Digital Photography Pocket Guide (Paperback)

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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

Product Description

The Digital Photography Pocket Guide gives you the tools and the knowledge to take the kind of pictures you've always wanted. Consider it your quick-reference photo mentor that explains each of the camera's components, shows you what they do, then helps you choose the right settings to accomplish your goal. When you want to ask an expert, "How can I get that picture?", simply pull this handy guide out of your camera bag, backpack, or back pocket, and you'll find the answer quickly. The book covers everything from image resolution, flash modes, action photography, close ups and portraits, to memory cards, emailing images, and archiving. It's organized by three key sections: "What Is It?" "What Does It Do?" and "How Do I ...?" "What Is It?" is a quick reference to all those buttons on your camera. It's organized alphabetically and includes many of the familiar icons you see in your owner's guide and on the camera itself. This section helps you learn the difference between the close up button and the infinity mode. "What Does It Do" digs deeper into photo technique. How do you use those buttons and modes to take the photos you want? This chapter tells all. "How Do I ...?" includes 15 professional shooting techniques and explains them in easy to understand language. If you've always wanted to know how to shoot like a pro, but were intimidated by photographer's jargon, this section is for you.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 126 pages
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media; 1 edition (November 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0596004540
• ISBN-13: 978-0596004545
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #813,195 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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)

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)

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

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".