Book Description
Presenting the thoroughly revised, fully illustrated edition of The Nikon Compendium, updated by the technical editor of Nikon Owner magazine to include all the new Nikon cameras, lenses, and accessories. This is what Nikon enthusiasts have eagerly awaited: the most complete Nikon reference book ever. At almost double the length of the original, the guide describes virtually every Nikon camera ever produced, right up to the wide variety of popular digital models. It aids identification, offers user-friendly tips, explains what system fits with which camera, and discusses what limitations occur when equipment from one generation is married to items from another. Professional and amateur photographers, as well as enthusiasts, collectors, and retailers will want this on their bookshelves.
Customer Reviews:
New Nikon Compendium : short review.......2007-07-13
Compared to the former 'Nikon Compendium' this book has a lot more pictures and was of course expanded to include all the models up to the date of publishing. I got the impression though that it has not been reviewed very well before going to press : there are quite some editing errors (line breaks in the middle of sentences or words f.ex.) and grammar errors that could have been avoided if the manuscript hadn't been rushed to the printer. I also expected more in depth comments on the lenses and some camera models - the stress has clearly been laid on the digital bodies. Some accessories have been omitted or important details have not been adressed at all (just an example : the fact that early filters had chrome rings and later black rings - a detail, but something worth noting IMO). The book missed a chance to really be THE reference book on all things Nikon. Otherwise, lots of pages and pictures for the money!
Nikon.......2007-05-07
A thorough and well done work on the history of Nikon. It is better in my opinion than another book titled "Nikon - A Celebration".
For Every Nikon Owner.......2006-11-12
An excellent resource for those tbat use the Nikon brand. This is the best book I have read on Nikon products and Amazon has the best price.
A valuable information source for Nikon owners.......2005-02-08
Despite sloppy writing and editing at times (there is indeed a mysterious glut of grammatical errors), this 2004 edition of the Nikon Compendium is a valuable source of information on Nikon cameras, lenses, flashes, and accessories.
When I first opened the book, I felt both excited and overwhelmed. There was so much juicy information on Nikon products in this hardcover that I simply did not know where to start. Ok, the first Nikon I used was an FM2, so I flipped to page 60 and found lots of cool information from background to features to versions to pictures of the FM2. Then I jumped to the page on the N50 (F50 outside of North America), a consumer-oriented SLR that was the first SLR I bought. Here, I found so much information on the N50 that I wished I had read this when I was still using that camera. Next stop was the D70, which I currently own. Yes, this book is very up-to-date (as of end of 2004), and covers all current d-SLR models in Nikon's lineup.
There's also tons of information on the Nikkor lenses, the Speedlight flashes, the Coolpix digital camera line (but the latest model, Coolpix 8800, is not included), plus accessories. I don't know if this covers 100% of what Nikon has produced, but that doesn't matter. The book covers all the Nikon products that mattered in the history of cameras, and there's plenty of info on currently sold products. There's even a section on the new Coolwalker portable hard drive from Nikon, which the author cautions against buying since you don't want to "put all your eggs in one basket" should the hard disk fail.
Anyway, this book is not about photography at all, and nobody is going to become a better photographer upon reading this. The book also doesn't review the specific pros and cons of each product; it's more about specs and features. It's geared toward Nikon collectors, but also normal Nikon owners who want to know Nikon's history and product lines. It's esp. valuable when you want to buy something used. With this book in hand, you can find out what the equipment does or doesn't do, and whether there were better versions before or after its introduction. This is not a pricing guide, but it arms you with enough knowledge to make a meaningful, reasonable bid according to your needs.
The book's inside cover note says it's not sponsored by Nikon.
