* Take great shots even where flash is prohibited or your light sources are limited
* Explore scenarios and expert tips for photographing scenery, wildlife, events, exhibits, and much more
* Post your photos on the Web before you get home
Customer Reviews:
VERY USEFUL BOOK.......2007-09-11
i am an ameteur photographer that is trying very hard to understand a manual digital camera. i want to learn to take better pictures and use the manual features on my camera instead of the auto all the time. i have read many many photography books (probably 25 to 30 in the last 3 years). many go on way too long about how to select a camera - i don't think a book should cover that - cameras change too much from month to month and a good camera store should be able to steer you in the right direction. and, the books spend the last half covering how to change your photos on adobe. well, not everyone uses adobe. no matter what program you use, get a book on that. so, i loved this book, didn't delve into these two subjects too much. i can finally start to get a grasp of f stops and lighting and all that. my pictures have finally started to improve and i can understand what the book is saying. most other books i've read are either WAY to basic, too many or not enough pictures, too detailed for me to understand, etc. this book is perfect! i am learning a lot but it's not so far out there that i need to take a college course to understand the language used!
A well thought-out travel guide for today's photographer........2006-07-31
This is my fifth photography book in the past year, and I'm getting to be a bit of an expert on them! (joke). This is the first book that I have seen that is intended for the digital photographer who is planning a trip.
David assumes some photographic knowledge, but covers some of the basics anyway. I won't go into that. Where this book excels is in teaching how to prepare for a photo-safari trip, or just how to maximize on a regular vacation. How to take photos that don't look like the typical tourist shots. What to pack. What not to. And how to learn to take good travel photos by using your home area in a series of homework assignments. "Digital Travel Photography" covers technique for landscape photography, nature, portraits (that don't look posed), and even planning a photo-vacaton to cover local annual events.
Although David recommends packing this book as a filed guide, I don't equate it to the bird and nature guides that are pocketable. High marks for content and abundant color illustration.
Another great field guide.......2006-07-11
I used this author's D50 field guide to learn to use my Nikon camera. Now, just when I am ready to set out on a dream vacation with my family, he comes out with this guide aimed especially at those taking vacation or travel photographs.
I must admit that I like this one even better than the D50 book, mostly because 1/3 of it is NOT taken up with explanations of how to use camera controls. This book is chock full of great travel tips, how to prepare for your trip, how to equip your camera, and valuable information on maximizing storage, etc. Like the other book, most of its content deals with techniques for taking great pictures, but these are all travel oriented. The author works through several dozen different kinds of photo opportunities and offers recommendations for settings and how to approach the shot. Well worth studying before the trip, and including in your backpack, purse, or camera bag while you travel.
The Ultimate Travel Photography Book.......2006-07-04
It's amazing how much essential information is contained within the covers of this compact guidebook. It's filled with shrewd advice on working with digital cameras of all types, from simple point and shoot models through advanced digital SLR cameras. Even if you already know how to operate your camera, you'll find lots of tips on coping with special problems you'll encounter in travel photography situations.
This is a full color book with beautiful photos on every page, all of them of a type that the reader can aspire to after reading the advice in the guide. I especially appreciated the format of this book, which was small enough to tuck in a camera bag and take with you. Take it with you on every trip you take. I know I will.
Sensational, Full-Color Travel Photography How-To!.......2006-06-22
My recent trip to France just wouldn't have been the same had I not carefully studied this book before I left, and put the author's advice to work. The book is surprisingly slim for the amount of information it contains, and slips right into your carry-on bag. It's as essential as a passport for any traveler (although those remaining in the USA will find it useful, too.)
Seasoned traveler and photographer David D. Busch serves as your friendly advisor through the maze of details you need to consider before you leave on your trip, and then serves as a knowledgeable tour guide who shows you how to get the best pictures in a variety of typical travel situations. I learned what to take, and what to leave behind, and how to handle running out of memory card space (I had no idea so many souvenir shops offer a CD copying service!) There was a refresher course on photography basics, and a mammoth chapter with suggestions on taking photos of scenery, landscapes, city life, traveling companions, and dozens of other picture opportunities.
All this was illustrated with wonderful full-color photos that showed not only famous landmarks, like the Taj Mahal and Great Wall of China, but more typical shots of European streets, secluded beaches, and ancient monuments. All in all, this was a very satisfying book, and a real bargain at its price.
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