Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not enough depth or detail..., September 15, 2007
This review is from: Canon Speedlite System Digital Field Guide (Paperback)
I picked this book up at a local bookstore. Unfortunately I gave the book a quick look before purchase only to find it less than I have hoped once I got it home.
The book doesn't go in depth on any specific topic which is what one expects of a book dedicated to a specific niche on a specific product. The whole book reads like a couple of chapters from a more general purpose photography book rather than a book dedicated to the Canon 580ex and 430ex Speedlite System. Please note that other models are not mentioned and while they don't have all the bells and whistles of the new versions, they can be used with some minor tweaks. Too bad he doesn't even mention that.
Well, I do know why he didn't mention that...
The author never gets beyond using the flash system outside of E-TTL II mode where the camera uses the flash in automatic mode. While I think E-TTL II is good, it always isn't the answer. I cannot imagine he never mentions manual mode other than early on when mentioning the various modes available with the camera.
The good is he does describe the Speedlites a little better than the user manual (or at least in a more interesting style) in the first chapter. Some additional good is the wireless section and ratios but it does lack real detail but it is enough to get you started with the concept.
The bad is all the custom functions of the Speedlites are ignored. The examples of flash photography are generally not great examples and the explanations are totally lacking. There are no diagrams of how the flashes are arranged or what accessories are being used. Even if not possible for every shot, some should have been shown with the additional detail.
I also don't know why the book gets into posing techniques unless it is to broaden its appeal. That truly is not the function of a Speedlite. I would rather see some more depth in the use of fill flash which is a complicated thing to do well.
Overall the book is good for someone wanting a quick read to learn the very basics and get some start on more complex flash set ups using the Canon Speedlites at a modest cost. If you are familiar with the functionality of your Speedlites already, then skip the book.
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43 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must have for serious photographers, June 28, 2007
This review is from: Canon Speedlite System Digital Field Guide (Paperback)
I was put off by the other reviewers, after reading the book I am going to have to disagree with them 100%. The author first makes sure you understand the Speedlite product and goes over what each switch, dial and attachment does. This is done for both the 580 and 430 ex. Once you have an understanding of how it all works you quickly move into actually taking some photos (imagine that).
This section gives all sorts of tips, tricks and scenarios for using your new Flash, but also walks you through the technical side of it. I was particularly impressed with a photo being provided for each lighting style, that really shows how much effort the author put into this book.
One part that stuck out for me was the method of showing a picture, explaining how it was achieved and then giving you some tips to experiment from.. this had me breaking out my own 30D with the 580 Speedlite.
The book ends the numbered chapters with Simple Posing, a guide to setting up the best portrait shots. Very informative as it stepped past the camera and explains how to set up your shot.
A "rules of composition" section is where the book ends and I don't think a better section could have been chosen. After reading the book you get many tips, tricks and concepts but the composition section brings it all together and really leaves you wanting to shoot..shoot..shoot!
Overall I found this book to be very informative and highly recommend it for amateur photographers or professionals looking to extend their skillset.
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73 of 85 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Don't waste your money..., May 2, 2007
This review is from: Canon Speedlite System Digital Field Guide (Paperback)
I'm about 2/3rds through this book, and I'm so disappointed with it that I feel like throwing it in the trash. It's just little better than reading the boring manuals that come with either of Canon's two leading flashes--the 430EX and the 580EX.
The author basically gives you a manual, often repetitive, break down of each flash's feature (which you can easily find in the friggin manuals) and a lot of brief "you may," "you might," and "you should try," suggestions about using the flashes in different situations.
For example, he refers to using a flash diffuser throughout almost the entire book, but he nor his editor had sense enough to show an actual diffuser on a camera and how it may be used! I mean dang, how hard can that be! Not once does he show a lighting setup to illustrate the use of flashes. Instead he just falls back on the same old way of describing technical information--dictionary, manual style. His section on wedding photoraphy is a joke. Speaking from experience, I promise you will learn a lot more about using the 530EX by simpling Googling "530EX and wedding photography," that you will in the 4 or 5 paragraphs he devotes to the subject.
If this author is an accomplished photographer, why not do what writer/photographer Scott Kelby does and provide a series mini tutorials explaing how to set up and take a shot. Most beginners wanting to learn how to shoot with the flash(es) off the camera simply won't get a good understanding of the technique from reading this book. It just never dawned on the author to shoot some photographs that illustrate how to sync and use two flashes. Instead, like many photography writers, this author just assumes that providing his own well done shots is all the explanation you need.
I really think the author and publisher of this book know that beginning and intermediate photographers are seeking good information about flash photography, so they basically threw the book together without any critical thought about what learners will need in order to use flash photography effectively.
Again, I strongly advise you not to waste your money on the book. Search around for something better. I rarely give a poor rating for a book, but I just find this one seriously disappointing. If you think you must get it, I'll sell you my used copy for two bucks.
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