A major improvement over the first edition.......2004-09-07
This update of the first edition by Hillebrand & Hauschild contains all of the original material plus coverage of the lastest Nikon eqipment. The current author, Simon Stafford, has added entirely new chapters on digital cameras (both the SLR and Coolpix series) and the content comprises all models up to the publication date. New material covering lenses and accessories has also been added. Chapters that correspond to those of the earlier edition are mostly paraphased with some errors corrected. Of particular interest, Stafford offers his opinions on the advantages and disadvantages of many items based on his use of them as a professional photographer who is interested in what works best rather than what has the highest status image. In some cases he recommends prosumer models instead of the professional level items for this reason. (You may not always agree with him, but his thoughts are worth considering when making equiment selections.) He also provides cautions about operations that could produce unwanted results. The book contains a lot of detail on the controls of the cameras and accessories--perhaps to the point where it could replace the operating manual. On the other hand, the specifics of variations of each item throughout its production cycle and photos of each do not match the detail of Peter Braczko's book, The Complete Nikon System (which predates the digital era, so does not include those cameras). This edition of the Compendium is an update of the 2003 European edition. It shows its English heritage through language useage, and the phrasing can at times sound strange to American ears. More importantly, the book suffers from a lack of effective copy editing resulting in numerous grammatical and other errors, especially in the digital sections, which must have been added at the last minute. For example, fisheye Nikkor lenses are discussed on pgs. 209-10, but the 10.5 mm DX Fisheye lens info was dropped into the middle of the perspective control Nikkors discussion. Stafford is an editor for the Nikon Owners Club, and the book ends with two pages of shameless advertising for the organization. Despite these minor glitches, the book is well worthwhile. The price is a steal for a hard cover photography book with numerous color and B&W photos. Even if you own the first edition, this book is worth buying.
Book Description
For anyone who has tried to capture a blazing sunset or catch the stark and simple beauty of bare tree limbs in winter, this manual will prove irresistible. Rather than providing ideas of what to photograph, Sheppard presents invaluable insider techniques and insights: use a histogram to get the ideal exposure, or white balance to create atmospheric images. Find out how to shoot crisp close-ups or awe-inspiring panoramic shots, and how to enhance pictures by using filters such as grads and polarizers. See how computer and image-editing software can turn ordinary images into extraordinary photos. Each section lists 10 Quick Tips for handling common outdoor photography challenges.
Customer Reviews:
Love this Book!.......2007-06-05
Nature photography isn't as easy as it looks. It requires a great deal of thought and more than a little skill. Rob Sheppard put a great deal of thought into this book, and his advice helps you attain the required skills. The photos are inspiring, and the techniques can be applied to virtually any digital camera. This is a book that will help you grow as a photographer, whether you choose to specialize in nature photography or not.
Digital Nature.......2007-03-29
Sheppard has the ability to make the complex understandable. The book contains many tips on taking that one "photo of a lifetime." I haven't taken that photo yet, but it's not the book's fault, it's mine. Everything is in the book to help you take that special photograph.
nature photography at it's best.......2007-03-09
very good book, haven't read it all the way thru, but refer back to it numerous times, would highly recommend it to anyone interested in nature photography, digital or film, really enjoy the book.
Just Superb.......2007-03-09
This is clearly the finest book that I have read on digital nature photography (and there are some other good ones out there). Rob Sheppard writes so well. This is a book that is helpful to nature photographers, no matter what your level of ability. I thought that it was so good that I purchased it for people I know who love nature photography.
beautiful and informative!.......2007-02-08
I picked this book up in a bookstore because of its dynamic cover, and I am so glad I did! The book is not only beautiful, but it is truly informative for a photographer at almost any level. Rob Sheppard's appreciation for the beauty of nature certainly comes through, and it is hard to not pick up a camera and walk outside as soon as you read it! Great "10 Tips" sections that sum up a chapter without needing to read every word. This book is a must-have for any photographer interested in nature.
Book Description
Cameras can capture what the eye can’t perceive: the presence of infrared light. And shooting infrared (IR) with a digital camera makes it easier than ever to create distinctively dreamlike, high-contrast black-and-white pictures. Using a wealth of stunning images, this thorough resource explores the technical and creative possibilities of this unique and increasingly popular medium. Get tips on focus and exposure; IR filters; and having a camera converted to shoot specifically in infrared. Follow instructions for processing and printing the photos—including toner effects and faux color. One glance through this guide and it’s clear why infrared pictures are fun to take and beautiful to look at.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book!.......2007-08-04
If you need or want to know anything about digital Infrared Photography
this is the book to get it was exactly what I need to get started.
