Digital Photography Pocket Guide, Third Edition (Pocket Reference (O'Reilly)) (Paperback)

by Derrick Story (Author)
Key Phrases: format card, infinity lock, zooming range, Digital Camera Controls, Chapterl Whatlslt, Erase All (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"... a must-have for camera owners." The Sunday Post, Dundee, December 29th 2002 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Even film diehards have a tough time resisting the instant gratification of the digital camera. Today's digital cameras are more affordable then ever before, and they deliver high quality images that are a snap to share. Plus, you can take risks with a digital camera you never would with a film camera. You waste nothing; there's no film required, and because you only print the pictures you need, digital photography is cost effective and environmentally friendly.

But to take full advantage of a digital camera, you need to be an experienced photographer and an expert at digital photography too. With more than 15 years of experience as a photojournalist, author Derrick Story brings you Digital Photography Pocket Guide, 3rd Edition. For everyone who owns or will own a digital camera (and that pretty much means everyone!), this is the perfect on-the-go guide for taking top-notch digital photos.

In this third edition of the bestselling pocket guide, Story expands on the basic photography techniques that he introduced in earlier editions, including an explanation of each camera component and what it does, tips for choosing just the right settings for your needs, and much more. This indispensable guide covers everything from how to shoot sports action, close ups, and night shots, to dealing with image resolution, archiving, and memory cards.

Affordable and portable, Digital Photography Pocket Guide, 3rd Edition offers full-color photographs, screen shots, and line art illustrating all the topics in the guide's three main sections ("Digital Camera Components," "Standard Camera Functions," and "How Do I?"). Contents are labeled A to Z for quick reference. There's also a comprehensive table of contents and index so you'll waste no time flipping to the specific information you need--whether you want to transfer images, make a QuickTime movie, or just figure out what purpose that mystery setting on your camera serves. There's even a section of easy-to-read reference tables for quick look-up of white balance settings, exposure compensation, camera mode explanations, and plenty more.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media, Inc.; 3 edition (August 23, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0596100159
• ISBN-13: 978-0596100155
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #248,756 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This item is part of The O'Reilly Pocket Guides Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally!, October 11, 2003

By	Peggy Howard "pbh5799" (Natalia, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Digital Photography Pocket Guide (Paperback)

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!!

46 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best digital photography investment you'll make., December 31, 2002

By	T. Miller (Sebastopol, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Digital Photography Pocket Guide (Paperback)

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!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Digital Photography Pocket Guide, December 22, 2002

By	"cakrom" (Riegelsville, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Digital Photography Pocket Guide (Paperback)

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".