Nikon D70s/D70 (Magic Lantern Guides) (Paperback)

by Simon Stafford (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Digital SLRs are the hottest cameras on the market, and Nikon’s interchangeable lens, D70, is one of the best, delivering superb image quality at an excellent price. Make the most of its many capabilities with this guide to all the fundamentals, plus information not even covered in the camera’s instruction manual. With the Magic Lantern at hand, photographers at all levels will find it extremely easy to master the exclusive selection of new features that distinguish this revolutionary model, and to work with digital technology. From handling the lenses to coordinating the camera with the computer, from taking a basic picture to understanding different file formats and resolution, it’s all here.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Lark Books (August 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1579906184
• ISBN-13: 978-1579906184
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #265,731 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 99 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars An extended Owner's Manual, November 9, 2004

By	Thomas P. Warner - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book seems to be an expanded version of the owner's manual for the D70. It could be that my expectations for this book were unrealistic; however, I found little in this book that was not already covered in the owner's manual that comes with the camera. The book is relatively devoid of examples as well as photos. For someone who is a novice, there are very few step by step instructions. The explanations of the technical workings of the camera are good; however, for those who are looking for tips and insight into how to take photos in specific circumstances with the D70, this book seems to fall short. If you are someone who has lost their owner's manual and want a good (or better) replacement, this is the book to get.

68 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars More or less a rehash of the D70 user's manual, December 28, 2004

By	Gadgester "No Time, No Money" (Mother Earth) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

It's really unfortunate that this Magic Lantern guide is nothing more than a better-written replica of the D70 user's manual.

On the plus side, it *is* better written than the half-Japanese, half-English manual that comes with your Nikon D70. The topics are covered more logically and explanations of the features are given more clearly. You also get a few sample photos (e.g., fill-in flash, multiple-flash) that give you an idea about what some of the features may do to your photographic work.

But beyond rehashing what's already covered in the manual -- and replicating exactly the same tables -- the book doesn't offer any practical advice. For instance, how exactly should we use the i-TTL flash to improve flash photography? What metering system *really* works? What settings can improve the image quality of my pictures? These are not explained at all.

If you are looking for a good D70 guide with practical advice, check out Thom Hogan's self-published e-book "Complete Guide to the Nikon D70," on his website bythom.com. (I'm not affiliated with Hogan or his website in any way.) Hogan's e-book is more expensive but also much more extensive, and he gives you concrete recommendations you can use (e.g., set sharpening to none, now!). Hogan's book is about 3.5 stars; if he had written and/or edited better and included a few real-world sample photos, I'd rate it 4 or 4.5. In any case, that e-book is better than this Magic Lantern guide.

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding book - highly recommended!, June 5, 2005

By	Benjamin Gordon "A Desert Dweller" (Phoenix, Arizona United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have no idea what the previous reviewers are doing comparing this book to the owner's manual, much less calling it a "re-hash." I guess they must have received a different manual with their camera than I did. I found the stock manual to be poorly written, vague and epidermal at best. Crappy photos and illustrations. Way lame, especially for a $1G+ camera. This book features clear and concise explanations, outstanding photos, and a far more comprehensive and lucid discussion of camera technique and use of controls. Plus, the author is unafraid to chide Nikon for certain decisions and provides useful work-arounds to most challenges. I purchased the book a week before I received the D70 and, boy, I'm glad I did. You will be, too. Highly recommended and well worth the double-sawbuck!