Product Description
MAGIC LANTERN GUIDES: NIKON D80, Simon Stafford, A Lark Photography Book Simon Stafford's photographs have been used widely in newspapers, books, calendars, and magazines. Completely self-taught, he has built up a wealth of experience over the past twenty years with both film and digital cameras. Throughout his photographic career he has used the Nikon system extensively, and is now the Technical Editor to the Nikon Owners' Club International's Nikon Owner magazine. The new, mid-priced Nikon D80 replaces the Nikon D70s/D70 which was the subject of the best-selling Magic Lantern Guide ever! This model features a 10 megapixelsensor, up-sized 2.5" LCD monitor, and 4.5 fps capability.
Customer Reviews:
Nikon d80 Guide.......2007-10-03
This book is worth the price. I looked at a number of guides for the D80 and found this to be the best for me. More info than is contained in user manual. Easy to understand, contents set up easy for uses.
WOW!.......2007-09-13
Everything you ever wanted to know about the Nikon D80 is in there! This book definitely helps you learn about all the advantages of using your dslr. If you own any camera, get the accompanying book and you will improve your shots dramatically!
Magic Lantern Guides: Nikon D80.......2007-08-01
Good, clearly written & understandable manual for the Nikon D80 Digital SLR camera body. I was very disatisfied with the manual provided by the manufacturer,(Nikon). Internet manuals are too laced with author's personal opinions & bias's. The Magic Lantern Guide is presented in a manner that genuinely helps the reader master the multiple settings required to sucessfully use this camera body. A digital SLR has many more adjustments for the user to master than does the equivalent film camera making fairly frequent referral to an understandable reference mandatory. This Guide definitely fills that need.
Great info.......2007-07-24
This book has a lot of extra info from the user manual. The book gives a lot of depth to all of many features of this camera and also gives some interesting back stories.
The author does not like auto features at all, but I found that the auto features work rather good on this camera. But he goes into the manual setting in great detail.
The index is rather poor but it is laid out so that you can find stuff okay.
I learned three or four solid things from the book so it was worth it.
Thorough and clear, but not creatively helpful.......2007-07-21
While I strongly disagree with those who so vehemently criticize Nikon's D80 manual (I actually think it is quite well written and very helpful, and refer to it often), I do think that this Magic Lantern guide is a must for D80 owners.
By the time I had finished my first reading of this book, I had a thorough and in-depth understanding of the workings of my Nikon D80 camera. The suggesions which accompany many of the sections were somewhat helpful, but nothing to write home (or even to Mr. Stafford) about.
Other than the many and annoying "typos" and poor editing (commented on by others, as well), the main shortcomings of this book (in order of importance) are: 1.) it provides little or no creative information about using the D80 or improving your photography with this camera generally (although, to be fair, that is not the reason I bought the book in the first place); 2.) there are not nearly enough illustrative pictures, and none are in color (which I understand is a printing cost-saving measure); and 3.) the index is much to meager - it could have been twice as long.
Still, I highly recommend this book to D80 owners (whether, like me, you have previously used a film or digital SLR, or you are completely new to SLR and/or digital photography). This is a valuable tool in learning your D80 and in making it more than just a "point and shoot" camera.
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.
Product Description
It's great, and it's Nikon's most talked about camera introduction in years! The D200 is the long-awaited successor to the bestselling D100, and so it's almost guaranteed to have an instant following from pros and advanced amateurs worldwide. And along with the camera, those eager photographers will want Magic Lantern to help them learn the ins-and-outs of this exciting piece of equipment. A robust body houses Nikon's latest CMOS DX digital image sensor, high speed crop technology, 3D Matrix II Color Metering and NEF (RAW) image processing technology, and much more: all of which are fully, beautifully covered in this invaluable manual. 5 X 7 1/2. b/w illus. throughout
Customer Reviews:
Black & White.......2007-07-28
The Magic Lantern D200 guide is merely a slightly expanded version of the factory manual, it's barely bigger in size and B/W. The "bonus" quick reference card is very basic - as a D200 user you're unlikely to get any use out of the quick reference card unless you have difficulty remembering what ISO, WB, Mode etc. stand for.
The second D200 guide I've got is the Digital Field Guide. It is the better guide out of the two, but not by much. Unfortunately neither guide is very good at telling you how to get the best out of your camera.
The "should have been the manual" guide book.......2007-07-15
Despite its grayness cover and photos, this book is clear, straight forward
and very comprehensive manual. This book is the manual that should have been
included in the kit instead what's included today.