Most Information Available On Internet.......2007-07-03
Most of the information in this book is available for free on the internet. Filter information, how to properly expose and focus a shot, etc. is all basic and common sense. The most disappointing part of the book was the post processing. Almost all of the post-processing instructions describe how to use Photoshop PLUG-INS that the reader may not have. Each of the plug-ins mentioned will cost you between $50 - $200 and even if you already have them the instructions are so basic you never get a feel for what you are doing or why.
If you don't have access to the internet and are a complete newbie to IR Photography this book would be OK, which is why I am giving it 2 stars.
Complete Guide to Digital Infrared Photography by Joe Farace.......2007-05-07
As a photographer for the last 38 years in both digital and film, I have kept up with the most recent trends of the trade. This book is self explanatory and copiously illustrated by the author's work and his directions to his readers to seek out other photographers more capable in the art of Infrared Digital Photography was a plus as well!
With three art degrees and aa a retired illustrator from Boeing Airplane Co., my camera is an extension of my talent base and not an after thought. With all this going for me, I have sought out information to make greater leaps in my phtotgraphic art.
I highly recommended this book because the Author does not toot his own horn, but rather shows by example how the process of great infrared images is best accomplished with cameras that are infrared sensative and those that are not. His stepwise "Scope and Sequence approach" with Photoshop or what have you, in the before to after production of great photos is superbe!
I highly recommend this book for anybody looking for the nuts and bolts of how to better his/hers own abilities in not only digital natural light photos but the Infrared side of this art as well!
Best guide for digital infrared.......2007-05-07
This book is one of few resources available. Also bought Digital Infrared Photography by Patricia Rice which, although not exclusive to digital, is great companion to this book.
Opening New Doors into Amateur Photography.......2006-12-02
Infrared photography has been around for a long time, but its use has been held back by the lack of availability of IR film and by the frequently unexpected results which you didn't discover until you were back at the darkroom.
Perhaps the biggest user of IR film was the military because the IR image often produced images that allowed other features to be seen when compared with ordinary film.
With the advent of digital cameras, selecting the proper camera only requires the addition of a filter to enable it to take IR images. And all of the other advantages are there such as immediately reviewing the picture on the LCD screen. This book is aimed at the advanced amateur or professional who has the need or just the desire to capture images from the IR spectrum. It includes just about everything there is to know about shooting in the in the infrared from testing your cameras sensitivite to if using your televisions remote control feature to print out the images on ink jet printers.
Book Description
Over the past decade, Jock Sturges has produced an incomparable body of work that revels in the beauty of the human form and celebrates the naturist spirit. Jock Sturges: Notes gives fans of his unforgettable images a glimpse behind the scenes of his working process, opening up his studio and notes to the viewer for the very first time. A selection of preparatory studies, shot as Polaroids, accompanies the finished works included here-offering visual testimony to the complex process and inspiration that underlies each of the gorgeous images his audience has come to love and admire. Jock Sturges's other published collections include The Last Day of Summer (Aperture, 1991) and Radiant Identities (Aperture, 1994).
Customer Reviews:
Great photography, strange feeling of..........2007-09-13
Great photography, but the photographers fascination with underage girls and boys gives me a strange feeling or participating in something illicit.
Natural Humans.......2007-05-13
As a photographer of interesting and often beautiful women, I found Jock Sturges' work both exciting and intriguing. I live in Europe but even in this social climate, the free intimacy Sturges invokes with his subjects is worth the efforts to understand this book. I would say that he evokes a natural intimacy that is usually absent from photography or the nudes shot by most photographers miss the wholesome quality evident in Sturges' images. The people are neither ashamed nor proud of their bodies...they inhabit them. I applaud his work and I will study this photos for years to come.
getting to know Jock Better.......2007-02-04
I am very pleased with the works of Jock Sturges. He takes us on a behind the scene tour of those that he takes pictures of. You will discover the close knit group of friends that come together to share in everyday life. He does a great job of capturing his subjects on film and his works are well worth your time. All subjects are in their natural settings and don't look fake like David Hamilton's!! Many of his subjects have known him for years and have a good relationship with Jock. Get them while they are hot!!!
