Book Description
Contrary to popular belief, when you buy an expensive camera the exposure skills DO NOT COME with it!
When you buy an expensive GUITAR, you KNOW that playing skills DO NOT COME with it! When you buy an expensive CAR, you KNOW that driving skills DO NOT COME with it! When you buy an expensive CAMERA, why, then, do you NOT KNOW that exposure skills DO NOT COME with it?
This book teaches the beginning Digital/35mm photographer (9th grade level) the simple and practical methods of correctly exposing a subject. This is also the world's first Digital Zone System book that addresses the application of the Zone System of exposure using current manual digital cameras including many of today's D-Slrs. The book covers in detail the applications of a camera's meter, an off-camera spot meter, an off-camera incident meter, and easy-to-remember techniques for exposing sunlit to moonlit subjects without a meter. The book uses Farzad's simplified 5-stop technique using 100 ISO color slide or Digital Film as its base, but the same techniques can be applied to Black and White, as well as color negative film with different ISOs. Since all the thinking is done before the photographer takes the picture, the book is ideal for this millennium's 35mm photographers that use one-hour processing labs. Since all the exposure decisions are made ahead of time (before the picture is taken), the technique saves the digital photographer many hours that he or she would waste behind the computer trying to figure out what he/she wanted to capture in the first place. The highest level of math required from the reader to understand this book, is to be able to multiply and divide a number by two. Also in the fourth edition (with the Lotus flower on the cover), a special calibration section is added to the end of the book for all those photographers who have spent a few thousand dollars on their D-Slr and are consistently getting underexposed and unacceptable images.
The fourth edition also includes Digital footnotes and assignments for photographers using manual digital cameras. The book also includes Digital as well as 35mm exposure cheat sheets for Canon EOS 5D, Canon EOS 10D, Canon EOS 20D, Canon EOS 30D, Canon EOS A2/A2e, Canon EOS Rebel TI, Canon EOS Rebel XT, Canon EOS Rebel Xti, Canon PowerShot G5, FujiFilm FinePix S7000, Minolta Maxxum 5, Minolta Maxxum 7, Minolta Maxxum 9, Minolta Maxxum STSi, Nikon Coolpix 990, Nikon Coolpix 5700, Nikon Coolpix 8700, Nikon D50, Nikon D70, Nikon D80, Nikon D200, Nikon F4, Nikon F5, Nikon F100, Nikon N70, Nikon N90, Nikon N6006, Nikon N8008s, Pentax *ist-D, Pentax 645N, Pentax MZS, Pentax PZ1P, and Sony DSC-F717.
Customer Reviews:
A very useful Book to begin Photography........2007-08-24
The Confused Photographer's Guide to Photographic Exposure and the Simplified Zone System
I am a beginner to the world of photography.The reason for me to buy this book was the difficulty with getting a correct exposure to suit different lighting conditions and objects.
After reading this book now I am able to get a correct exposure and make it quickly.
This is the best book I read which is intended for beginners as well.Book provides a lot of details in a very easy to understand format.Ample graphics are used and the Author gradually takes the reader from very basic exposure techniques to more advanced ways.Further he provides some quick steps as well.
Great way to de-mystify the field of exposure.......2007-06-03
I ordered this book as I felt that I was getting nowhere with my undrrstanding of exposure. Over the past few months I agonized over which ones to buy and after much searching I have to say that this book is up there at the top.
The author has also been generous enough to answer my questions on his system and provided me with some answers that are worth their weight in gold!
Thank you Bahman for de-mystifying the subject of exposure and thank you for helping me on the road to improving my photography!
Great book.......2007-05-14
This book assumes that you know very little and then takes you through to teaching advanced techniques in getting the correct exposure every time. A well written book.
Wow -- This is the book to have on the subject of Zone Systems.......2007-05-12
I was familiar with the Zone System, which is used to draw out more detail in a photograph. In fact, you can find a fantastic description of the process on Wikipedia.
In a print system where you have a white paper that turns black when exposed to light, you expose for the dark parts and use dark room processes to get the light parts.
In a digital system, things are reversed because you have a black starting point that turns white when exposed to light. As such, one exposes for the lighter elements and use digital software to post-process the darker areas.
