61 of 63 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very user friendly and helpful book, October 20, 2009
This review is from: Nikon D5000: From Snapshots to Great Shots (Paperback)
The D5000 is my second DSLR. I had a D40 for about a year and then went to the D5000. I purchased the Field Guide to the D40, to try to get a handle on what I could do with a DSLR. While the Field Guide had a great deal of information, it wasn't presented in a way that as easily understood by me. In contrast, this book is great. There are detailed descriptions of SLR features and settings specific to the D5000. There are even assignments to complete at the end of each chapter applying the knowledge on the concepts that were presented. I had a vague understanding of aperture, shutter speed, etc prior to this book. However, now I feel like I can actually implement the appropriate use of different techniques. There are many great pictures in the book as well that indicate the settings that were used to achieve the shot. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is not already an expert.
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45 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Could be useful, but it depends on who you are!, May 27, 2010
This review is from: Nikon D5000: From Snapshots to Great Shots (Paperback)
If you have moved to a Nikon D5000 camera from a point and shoot compact camera, then this book could be all that you need to see you through your photographic journey. The heart of this book addresses the very heart of photography; that is exposure, and the application of aperture control, shutter speed control, and sensitivity. On this fundamental topic Jeff Revell will take you by the hand, and through clear explanation and good photographic examples, he will explain these concepts in superb detail. Of course, the key thing is that he does so with the Nikon D5000 firmly placed as the tool to be be used to fulfil this understanding. For this aspect, the book deserves all of the praise it is receiving - well done Jeff. However, if you already know a bit about aperture control; shutter speed; depth of field and sensitvity, then you may need a book which offers more than this one does. In fact, I would suggest that if you have a reasonable grasp of these concepts then stick with the Nikon Manual and get a general photographic book which offers the level of technique you need.
I've knocked one star off of the rating, because in my view it offers some contradictions in advice which may not be helpful to its audience. If you are moving into SLR photography without the understanding of exposure that this book implies, then I really don't understand the advice given to shoot in RAW format. Yes RAW is 'better', but only in the sense that a Ferrari or Dodge Viper is 'better'. If your photographs are never going to see anything bigger than your computer screen or a 10*8 print, then stick to JPEG - every photo package under the sun handles JPEG, and you can email them off to Aunt Mary in Cincinatti without a care. The other advice given right up front to generally switch off all things automatic (white balance, etc), may be sound, but if you really need to understand about aperture and shutter speed, then manual white balance at Chapter 1 may be a step too far at this stage!
I'm going to knock off one more star. Jeff, why oh why have you decided to offer two more 'free chapters' for the book which need to be downloaded, but can only be accessed after registration at the accompanying web site? That's not free, that's ripping off us consumers. If the chapters were ready in time, which they were since you refer to them in the printed edition of the book, then put them in the book. It's simple! Also 'free' in my mind doesn't just mean $0, it means free of hinderance, free of the need to register,it means FREE.
In summary, a good book, and for some a very good book. Jeff, please revisit your thinking on 'Free'.
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33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must have for new Nikon D5000 users, December 1, 2009
This review is from: Nikon D5000: From Snapshots to Great Shots (Paperback)
I have the Sony DSC-V1 and Panasonic DMC-ZS3 point and shoot digital cameras as well as the Canon A-1 35mm but the Nikon D5000 is my first DSLR. Chapter One that lists changes to make to default settings to gain better control for taking more predictable shots is worth the cost of the book.
The book is very easy to read and quickly helped me to become very comfortable with using and optimizing the professional modes.
The sample photos provide great examples with specifics on settings and composition so you can take similar photos.
I purchased my camera about two weeks before I went on vacation to New Zealand and received the book a week later, so not only did it help me to accelerate my learning curve but I also used it as a field guide to review and take great photos that I will post here for your reference.
You will also be able to download two additional e-chapters that helped me to maximize the time lapse feature and the video mode.
In addition to being a good companion to the Nikon user guide with accurate references, it provides a good overview of digital photography.
As mentioned by other reviewers, at the end of each chapter there are assignments that really helped me to reinforce the material I read and to start taking photos with confidence.
I would highly recommend this book to any D5000 owner.
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