Not the Definitive Jock Sturges........2006-03-06
The true beauty and power of Jock Sturges' work is not found in this, or any other book yet published. I have been a fan of Sturges for many years but only recently did I visit an art gallery to view Jock's full sized limited edition prints. It was a revelation. The size, detail and contrast of the 16 by 22 prints made the reproductions seen in his books look small and flat.
But what surprised me even more is that Jock's most profound and complex work is not found in any of his books or on the net. A case in point is a print I saw at the art gallery of two young twin brothers titled, "Julien et Antoine, Montalivet, France 2004". In "Notes" we meet the same boys but always in completely innocent poses. They play on a neighbor's swing set or sip fruit juice under the watchful eyes of their parents. Their nudity is so natural that it passes almost unnoticed.
But in the 2004 image we see them with out their parents and in the bedroom of Jock's bungalow. Antoine is seated on the bed while Julien stands before the bed almost definitely gazing into the eyes of the viewer. The boy's arms are crossed over his chest perhaps for protection but, like his brother, he makes no attempt to hide his exposed genitals. From his expression we see that he is aware of his beauty and emerging sexuality. That knowledge gives the boy a degree of power over us, the viewers. Every detail of his stunning body is exposed to us and yet the look on his face is without shame or fear. "Are your thoughs pure or lustful?" he seems to ask. This boy knows that if there is any indecency the fault lies not with him, or his brother, but with us, the viewers. He is nude but he is not obscene, lewd or nasty. This boy is no longer entirely innocent and yet he contains no evil. The dynamics of this image are so profound and poignant that I consider it to be the definitive Jock Sturges. It is what Jock will be remembered for a hundred years from now.
Brilliant as they are the photographs in "Notes" fall short when compared to "Julien et Antoine, Montalivet, France 2004". At $1000.00 I couldn't resist buying it. But like the previous owner of Carravaggio's "Amor Victorios 1603" I don't have the nerve to display it in my home. It's not that I consider the print wicked, it isn't, it's just that it's a bit ahead of it's time.
But is it Art?.......2005-08-21
Jock Sturges is well known in photography and legal circles. His pictures of mostly young women have netted him praise and legal action. In this book, he explains how and why he makes these pictures. There are also comments from some of his subjects, many of whom have posed for him numerous times over the years. They uniformly seem to have been benefitted from the experience, and Mr. Sturges shares his beliefs about the nature of photographing people in the nude.
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, your reaction will certainly depend upon your own beliefs about what is appropriate subject matter for general publication. Mr. Sturges makes most of his pictures in France,(and some in the rural 'hippie' communes of Northern California) and, as was pointed out in the play 'My Fair Lady' the French don't care what they do, as long as they pronounce it properly. However, don't expect to see typical 'glamour' photography here. These pictures are set in peoples actual living spaces. There is beauty to be found here, but it is closer to reality than any fantasy dreamed up for sexual purposes. These are pictures that will make you think. So, is this art? As some judge said, I know it when I see it.
Book Description
Digital video cameras have become more affordable and reliable than ever, and with the help of former television producer, editor, and cameraman Colin Barret, new owners of this hot technology can produce a memorable video right at home. Barret offers the fruits of his expertise in a thorough, practical introduction that covers it all. In addition to advice on choosing a camcorder and tips on getting the most out of its features, illustrated tutorials explain how to shoot creatively and master techniques such as point-of-view, close-ups, cutaway shots, and effective lighting. Spice up the sound by incorporating audio tracks, and find out how to create special effects. There's even a detailed description of how to set up a fully functional home editing suite.
