Learn the Nikon D70  Camera for 5 Bucks (Learn...for 5 Bucks)

Rating:
Summary: Really An Extended Quick Start Guide
Review: First, I purchased this guide primarily out of curiousity, so I really can't be too disappointed with it -- but I certainly did hope for something more.

Simply put, the book is an extended "quick start guide" for using the D70 primarily in automatic ("A") mode.

In fairness, the book has a few nuggets that go beyond the "A" on the dial and simplify the Nikon manual: e.g., setting up night shots or action shots, and shooting close-ups or portraits. It also provides quick instructions for using popular functions such as the self timer, which aren't always easy to find in the manual. And, its illustrative photos for finding and identifying controls, buttons, etc. on the D70 are very good, providing a better roadmap than the manual.

Unfortunately the book stops exactly where most D70 owners are ready for more: it has only two (very brief) pages covering manual and priority modes, with even briefer explanations for programs such as shutter and aperture priority settings. (It actually describes the manual and priority modes as "for pros only"!) It shows how to display a photo's histogram without any explanation of how to interpret or use the information.

In other cases, the book provides advice without any detail or instructions. For example, it advises reducing use of the monitor to extend battery life without any thoughts or suggestions on how, beyond using it "sparingly" -- it doesn't suggest reducing the auto off time for the monitor.

For someone who bought a D70 to really use its capabilities, this guide falls way short and will disappoint. For someone planning to use the D70 as a more sophisticated or more capable point-and-shoot camera, this book does present the basics quickly and directly.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect Primer
Review: This book is exactly what I've needed with my new Nikon D70. It is the perfect primer. The user's manual included with the camera was overly complicated and detailed, and the quick start guide with the camera gave too little information. This small book is just right for a novice/beginner photographer who wants to get familiar with the D70.

There are plenty of color photos that show clearly the various buttons and settings required for different functions.

If you want detailed, advanced instruction, look elsewhere. If you want basic, beginner information however, then this book is for you.