Digital Photography Pocket Guide

Rating:
Summary: Well done, useful reference.
Review: A decent camera and being in the right place at the right time is probably 80% of getting a prize shot for a hobby photographer. This slim little book covers tips for selecting and knowing a decent digital camera (Section 1:What is it?), advice for difficult situations when you are in the right place at the wrong time (Section 2:What does it do?) plus the extra 20% (Section 3:How do I?).

Small enough to tuck away in your camera bag or purse, this book will be a useful reference for the amatuer photographer whenever they don't see the expected result on the LCD monitor. Filled with great advice on different lighting and flash options, use of filters, camera options and other methods to capture the pictures you want to keep.

Read it through in about 45 minutes, then keep it handy. You'll want to look again. Very helpful.

Rating:
Summary: Well done, useful reference.
Review: A decent camera and being in the right place at the right time is probably 80% of getting a prize shot for a hobby photographer. This slim little book covers tips for selecting and knowing a decent digital camera (Section 1:What is it?), advice for difficult situations when you are in the right place at the wrong time (Section 2:What does it do?) plus the extra 20% (Section 3:How do I?).

Small enough to tuck away in your camera bag or purse, this book will be a useful reference for the amatuer photographer whenever they don't see the expected result on the LCD monitor. Filled with great advice on different lighting and flash options, use of filters, camera options and other methods to capture the pictures you want to keep.

Read it through in about 45 minutes, then keep it handy. You'll want to look again. Very helpful.

Rating:
Summary: The best digital photography investment you'll make.
Review: Digital cameras are subject to the same fate as many film cameras: folks are excited to get them and love to take snapshots, but can often be disappointed with the results. The wildlife that seemed so very close at the time turn out to be tiny specks, or you get the perfect portrait of your toddler niece only to find out her skin comes out blue. Fortunately, this is a situation where a little learning can go a long way, and this pocket guide by professional photographer (and MacDevCenter.com editor) Derrick Story may be the best investment you make in your photography.

I should be clear about my own bias here: I work with Derrick at O'Reilly, and I've also been a client of his photography business. That said, I also know that he has an unwavering passion for photography and technology, and he's a great teacher. It's a winning combination for this little book. Digital Photography Pocket Guide distills the essentials of digital photography in a friendly and yet complete portable guide. It's jam-packed with tips and examples and covers an amazing variety of digital camera features.

The guide goes beyond camera features, though, and discusses situations in which you might use them. What should you consider when planning a museum visit? What are some general rules of thumb about composition? This book helps you get the most out of your camera, and the most out of the photographer.

One problem with most how-to photography books is that it's difficult to find the information you need when you're actually in the process of taking photos. That's why I especially like the comprehensive "Quick Reference Charts" in the Appendix of this book. It's all right there. The book is small enough to take with you, but still big on content.

At last, an O'Reilly book that my not-so-technical family can appreciate!

Rating:
Summary: Digital Photography Pocket Guide
Review: Excellent book, perfect for carrying with your camera. Well presented in an organized fashion. Just the facts, brief and to the point with many examples (black and white, not color, but good enough). Covers all the usaual digital photography basics and common problems plus a lot of extra suggestions and techniques. I would recommend this book to any one who feels they need a concise reference "on the road".

Rating:
Summary: Finally!
Review: My Sony DSC-S85 was a Christmas gift last year. I've taken literally thousands of photos with it and deleted 80% of them. I've managed a few lucky shots that have impressed people who don't know any better, but my experience thus far has been frustrating at best and maddening most of the time. The owner's manual identifies the components and features, but is written for someone who knows what aperture and exposure and white balance mean and do. Bottom line, I don't. Or at least I didn't until I read this guide in a single sitting. Believe me, I've tried other books. They, too, were written for someone much less ignorant about photography than me. No, I'm not stupid, but this "hobby" was beginning to make me feel that way. Mr. Story wrote this book not for the experienced or even novice photographer but for the completely-clueless-wanna-be-photographer. While the language is not demeaning or patronizing, it clearly explains the common photography terms to which I'd never been exposed and tells me what they mean in terms of creating a viewable, viable photo. Finally, it all makes real sense.

Will I use this Pocket Guide as intended? You bet! It will be wherever my camera is at all times. I may understand it all now, but I won't remember it until I've used my new knowledge a few times. I highly recommend this book for anyone who possesses the most basic digital or the poor fool who, like me, owns way more camera than they think they'll ever know what to do with!!

Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: This was a great book for me. I learned a lot from it and I think it could help anyone

Rating:
Summary: Get snappin' quickly
Review: With three kids, photos are important to me as I want to capture many times of their lives so we may reflect on them with a visual aid. A good photo does make a difference. Again, with three kids, who has time to read a book or take a class to become one with a camera? This book fills that need.

It has three simple chapters with quick reference tables in the back of the book. It's small enough to fit into your camera bag, laptop case, briefcase, suitcase, or jacket pocket. The chapters address what is it?, what do I do?, and how do I? questions.
What is it? covers the basic, intermediate, and advanced features found on digital cameras. It's the shortest chapter as once you get familiar with the features, you won't need the chapter anymore and you still have roughly 85 pages of material to support you when you're out there trying to capture the world you see.

Once you've conquered the buttons and figured out what most of the symbols and modes mean, you're ready to dig deeper into the features and gain control of the camera with answers to your what does it do? types of questions relating to exposure and Flash compensation, white balance, ISO speed, and resolution.

The last chapter is more free flowing as you and the camera have become one. Get tips on taking outdoor and group shots including sporting events where players are moving fast. Capture kids, travel spots, and wedding memories with class. As kids grow up, you may not return to the same places, and weddings happen only once (we would hope, unless it's a renewal of vows).

Adding this book to your camera tool bag is a step forward to better pictures and a better understanding of those fancy photography terms - which aren't a big deal after you read author Derrick Story's simple and clear explanations.