Customer Reviews:
For anyone who wants to start using a video camera.......2007-09-13
I would recommend this book as a start here before anything else. Even though you'de have had a camera for months and years but just shoot movies where the ones you share it with are happy to get away from it. Buy it, it teaches you in very in an easy non jargon way how to do things looking good and impress the audence. It is good when people ask for a copy after they've seen the movie. And you hear they wantch it over and over. I love this book it is brilliant.
So-so and a little dated.......2007-08-05
I was assigned this book as the text for an intro to digital video grad class. The book was okay, but not especially impressive. It was redundant in some places and some of the information seemed dated. It's a very general book, so it's appropriate for a class where the instructor doesn't know what kinds of cameras or editing programs students will use.
However, if you're looking for a book to help you with the program and camera you have, you can probably find something more specific to your situation.
The title is a bit of a misnomer as well. There are no step-by-step guides or lessons in the book.
It's not a bad book, but it's not great either.
Nice Book..........2007-06-30
I liked the presentation, organization and the the printing of the book wich I consider is of the highest quality, It also has good color ilustrations and photos, I didn't find errors of any kind. But even when I'm a beginner videographer, I consider the information contained in the book is very general and the book is oriented to explain that "there are easy ways of making things..., that you can use several good applications available in the market for you..." But I would have liked the book explained: "ways of making... and the steps for finishing your projects.." I mean the book lacks of "How to...or the step by step for beginners". But in general is a good book. Please be aware of that...So you won't be disapointed.
Excellent for today's high quality digital video .......2007-06-25
I'm a semi-pro photographer of stills, based in film, now dSLR's and so I understand fairly well photographic considerations in acquiring good images! This book will easily help beginners and existing still photographers bridge the gap into Digital Video capture. Going beyond just understanding the latest advances in digital camcorders, the book guides you through actual processes of capturing good story-telling footage, things that we see in broadcast everyday, but probably don't give much of a thought as to how video was captures, sequenced and edited. I was really looking for such a guide as a starting place as i just purchased a Sony HDR-HC7 mini-DV camcorder ... and needed to know basic camera operation, as well as shooting techniques and video editing techniques. The book is VERY well laid out, simple to read and find headings and TIPS as needed - I think I'll pull from this volume a great deal of useful information and wish to thank the author!
Excellent book to learn Video Photography without the jargon.......2006-05-20
After an extensive research I tried my luck and bought this book (as I could not preview the content), and I am really impressed with it. This is the perfect book for someone who really wants to learn video photography, as opposed to just learning to buy the greatest gadget and press the right buttons, thereby capturing worthless video.
I am an advanced amateur photographer for the last 15 years, and I know that taking good photo is 90% work of the mind - finding out the perfect frame and the perfect moment to shoot a great photograph, and 10% work of the hand to use the camera. Most of the other Digital Video books focus mostly on the later 10% aspect. Not this book - It teaches you extensively what to look for in a good video and how to get them.
The book is divided into 5 sections:-
- What you need to know about your camcorder
- Step-by-step shooting techniques
- How to shoot great home movies
- Step-by-step digital video-editing techniques
- Showing and sharing your movies
The sections about "shooting techniques" and "great home movies" are the largest in this book, and that's what I liked. The author is a professional in this field (former television producer, editor and cameraman), unlike authors of other books who are either wannabe movie producers or small movie makers. The other books instruct you to write down a storyboard on paper which is not feasible in a vacation movie or capturing unpredictable activities of your newborn. Here you will learn how to think so that you can create a great story on the fly.
This book is filled with lots of tips used by professionals, one good example is: not to use the zoom during shooting. Most professional productions do not contain zooming sequence. They take a wide angle shot to show the background, then next shot they show a close up of the subject, the zooming being done off-camera. Lots of zooming sequence is the typical sign of a poor home video.
On the whole, this is a perfect book to study before diving into the world of serious video photography.
Book Description
The K10D 10-megapixel digital camera is proof positive that Pentax has become a serious contender in the digital SLR market. With its impressive 10.2 megapixel image sensor, shake-reduction technology, automatic dust removal cleaning system, weather resistant body seals, and more, it’s both feature-packed and an excellent value. This new Magic Lantern Guide details every function and operation of this exciting camera. Page by information-packed page, it helps camera buyers become better photographers by helping them take advantage of every control, as well as providing general principles of photography and lighting.