Things become a little confusing though when you are trying to remember what you're trying to do and you realize your meter isn't giving you the reading you want.
Meters expose to 18% grey. Humans, for some reason, perceive this amount as 50%. That is, if you see black and you see white, what you'd call 50% grey in the middle would actually be reflecting only 18% of the light falling on it. Weird, I know. Anyhow...
Anything you point your camera's meter at, it will try to adjust the tone as 18% grey. As such, you first have to learn to see the tone independent of color. This book teaches you how by showing numerous examples along side of extremes.
Once you're pointing your camera's meter at the right place for the zone system to work, you then have to compensate for your meter not knowing you did that. Once again, the book gives plenty of examples, shows all combinations possible, and teaches you several ways to think about the problem so that you know whether you need to expose more or less and by how much.
To top it off, not all camera models work the same way with notation. For instance, if your camera says +2, does that mean that you are adding two stops to what the meter is reading? Or, are you indicating that the meter is two stops more than what you want? The answer is that it depends based upon your camera, and that's covered too.
Once you've got all the mechanics worked out, the book then covers the zone system and works into more advanced applications of it, and then touches on the artistic aspects.
There's lots of big pictures on sparse pages to specifically reduce confusion and deliberately designed not to overwhelm the reader with details that aren't needed for that example. Conversely, during discussion moments, complete coverage of the topic is provided in a very approachable manner.
Two thumbs up for the author of this book. I wish other authors would cover subject matters as clearly and coherently.
A users review.......2007-02-08
Ask many different photographers for advice and guidance on learning the zone system (as I did) and you will get as many different replies. Also, many books written on the subject unnecessarily complicate their explanations and therefore discourage beginners. Considering that exposure is the most important concept in all of photography, anyone with more than a passing interest and a desire to create beautiful pictures will sooner or later arrive at the door of the zone system. Photography and the zone system go hand-in-hand like red wine and steak. I had purchased at least 4 different books on the subject and still been confused until I read the book by Mr. Farzad. Within 1 hour I suddenly realized how simple it all was and was wondering why it hadn't been explained so simply before this publication! Copiously illustrated with simple diagrams I would defy anyone to not understand the zone system after the first read of this book. For the past 4 years I have been teaching photography at my local college and I use the simple explanations as taught in the book with my students. Within an hour or two, 90% of the class find the zone system it simplicity itself. Do yourself a favor, stop being confused and read this book, your pictures will benefit almost instantly. I would have no reservations at awarding this book 10 out of 10.
Book Description
World's first book written to illustrate the on-camera spot metering technique for 35mm, Digital, and Medium Format photographers:
All types of metering systems used in different cameras (with the exception of the on-camera spotmeter operated by a skilled photographer) use a "cookie-cutter" approach to photographic exposure. What this means is the camera meter measures the various tones of your subject, and then averages all of the tones in order to come up with an overall exposure. Sometimes the overall exposure works and sometimes it doesn't. With this approach, the ball is in the camera's court and in many instances the photographer has no hand in the final look of the image. With on-camera spotmetering, the photographer uses a "tailored" approach to find the correct exposure for a very specific subject. With this approach, the skilled photographer interprets the spotmeter readings from the subject and establishes the correct exposure that captures the desired image (what the eye sees) on film. The consistency and flexibility of the narrow-angled spotmeter makes it the most powerful and versatile exposure tool in existance today. The only catch in using a spotmeter is that the photographer must have the skill to use this powerful tool correctly and effectively. The Confused Photographer's Guide to On-Camera Spotmetering does just that! It is simple, easy-to-follow, and uses a common-sense teaching approach to the material. With more than seventy full-page illustrations, it is designed to get the beginner and the intermediate photographer started in a couple of days. I assume that you have a camera with a built-in spotmetering (partial metering) feature. I also assume that you have a ninth grade education