Photographer's Guide to the Leica D-Lux 4: Getting the Most from Leica's Compact Digital Camera [Paperback]

Alexander S. White (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2009

The Leica D-Lux 4 is one of the most capable and versatile digital cameras of all the "point-and-shoot" models currently available. However, its profusion of menus and controls and its ability to perform so many photographic functions, coupled with a user's manual that can be hard to decipher, have led to frustration for some photographers in learning how to use the camera to its full potential. Photographer's Guide to the Leica D-Lux 4 is the first guidebook that explains the features and capabilities of Leica's widely acclaimed compact digital camera. Written in plain English and illustrated with numerous color photographs and illustrations, the book covers all features, functions, and controls of this remarkable camera. This guidebook goes beyond the owner's manual to provide step-by-step explanations of topics such as autofocus, aperture priority and shutter priority shooting, recording video, exposure compensation, using flash, and the various methods of viewing pictures. It also covers more advanced topics not addressed at all in the owner's manual, including infrared photography and street photography. In addition, the book discusses selecting and using accessories that are available for the camera, including cases, filter adaptors, and external flash. The book also includes a quick-reference section that sets out step-by-step guides to how to accomplish certain common photograph tasks, such as taking a portrait, taking action shots, or using the self-timer, for those users who need to start taking pictures without taking time to dig through the user's manual to find the correct settings. The book provides information that is hidden in the user's manual or not even mentioned at all, such as a short-cut method for navigating the menu system and the tricks to using the camera's small but very useful joystick control to the best advantage. The book provides patient explanations, guidance, and useful information for the beginning photographer as well as for the more advanced user who wants to enjoy the greatest possible return on his or her investment in this premium-quality camera.

Product Details

• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: White Knight Press (November 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964987538
• ISBN-13: 978-0964987531
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #255,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > Computers & Technology > Digital Photography & Video > Camera Guides

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I found the missing manual!, November 4, 2009

By 

J.R. "J.R." (Silicon Valley, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Photographer's Guide to the Leica D-Lux 4: Getting the Most from Leica's Compact Digital Camera (Paperback)

This is the kind of book I wish Leica included in the box when I bought my D-Lux4 camera. What I like most about this book is the fact that the author manages to use an informal - I'd almost say friendly - style while still providing a comprehensive and thorough coverage of the camera's features. Nothing has been left aside.

Before digging in the book, my initial concern was that it would be one of these books that just paraphrase manuals, and don't provide any added value apart their weight of paper. Starting from the first chapter and on, I quickly realized that this wasn't the case with this book. You can sense that the author is communicating with you his experience and enthusiasm about that camera, and photography in general. The book goes to the essential of each feature, and the author doesn't forget to share a few tips and insights.
It's a good complement to the user manual which can be terse and which doesn't explain much in terms of concepts. This book makes a good job at filling that gap, with its hands-on approach. Less theory, more practice!

This book is very readable: not too light that you'd think it's just a big cheat-sheet of some kind, and not too dense that you'd fall asleep and feel the urge to put the book back on the shelf! Some of the intimidating or even obscure features of the camera are well explained, encouraging you to use them. I feel that I was learning something, as if a friendly person was really trying to show me and teach me something about the D-Lux4.

Another plus, is that the format of the book makes it convenient to go around and have it handy when on trip. In other words, a good field book. I think that anyone who bought a D-Lux4 should do themselves a favor and grab one copy of this book.
A rare book, and hopefully a good example to follow by other authors. Highly recommended.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars DLux 4 - A Comprehensive Manual, November 4, 2009

By 

Julius T. Santos (Macau) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Photographer's Guide to the Leica D-Lux 4: Getting the Most from Leica's Compact Digital Camera (Paperback)

I personally own a Leica DLux 4 and my biggest complaint was that the manual that comes with the camera was not only poorly written but lacking in depth.

This book is easy to read, comprehensive with detailed instructions on how the camera works and what makes it tick. I am sure that Leica DLux 4 owners will appreciate the time and the effort that was taken to make this available.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST for the Leica or Panasonic Lumix LX3., January 29, 2010

By 

Jonathan Merdin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Photographer's Guide to the Leica D-Lux 4: Getting the Most from Leica's Compact Digital Camera (revised edition with black-and-white photographs) (Paperback)

The documentation that was included with my newly purchased Lumix LX3 fell somewhere between vague and incomprehensible. When I found this book on Amazon I figured it couldn't be any worse. If Leica and Panasonic were smart they would include the book with the camera purchase. It has unlocked the full potential of the camera to me. I went from ambivalence to real enthusiasm for this wonderful pocket-able camera. The book is well written. It is clear and precise and actually corrects errors in the manufacturers documentation as well as describing features not included in the OEM manual. If you buy either the Leica or the Panasonic Lumix LX3, BUY THIS BOOK.