Customer Reviews:
PHOTO_MAN.......2007-09-19
This is an excellant guide for either an owner or prospective owner of the PENTAX K10D dslr camera. It goes into detail about each feature of the camera, and doesn`t hesitate to make his approval or disapproxal of a feature. Anyone that owns a PENTAX K10D should have this book as a reference guide--This is a MUST.--BILL RHYNE
Comprehensive guide.......2007-09-05
This compact and comprehensive guide is great to keep in your camera-bag. It covers everything that the manual does but in greater detail and with examples of photographs taken using the techniques described. If you are a new K10D user, whether you are experienced with SLRs or have only ever used P&S before, you will find it invaluable - flip through a few pages whenever you have a spare moment and you will discover some new possibility on the feature-rich K10D.
simple, straightforward.......2007-08-14
Burian, does a great job of taking the mystery out of adjustible, digital slr cameras. A logical, progressive, step-by-step approach, leading to a non-intimidating familiarity,with a highly sophisticated device. This is surely the best manual-assist books I have ever read in my 37 year passion with photography. Well done! I wish you would write one about the operating manual for the software as well.
All you need to know to create K10D magic - crisp, clear & concise.......2007-07-26
Mr Burian - who also wrote the Sony Alpha manual in this series - truly is a hands-on professional who obviously has used the camera extensively. He shares his knowledge and experience in crisp clear language and doesn't hesitate to offer advice on important settings. Properly, he devotes more than adequate time to RAW (digital negative) photography. After more than half a year of camera ownership, I still learned a great deal - some of it quite revealing.
To keep costs down, illustrations are black & white; some quite stunning and nearly everyone making a photographic point. Some line art would have been helpful - the photo of the 4-way navigation control (p. 40) barely reveals the all-important directional arrows, and stating that 'the menu has four tabs' hardly takes the place of a line drawing as shown in the Operating Manual. Not to worry though, as the balance of the figures is sharp, detailed and very much to the point.
Complete newcomers may wish to pick up the point-and-shoot basics from the unusually well-done Pentax K10D User Manual before moving up to this book. Moreover, the author assumes you have the latest automatic lenses - ignoring the fact that many users retain Pentax loyalty because of consistent backward lens compatibility. My old manual f4 80-200mm zoom is sharp as a tack, but learning how to properly meter exposure using the manual aperture ring would be appreciated by many readers (hint: use the 'green button').
These minor detractions aside, the sections on exposure adjustment and flash photography alone are worth the very modest price. Well Done!
No color photos..........2007-07-20
This book is pretty good.. I just find it ironic that a book about digital photography even while discussing topics related to color such as white balance etc, the book offers no color photos to emphasize its points, all the photos are B&W. Seems like an odd choice by the publisher given the current technology for color printing of books...
Book Description
With a close-up camera lens, shutterbugs can capture a landscape in a water droplet, a dragon’s face in a dragonfly, an alien planet in a backyard fungus, or a futuristic civilization in a computer circuit board. The magic field of macro photography comes alive through digital cameras and Photoshop programs, as simple instructions combine with jargon-busting tips to demonstrate each essential technique. Over 200 full-color photos and 750 illustrations showcase the possibilities for making spectacular images with ordinary equipment. Besides ideas for making framed photos, special sections show how to create greeting cards, stationery, and other practical items and gifts.
Customer Reviews:
Mostly Macro.......2007-09-10
I've looked at many of the recent books on digital macro photography, and this is the only one that devotes most of its space to macro. Too many that claim to be about macro or close up photography (e.g. "The Magic of ..." by Meehan) largely rehash guides to digital photography in general. Hoddinott does some of that too. I could have done without the "post processing" chapter at the end. But fortunately Hoddinott keeps the book mostly focussed on the subject promised in its title. He gives sensible advice that ranges from the moderately technical to the openly mundane. The latter includes surprisingly helpful suggestions about what time of day and where to find subjects suitable for macro. This is an introductory book that even pros could learn a few things from. One of the most unusual and admirable features: he shows his own mistakes and how he corrected them (though I suspect the mistakes were deliberate). Finally, his own photos (often of quite ordinary subjects)are imaginative, some even stunning.