and are willing to learn. To facilitate your learning process, I have included a two page cheat sheets for each of the following cameras: Canon EOS 10D Digital Slr, Canon EOS 20D Digital Slr, Canon EOS 3, Canon EOS A2/A2E, Canon EOS Elan 2E, Canon EOS Elan 7E, Canon EOS Rebel 2000, Canon EOS Rebel Ti/300V, Canon PowerShot G3 Digital, Canon PowerShot G5 Digital, Minolta Maxxum 5, Minolta Maxxum 7, Minolta Maxxum 9, Minolta Maxxum StSi, Nikon CoolPix 990 Digital, Nikon CoolPix 995 Digital, Nikon CoolPix 4500 Digital, Nikon CoolPix 5700 Digital, Nikon Coolpix 5000 Digital, Nikon Coolpix 8700 Digital, Nikon D70 Digital Slr, Nikon F4, Nikon F5, Nikon F100, Nikon N50, Nikon N55, Nikon N60, Nikon N6006, Nikon N65, Nikon N70, Nikon N75, Nikon N80, Nikon N8008s, Nikon N90/N90s, Pentax *ist, Pentax *ist-D Digital SLR, Pentax 645N Medium Format, Pentax MZ-S, Pentax PZ-1P, Pentax ZX-5N, and Sony DSC-F717 Digital. If your camera is not listed here, you will still be able to learn the technique and apply it successfully.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book.......2007-06-05
Until I had this book one takes photographs that the camera takes. After reading this book you can be in control. The Author gives a very detailed and easy to understand explanation of why some photographs don't turn out the way we expect them to and tells you how to manipulate the new electronic exposure meters built in to today's cameras.
I recommend this book to all budding photographers. That's the only way to pay tribute to this book and author.
One of the best photo buys I ever made...........2007-05-09
After reading this book, I feel as though a veil has been lifted. I always wondered why my photos, although looking good, just lacked a certain "something". My camera, a Rebel Ti, does not have spot metering. Now I am able to understand how to do spot metering with a partial metering system.
I never thought about "tonal" quality as it applies to a photograph. Now I can look at the computer generated settings and make the necessary manual adjustments to take tone into account.
Very good purchase.
An excellent beginer's guide to understanding exposure.......2007-01-16
I have read this book withing two days.
I am somewhat experienced at taking pictures but this method is easy to follow and remember.
After reading this book I went out during the night to take a picture of a bridge in the city of Warsaw. The picture was perfectly exposed and it did not need any adjustments from its raw settings.
Some people might find that this is sometimes too easy or repetitious but I suppose this is what is needed to get the points accross.
One last word about the excellent tips at the end of the book and the appendices. I really appreciated the tips on how to photograph silhouette of a person, see through cloth lit from behind or fireworks.
I truelly recommend this book if you want to see the light with exposure.
If you never shoot on "manual" this book is for you.......2007-01-15
This book covers in details all one will ever need to know in order to get the correct exposure from the camera. Don't get confused by the title, it's not how to use the spotmeter, it's rather how to evaluate tones and make manual corrections (override the meter reading)to get the proper exposure. Those that don't have the spotmeter (like Canon Rebels), can use the partial metering, just zoom all the way through, to narrow the angle.
Yes this book is oversimplified, as some readers have already stated, so even the second graders would be able to read and understand it :) There are too many explanation and repetition, author even assumes that you have a hard time to make a division by 2 :)
On the other hand I've found analogies (like FedEx and Train examples)very helpful. The book really does what it promises to, to help the reader to understand how to get the correct exposure. No matter what you level is, you will definitely understand the concept, author makes it extremely simple.
I would highly recommend this book for beginners, or those that never shoot on fully manual. For people that understand the 18% gray and know how to override camera settings, there is nothing new.
Compared to other Bahman Farzad book "The Confused Photographer's Guide to Photographic Exposure and the Simplified Zone System". Those books are 98% the same. The later is some what expended version of the "The Confused Photographer's Guide to On-Camera Spotmetering". I would recommend against buying both of those books no need for that. I think the later book (the extended one) is a better choice, as it also has a new and updated edition available on February 2007.
Compared to "Understanding Exposure" by Peterson. Peterson book doesn't go into much details, I felt like author tries to stay away from complex subjects, it's excellent book never the less, but not for beginners. Those books can't be compered directly, since they cater for different audience. For those that never used fully manual, I would recommend to start with Farzad book and then progress to Peterson book.