OK!.......2007-07-06
It was slow but was recieved on time. Book binding came loose but book still great.
A systematic approach to D200.......2007-06-09
Hello Fellow Enthusiasts !
I ordered it before ordering for D200, the reason is to understand the features of D200 before i get my hands on the real machine.
This guide is beautifully laid out, glossy papers and very expressive with sequence of chapters very thoughtfully designed.
Since I haven't seen the similar product offering by other publishers so can't comment on others or compare. But definitely it's worth reading and understanding the camera. if you are new like me to SLR and that too D200 then don't think twice and simply order it.
Good Luck
Vaibhav Mittal - India
Magic Lantern guide for Nikon D200.......2007-06-08
This is a concise, easy to read guide for the Nikon D200. It is easier to understand than the manual that comes with the camera. My only criticism, if any, is that the index is not as comprehensive as it could be.
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.
Product Description
Tutorial eBook. Play in your CD-ROM Drive. 184 pages of fully illustrated step-by-step instructions and practical examples of how to create stunning images with Capture NX. This eBook is a fully bookmarked and indexed PDF document for easy reading.
- Learn Capture NX quickly. -
This eBook is perfect for the advanced photographer or the beginner in Digital Photography.
Features:
How to set up your Nikon DSLR for a raw workflow - Global Adjustments to Light and Color - Local Adjustments to Light and Color - Sharpening and Noise Reduction techniques - When to use Mode I, II or III color - How to fix white balance like a pro - How to recreate the look of Velvia film - Highlight recovery - How to use Color Control Points - Can't miss settings for beautiful landscapes - Sure-fire settings for portraits - Black and White conversions
- How to save multiple versions of your image in a single NEF file - And much more!
PLUS: Fully bookmarked and indexed
- Links to useful photography resources
- Printable for personal use
- Capture NX "recipes" that let you get professional results in minutes
Customer Reviews:
Best book on how to get the most from Nikon's NX software.......2007-09-05
If you like NX this book will make you love NX. It gives details not covered in the manual and how to's that you will not find anywhere else. Jason Odell has given NX users the simplest and best book on how to get the most from your Nikon RAW files and NX. If you use NX you need this book.
Highly Recommended
Practical instruction, insightful resource . . . a great book.......2007-08-16
Just bought Capture NX? Buy this tome . . . now! All software instruction should be this clear, to-the-point and immediately usable. The organization is straightforward . . . the information is understandable on first-read. You'll also -- quickly -- answer those embarrassing basic questions about different digital photo formats that you never asked. I have found few how-to resources to exceed my expectations, but this one does.
prctical point of view.......2007-07-07
Book is not bad, but Jason skips between the thoughts and does not fully show how things work from start to finish and step by step. For example selection tools section. I still cannot figure out how they work even after reading his book and practicing along. I think Ben Long does better job in his book.
Book can be very expensive to print. It emptied both cartridges in my HP 970 and the cost $55. It's a last e-book that I'll print. Paper copy would cost a lot less to buy.
Better Than I Thought it Was Going to Be.......2007-04-06
I purchased this e-book to learn more about the new Nikon Capture software. I am not a professional but have enjoyed photography for decades. I now shoot in RAW to obtain maximum flexibility. I own Adobe CS2 which is a very powerful program, but for most of my personal work, I just don't need that much power and the time it takes to "process" a photo. I decided to try Nikon Capture with the new Control Points. It is a great program. Since the new version came out, there aren't many resources for training, books, etc. This e-book by Jason Odell was one of the first, so I thought I would give it a try. I was very pleasantly surprised with how good of a book this is. Jason takes a very practical approach and the book is very easy to follow and learn from. I would highly recommend the e-book for anyone that needs a little more instruction on the new Nikon Capture.
The Photographer's Guide to Capture NX by Jason P. Odell Ph.D........2007-02-22
Instructional materials are often written by experts who have forgotten the viewpoint of what it is like to NOT be an expert in their own subject. As a result the author's manual can overshoot the tyro's reality and end up talking to other "experts" who don't need the manual in the first place as they are already experts. Fortunately, The Photographer's guide to Capture NX by well-known Nikonian, Jason Odell, doesn't make that mistake. It is one of those rare instructional manuals written by an expert who is also in touch with the viewpoint of someone who is NOT familiar with the materials.
