Customer Reviews

Digital SLR Masterclass (Handbook Series)

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Apparently the guy from Norway is a world-renowned photographer who doesn't find this book "advanced" enough for his expertise, but I disagree with him and think this is a very good book for the d-SLR shooter who wants to be a *photographer,* not just a gadget freak.

The book covers topics that anyone with a d-SLR would like to master:

- should I shoot in RAW or JPEG? The author discusses both formats in detail and offers *real-world* advice (hint: he's a middle-of-the-roader)

- what should I do with the exposure histogram? Finally, this book offers the most detailed and helpful information I've seen regarding histograms. Lots of real-world examples are given to show you how to interpret the histogram depending on the shooting situation. If you thought you should always try to get "twin peaks" in the histogram for the "correct" exposure, you'd better pick up this book and I'm sure you'll benefit tremendously. Plus general exposure tips, too.

- with my expensive d-SLR, how should I conduct myself out in the field? The author covers what to bring and what not to bring, etc.

- plus other stuff which is more general but presented in an easy-to-understand format, e.g., digital photography basics, digital darkroom general guidelines, etc.

Of course, if you are already a master photographer like our world-famous guy from Norway, you really don't need this book. In fact you don't need any book since you are already a master. Rouse's book is really for those of us who are just amateurs but would like to either improve their photo skills or turn pro someday. This book is not about manipulating images in Photoshop or PhotoImpact; it's about getting the most out of your d-SLR. This is also not a book about photography (or even digital photography) in general, but about getting the most out of your d-SLR. (I know, I repeated myself, on purpose.)

BTW, this book is agnostic about the brand or model of d-SLR you may use. I have the D70, and I do wish the author had included some more model-specific information.

In summary, I find the great info on RAW vs. JPEG and on how to use the histogram properly very beneficial.

I have been shooting pictures for over 30 years and making my living at it for over 20. I switched to digital 3 years ago and was getting bogged down in the workflow, terminology and technology, could barely comprehend the manuals and didn't have time to take a class. This book was exactly what I was looking for, that is, someone to take me by the hand and guide me through the new digital tools I was working with. It is not aimed at beginning photographers, but rather the experienced shooter who is about to or has switched from film. I read most of the book on 3 hour plane ride and figure it to be the best 25 bucks I've spent in long time.
Thanks Andy Rouse!

When you by a book with the word masterclass in the title you expect that the books aims at the semi pro/pro user/reader. that is not the case with Andy Rouses book it is aimed at the total beginner...with large typograhy, stupid looking info boxes and dull images it has more the look of a childrens book than a masterclass book for intermediate/experienced users. I really, really regret i spendt money on this useless product...my advice : stay far, far away from this book.

I just recently borrowed this book from the library and I think it's great for what it is. To a certain extent I agree with the idea that 'masterclass' would describe the book, but it does go far outside the scope of the average snapper, so to them it would certainly seem in those realms. Basically it gathers a whole bunch of concepts, tips and techniques that you could take ages to gether on the internet or from magazines and collects them in one place. Considering the price of a decent photographic magazine I think it does it's job nicely. It basically focuses on the transition from film to digital. If you know nothing about photography or the digital world then I think it would seem fairly advanced. It's value is as a magazine style reference that lets you know that you haven't made the wrong decision going over to digital and arms you with all the stuff that you can use to jump on those photographers that you might bump into that will not succumb to the digital world. Is it a book for you? If you're shooting a Rolling Stone cover next week, then probably not, but if you are a keen amateur photographer or in the semi/professional who is nervous about 'going digital' then you could do worse to have this on your shelf.