Excelente for begginers.......2007-01-11
An excelente book for begginnners and amateur photographers who want to know the basics on exposition.
Book Description
Konica Minolta's new digital SLR camera-called the Maxxum 7D in North America and the Dynax 7D elsewhere-offers many unique digital SLR features. Magic Lantern helps users thoroughly understand all its advantages, and goes beyond the user's manual with complete instructions for operating such innovative elements as the exclusive Konica Minolta Anti-Shake System, exposure compensation settings, white balance controls, creative focus control, auto exposure, and honey-comb metering system.
Customer Reviews:
Magic Lantern.......2007-04-19
Great book with a lot of information. I have a Maxxum 5D but the book still applies to my camera.
Very Informative!.......2006-07-14
This book is not only more detailed and informative than the documentation that came with the camera, it helped me understand the differences between digital and film photography. I now see digital photography as an art form in it's own right, and I can't wait to embark on this new journey.
An Excellent Work on an Excellent Camera!.......2006-06-27
The Konica-Minolta Maxxum 7D or Dynax 7D was a groundbreaking camera from a groundbreaking firm. This volume will give you everything you need, by way of information and diograms to smoothly master this Legendary Camera.
Magic Latern is well known as an excellent source of information...and this work, by Peter K. Burian, is well written and well conceived.
I would recommend it along with The PIP Expanded Guide to the Maxxum / Dynax 7D by Chris Weston.
Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D/Dynax 7D .......2006-05-22
This book is very good. A lot more info than the instructions that came with the camera. Helps you understand the functions and how to operate your new camera. This book is a must for using your new Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D/Dynax 7D.
Real Value-added .......2005-10-19
Definitely goes beyond the owners manual providing useful perspective on how to get more out of the numerous controls and customizing options for this fine camera. Also a useful guide for improving your photos.
Customer Reviews:
Nice book!.......2007-06-19
I learned alot more of my 7D after using it almost two years! Good quality!
More Excellence!.......2006-06-27
This volume, from Photograghers Institute Press (PIP) is a tremendous resource. It gets you right into the workings and magic of the legendary Konica-Minolta Maxxum 7D...known oversea's as the Dynax 7D.
Very well illustrated and a lively, fun read. Keep your camera with you and follow along and things will make perfect sense.
Chris Weston deserves praise and does justice to this superb camera...as mentioned now something of a legend.
Also mentioned is my thought of combining this book with Magic Lanterns equally fine volume on the Maxxum / Dynax 7D. They are similar in facts yet differ in delivery and presentation and (I feel) compliment each other wonderfully.
Sony has now picked up the Konica-Minolta line, as of 1-April -2006. Their new design, based on the Maxxum / Dynax 9D is now on the market. Yet Tens of thousands of loyal Konica- Minolta followers will be happy to know Sony has not foresaken the K-M Divison...they have, in fact, incorperated them into Sony and the partnership can only be fruitful.
Long live the Maxxum / Dynax 7D!
Average customer rating:
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MINOLTA DYNAX/MAXXUM 9XI (Hove User's Guide)
Hove Foto Books , and
Heiner Henninges
Manufacturer: Amphoto Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| How-to
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Equipment
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1874031150 |
Average customer rating:
- To bad these books are the only choice
- Good book for beginner photographers.
- Very Simple Guide Book
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Magic Lantern Guides: Minolta Maxxum Xtsi & Htsi (Magic Lantern Guides)
Thomas Maschke
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Reference
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| How-to
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Magic Lantern Series
| How-to
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Equipment
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1883403545 |
Book Description
Beginning photographers who want a camera that's right for mastering the fundamentals--but with enough options for growth--just can't do better than the Maxxum XTsi and HTsi. Fully automatic and remarkably compact, they'll enable anyone to take amazingly sophisticated pictures...immediately! * Compare models, including all their features and custom functions. * Easy-to-understand instructions explain lens use; choosing and loading film; automatic settings and manual photography, plus focus, metering, and exposure control. * Get the best out of flash photography. * Examine all the possible accessories. There's even advice on presenting the wonderful photographs these cameras take! 176 pages, 24 color illus., 75 b/w illus., 5 x 7 1/2.