When one studies any subject there are three barriers: 1) lack of graphic or physical representation of what one is studying 2) technical terms which aren't defined and 3) complexities are entered into before the basics have been reviewed. On all three counts Jason's Guide does splendidly. The strength of the book is in its step by step approach combined with graphics on every page. In fact, the photographs of before and after edited images and computer shots of the editing take up the majority of space. To slightly modify the truism, "a single picture can be worth more than any number of words."
Frankly, I don't know what I would have done without the GUIDE. Nikon's manual was daunting (and verbally, not visually oriented) and I didn't have time to laboriously wade through it. I needed results immediately so I could jump in and produce for clients. That's what the Photographer's Guide did for me. Within a few minutes I could apply what Jason was communicating and get a handle on the technology with a learning curve that I could win at. At this time, I'm not aware of any other after market instruction manual on the subject of NX. That was another advantage of Jason's Guide. It got there first and it got there fast with the data the pro photographer or photo enthusiast needed.
Kudos to the author.
David Ziff
Ziff Photography
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
Digital SLRs are the hottest cameras on the market, and Nikon’s interchangeable lens, D70, is one of the best, delivering superb image quality at an excellent price. Make the most of its many capabilities with this guide to all the fundamentals, plus information not even covered in the camera’s instruction manual. With the Magic Lantern at hand, photographers at all levels will find it extremely easy to master the exclusive selection of new features that distinguish this revolutionary model, and to work with digital technology. From handling the lenses to coordinating the camera with the computer, from taking a basic picture to understanding different file formats and resolution, it’s all here.
Customer Reviews:
Very good book.......2007-09-11
In spite of the several negative reviews I read here (mainly saying this book contains only that which is found in the product manual) I appreciated the subject matter being presented in a very consecutive and logical manner - so much better than the product manual. This little book IS worth buying.
Easy as Pie!.......2007-05-31
With this book even a person like me who had no knoledge about digital photography like me could take pictures like a pro. Very easy to follow.Best book I've ever bought.
Great Know-How Book.......2006-11-05
This book is a terrific guide to helping understand all the functions of the D70/D70s. The explanation is more understandable than the owner's manual. I think this is a must for all new users of the D70/D70s.
A complement to the manual.......2006-10-20
I purchased this book several weeks ago after getting my new Nikon D70s and I, personally, think it's a great complement to the camera's manual. Yes, it does cover many of the same topics as the manual (in fact, as I flip through it, I usually have the manual close by), but it's a bit easier to read and uses language that us amateurs (who are new to the DSLR world) would find very useful, epecially when trying to navigate the technical specs of the camera.
I probably wouldn't recommend this book to the veteran Nikon user (it may be a bit too redundant), but if the D70s is your first DSLR, I certainly think it's worth the money if you're serious about really understanding the D70s and what it can do.
Don't Waste Your Money!.......2006-09-22
This book has very little that a careful reading of the Nikon manual doesn't provide. Some very useful items about the D70 are hard to find - i.e. the index is incomplete. An example is the cabability to set the file number sequense. While there is a specific bold heading on the topic in the text, there is no index item. One has to dig through 25 pages of the "Set Up" index item to find it. Also, physically the book is inferior (that's being polite). After only 5 months of ownership, the book is literally falling apart because the publisher used an cheap/inferior binding process. I now have 4 groups of pages that have fallen from the binding. That makes it useless as a field manual.
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.
Product Description
Nikon manufactures some of the most sophisticated accessory flash equipment found in today's marketplace, and the Magic Lantern Guide shows photographers exactly how to master the complex equipment and operating modes of the company's AF Speedlight Flash System. That's why it's destined to be the most often used reference on photographic flash technique. From advice on Multi-sensor balanced fill flash, bounce flash, rear-curtain sync to high-speed sync, or multiple flash set-ups, this manual explains everything. It comes complete with a course on the basics of flash handling, specialized flash technique, and a model-by-model review of using current flash gear with Nikon cameras. 5 x 7-1/2". b/w illus. throughout
Customer Reviews:
It's a good book.......2007-01-24
I like this book. Unlike most of the book in this series that mostly written for people who lost a manual this one goes far beyond manufactures manual. Even if you a not a Nikon flash users it contains some information that could be interested for anyone in flash photography.
Finally!.......2007-01-18
I have been looking for help with the Speedlight system for over a year - since first purchasing my SB-800. There only ones I found were out-of-print and obviously too outdated to matter anyway! If you think figuring out how to access all the power of one model is difficult, just imagine trying to cover all the models Nikon has produced since it introduced TTL. Add to that the fact that Nikon bodies change the available features. (The current digital bodies like D200 are covered as well). A daunting prospect for any author. So the good news is that I found the book very helpful and it clears up a lot of my confusion. The bad news is that you must sort thru a lot of info about Speedlight models and film bodies that you are unlikely to own.