A beginners guide to macro photography with digital SLR.......2007-07-07
I found this book to be a very thorough guide to macro photogrphy.The author covers equipment, accessories, techniques and several different specialties in macro photography such as, still-life, insects, butterflies, dragonflies etc.. He then covers post-camera processing with Photoshop. The author mainly describes macro photography with DSLR cameras and only mentions point and shoot cameras near the front of the book. He specifically uses Nikon cameras when describing techniques throughout the book. These techniques, however, translate easily to other DSLR cameras such as Canon. I found the book helpful in my efforts to get into macro photography.
Digital Macro Photography.......2006-11-26
I would look at some other macro titles before getting this one.
Book Description
The N75 (also called the F75 in Canada and elsewhere) is Nikon’s new, powerful, compact single-lens reflex (SLR) camera; and if you want to learn how to make the most of its capabilities, this well-illustrated Magic Lantern Guide provides all the necessary facts and fundamentals. Find out how to take advantage of features such as the 25-segment 3D Matrix Metering System, subject specific Vari-Program modes, and 5-area autofocus. The helpful advice also covers choosing and using accessory lenses and Nikon’s innovative Multi-Sensor flash system. From the button functions to the exposure basics, every facet of the camera comes into clear focus.
Customer Reviews:
More than worth the money.......2004-11-04
First off, let me say I'm not a big fan of these kinds of books. Most of the time you can get the info from the manufacturer's manual that comes with the camera.
I recently bought an N75 as a backup to my trusty Nikon old 8008s. This magic lantern guide covers all of the basic and detailed operations of my new N75/F75. There are excellent close up illustrations of the controls and small buttons. The author does an admirable job of translating Nikon's somtimes cryptic instructions into useful information. He also does a great job of highlighting the hidden treasures of the N75 such as spot metering and multiple exposures. Getting this guide will not only make using your new N75 easier, but more fun too. This guide seems to have a lot of info which relates in particular to the N75. There is also a more general photography guide section that will prove useful to new SLR photographers. This guide is also well written and fluid;most camera guides are a good cure for insomnia. The author keeps you involved and interested in the process of learning control of your new camera. The flash section is particularly good and up to date, even mentioning Nikon's brand new iTTL flash control.
Great Reference for your N75.......2004-05-14
My N75 is my first SLR, so I read the owner's manual the same day I bought the camera. While the owner's manual will tell you all the *technical* details of operating the camera, you need to understand the *reasoning* behind using all of the features. That is why this book is so much better than the owner's manual. Because it focuses on your exact camera, you won't find anything in this book that doesn't apply to you. It goes into detail on all of the camera's features, while also telling you *why* you might care about each feature.
My suggestion would be to get this book, and then a second book on photography in general. (I also purchased 'Understanding Exposure', which I'd highly recommend). Read the Magic Lantern book first... that way you get to know all of the things your camera can do. When you start reading the more general photography book, you'll then know how to use that knowledge with your camera.
Pros:
-Gives you the 'why' to go with the 'how' - unlike your owner's manual.
-Gives you just enough on each feature to understand it - which means less to read, and makes for a faster read.
-Gives examples and suggestions for useful add-ons for the camera in several sections (for instance, larger flashes).
-Small enough to take with you, so that you can take it for reference in the field
Cons:
-A little dry at times, but still a pretty easy read
Book Description
For more than 20 years, the books of photographer Charlie Waite have enthralled lovers of landscape photography everywhere. Now, in a very special collection, he has tried something new; the first volume devoted solely to his black and white images--more than 50 breathtaking plates--many never before published. In the great tradition of Edward Weston and Ansel Adams, he finds in black-and-white a perfect vehicle for revealing his creative voice. These photographs are rich in reflective surfaces, filled with texture, luminosity, and mystery; they capture the subtle shades of desert sand and sky as camels trek through; the vivid personalities of three old men sitting side-by-side in Lijiang, China; the twisted beauty of an unusually shaped tree in Lombardy. Amateur photographers will particularly appreciate the plate index with information on the camera used, the lens, film, exposure, and filter.