Customer Reviews:
To bad these books are the only choice.......2005-09-28
I know they are written for the novice--but even the basics are not explained well
Good book for beginner photographers........2000-07-07
I recently purchased the Minolta XTsi/HTsi guide, and I beleve it was very helpful. The Minolta XTsi camera I purchased is the first camera I have ever really handeled, and the book helped me understand what each button did, and how to use each function. It also helped me learn how to create better photographs with my camera. I really reccommend it if you have purchased either camera or are thinking about it. It has helped me out alot.
Very Simple Guide Book.......1999-07-22
This book is too simple, does not tell much about each function of the camera. The manual that came with the camera is actually enough.
It is alright to buy this book if you loss the manual.
Customer Reviews:
Overpriced book..............2006-12-09
Konica Minolta 5D is no longer in production so finding this book will be getting harder. Fortunately I brought mine's on a sale rack. Overall, I would say that reading this book is so much easier then reading the instruction booklet. The book reads well and explained how 5D work and why. Its well written so I was able to get a faster grasp of 5D then I would have reading the instruction booklet that came with the camera. However, it doesn't add much more to the instruction booklet and it definitely not worth the $13.95 that Amazon is asking for.
One thing I find bit puzzling is why all the photos in these books are in black and white. Why bother with b/w when explaining color shots?? Yes it cheaper to produced the book in b/w but that will defeat the purpose of such a book.
If you can get it super cheap around the same time that you brought Minolta 5D like I did, it well worth reading it since its superior to the instruction booklet that come with the camera. However, if you are already an long time 5D user, this book will offered little or no insights into the 5D that you don't already know. If you can get it super cheap, it might be an semi-useful reference guide. It also might go well if you decide to sell your 5D some day and add this book with the camera.
Otherwise, this book serves very little purpose for anything else.
disappointed.......2006-05-18
I was looking for a "how-to and why" book with step by step instructions on using the 5D and this book did not measure up to my expectation. A good marketing sales book for Minolta.
Average customer rating:
- Good, wish there was more..
- Good book, not very helpful for the QTsi
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Magic Lantern Guides: Minolta MAXXUM 800si/400si/300si (Magic Lantern Guides)
Thomas Maschke , and
Peter Burian
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Reference
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| How-to
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Magic Lantern Series
| How-to
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Equipment
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 188340357X |
Book Description
Minolta makes an SLR camera for you, whether it's the practical 300si or 400si series or the new professional-quality 800si. Tips and techniques not in the manufacturer's instructions show how to get the most from your camera's high-power built-in flash, PC terminal, rear-flash sync, and illuminated on-body LCD data panel, as well as its built-in intelligent card, and multiple memory functions. Give a magical, professional look to everything you shoot--people, animals, or nature. 176 pages, 30 color illus., 120 b/w illus., 5 x 7 1/2.
Customer Reviews:
Good, wish there was more.........2002-09-20
Have had this book since it came out. Believe Peter Burian did a better job on the 700si book than this one but still there is a ton of technical information to be gleaned from it.
From page 73 through 175 it majors on all the fine points of the 800si.
Don't understand flash ratios; Program Modes; Exposure Compensation; Custom Functions; Metering Techniques then get this book as it goes into much detail.
Of course when you're through reading the book you'll need to go out and experiment with film to see how well you've applied yourself.
Only drawback I find is that the book has no index, so I found my self marking the book up quite a bit for cross-referencing purposes.
For the money----- get the book.
Good book, not very helpful for the QTsi.......2002-03-19
I was looking for a book which would tell me more about the QtSi. But what this book has is merely a rehash of whats there in the user manual for the book. SO , its not helpful in anyway. However, it covers the 8000Si, in detail, so it may be helpful for someone who wants to know about the 8000si. but fo rthe Stsi and the QTsi, its just a waste of money.
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The Confused Photographer's Guide to On-Camera Spotmetering (The Confused Photographer's Guide to . . . Series) (The Confused Photographer's Guide to . . . Series)
Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition)
Perfect Exposure: Jim Zuckerman's Secrets to Great Photographs
Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition)
The Practical Zone System, Fourth Edition: For Film and Digital Photography