SB-800 Guide.......2007-01-10
This book was WAY over my head. It was a struggle to understand and I did not finish but about half of it. If you are not an advanced lighting technician you should look for a more simple SB-800 guide. I wish I had known this before I purchased it. Nikon has a CD that I wish I had purchased instead. This book was too technical for me.
Throwing a Little Light on the Subject.......2006-11-20
Here's a book aimed at Nikon camera owners using the speedlights that make up the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). Perhaps the most innovative function of this system is the ability to exercise a new degree of control in the use of multiple lights.
The book starts out providing some basic flash concepts and explaining Nikon's nomenclature (which is often confusing because of the similarity of terms over the years) for its different flash modes. The author follows with a discussion of flash techniques, including direct flash, bounce flash, and repeating flash. The most practical chapters tell you how to use a single speedlight to take pictures, and how to use multiple speedlights. Finally, there are descriptions of both the early digital speedlights, i.e., the SB 28DX and the SB-80DX and then the components of the CLS. There is an addendum on the D80 which has a built-in speedlight that works with the CLS, and which probably was necessitated by Nikon bringing that camera to market as the book was going to press.
The book is aimed purely at the technical side of using these speedlights and does not touch on the artistic use of the lights. This book probably was in response to the difficulty that some people had in understanding the manuals that come with Nikon products, and integrating the manuals from several different products. But this effort at integration creates its own brand of confusion. The author tries to tell you how to use the products with both film and digital cameras, but since the automatic features of the CLS have to be handled differently for film and digital cameras, the instructions are somewhat confusing. I suggest you go through the book with a magic marker and highlight the sections applicable to your type of camera (and if you shoot both film and digital, you'd better use both a yellow and a blue marker!)
Moreover, don't think you can skip over any of the material, because important information may just have a passing reference in an unusual place. It took me several readings to understand that I could not use my SB-28DX with a digital camera for multiple speedlight use. (That's not altogether true - it's possible to shoot in manual mode, but if you are going to do that, you lose all the advantages of modern speedlights. You're better off junking your old SB-28DX and getting a new CLS speedlight).
There are several pictures included in the book but they are of a rather pedestrian nature and add nothing to one's understanding of Nikon speedlights. Additionally, except for the cover there is no color printing in the book. Finally, for a system that has been on the market for a couple of years, this book looks like it was rushed to market with many typographical errors.
The Nikon CLS system offers unprecedented opportunities for photographers to use flash for better pictures. However, if you are looking for ideas on increasing your creativity, look elsewhere. On the other hand, if you are still having a problem with the technical side of your speedlight, like how to set your SB-800 to control the lighting balance of a second flash, this book will prove useful to you.
Expected better.......2006-11-11
I have Simon Stafford's "The new Nikon compendium" and use it all the time as reference. I purchased the current book before purchasing a Nikon R1 flash kit. While Mr. Stafford mentions the compatibility problems between various camera bodies and this kit, no mention is made (in the book) of the fact that you CANNOT use the R1-kit, or the SB-R200 flash system, with a stack of Nikon LENSES - they are incompatible - and serious damage may result, esp when using AF. Nikon says "the weight of this Speedlight when attached to the front of the lens will cause excess strain on the barrel and helicoid, affecting lens performance". Whilst thankfully I have not damaged my lens (found the fine print in the manual before using the kit), I would have liked Mr. Stafford to have done his research, and I would have liked to have been warned! I have spent a lot of money on the R1-kit after reading this book. Not happy.
Then I tried to refer to the book on how to use the Nikon D200 camera in commander mode with the new Nikon CLS speedligths. And while I could find the info on how to set up the SU-800 controller, I just could not find any info on how to set up the camera itself to act as a commander, when not using the SU-800 commander. My camera does not need the SU-800 commander, so I don't own one. So I ended up refering back to the Nikon camera manual to find out which menu item to set and how. Hmmm. Shouldn't this info be in the book? Easily accessible and indexed?
Anyone want to buy a slightly used book about the Nikon AF Flash system?
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A Short Course in Nikon D80 Photography book/ebook
Nikon D80 Digital Field Guide
Nikon D80 inBrief Camera Reference Card
Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
Introduction to the Nikon D80 Digital SLR