Customer Reviews:
Great photos from a master.......2007-07-26
Charlie Waite's black and white photographs are every bit as good as his colour work. I particularly appreciate his infrared work shown in this book. Although I am a digital photographer now and this book features only film based pictures, it is very educational just to look and absorb Charlie Waite's images. Well worth the price. Highly recommended (by me!)
Design Is Not A Subject.......2004-03-18
In the nicest possible way, it is difficult to argue with successful published photographers who lead classes to exotic destinations, but let me try. Into every camera, besides film or flash card, is loaded the aesthetics of the medium. Each release of the shutter a photographer tests their knowledge of it and against what they see "In Their Minds Eye." The first part of seeing with "The Mind's Eye" is choosing a subject to photograph and then coaxing design to help organize the image. Mr. Waite's travel snapshots of the world fall below this threshold. The SUBJECT takes a back seat to DESIGN. A few of the images, like the terra cotta face with water pipe at the mouth, page 101, is not worth film, paper or ink. Many of Mr. Waite's images are bad forgeries of SUBJECTS other photographers' have done with greater care and ability. Mr. Waite's travels took him to America and his subject was the jaws of an earth mover and rock. If he could have spent a few of his travel days moving through the "Grand Circle" in the Southwestern Landscape of America, he would not of included so many cliché photographs of Tuscany. When I buy a book, what I am thinking about is to revisit it, and feel the same way about the photographer's efforts as when I purchased it. For Mr. Waite's book "In My Mind's Eye, Seeing In Black & White", this purchase was returned for the lack of the latter. Craig Carlson, Chula Vista, California, carlson1@mail.sdsu.edu.
Book Description
Every photographer's lament: if only I could capture the essence of a scene exactly as I see it. A wildlife photographer who gets the right image every time in the world's most hostile environments explains the art of narrowing the gap between what the human eye sees and what the camera captures. Start with a little theory about how light works, followed by practical tips covering both film and digital cameras. Then discover the heart of the matter: six simple steps for mentally calculating the right exposure for every setting, from poor-light and night shoots to romantic and erotic moods. Along the way, troubleshooting and darkroom tips provide fail-safe ways to learn from your mis
Customer Reviews:
An intermediate to advance handbook of exposure........2007-01-08
I do like this book. Previously I had Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson and had wanted to expand more, that's the reason why I bought and keep this book.
If I could quote from Mr. Weston, photography is an art made from 2 disciplines, visual design and light management (color and exposure), and this book explained the latter part so well. However, I recommend this book to intermediate level of photographers, which has already familiar with things like aperture, shutter speed, film/sensor sensitivity, and has already been able to use or understand, manual control of their camera.
It has made me understand why to use exposure compensation, flash compensation, middle gray metering, and color temperature.
It also covers a bit of zone system from Ansel Adams, just to touch the issue that film/sensor has limited dynamic range/contrast. It also has enough good pictures to assist us to understand what Mr. Weston want to tell. Mr. Weston also gave us several tips on how to get correct exposure in several tricky situations.
I like this book, because this book has a lot of useful resource in a compact, thin book, which I can use to remind myself and to discipline myself to get more correct exposure everytime I use my camera.
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- The Structure and Dynamics of Networks: (Princeton Studies in Complexity)
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- The Wonders of the Amalfi Coast: Capri, Naples, Pompeii, Sorrento (Italian Regions)
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Books Index
Books Home
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General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition)
Nikon: A Celebration
Nikon Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide
Creative Nature and Outdoor Photography
The PIP Expanded Guide to the Nikon F5 (New Revised Edition) (PIP Expanded Guide Series)
