Review of Canon EOS 30D Guide to Digital SLR Photography (Paperback)

David Busch set out to write a book wich will help 30D users understand both the features of the camera and digital photograhy in general. It's the only book on the 30D that I know of that doesn't read like a manual, especially beginning with the fourth chapter.

Busch does a really good job of trying to break down what making photo instead of what taking a photo is all about. He gets beyond the manual approach which is not an easy task when talking about a particular camera. He makes a good attempt to explains important points about exposure, lens types, and lighting. Some parts of the book could use more illustration and step by step examples, but overall it's very readable for novice and intermediate 30D digital photographers.

It's very nicely laid out with lots of white space for writing notes and underlining. The photos included in the book are not spactacular, but some are very useful illustrating the points he tries to make.

I would imagine that this book would be very useful to read along side Busch's other book on pro level digital photography secrets.

Product Description
If you own a digital SLR camera, then you're serious about photography. As an avid photographer, you owe it to yourself to make the most out of your cutting-edge equipment. Somewhere between the tedious user manual full of technical garble and the generic how to digital photography books is the ideal guide to your EOS 30D. Welcome to that guide! Canon EOS 30D Guide to Digital SLR Photography provides you with a concise introduction to the most important features specific to your EOS 30D, explaining not only how to use them but also why and when. Filled with full-color images to illustrate results in various settings, this book also helps you enhance your digital photography skills with techniques specific to the EOS 30D.

About the Author
With more than a million books in print, David D. Busch is a best-selling author of books on digital photography and imaging technology, and the originator of popular series like "David Busch's Pro Secrets" and "David Busch's Quick Snap Guides." He has written six hugely successful guidebooks for Nikon digital SLR models, and the most comprehensive manuals for dSLRs from Canon, Sony, and other vendors.His many other books devoted to digital photography include "David Busch's Digital Infrared Pro Secrets" and "Mastering Digital SLR Photography."As a roving photojournalist for more than 20 years, he has illustrated his books, magazine articles, and newspaper reports with award-winning images. Busch has operated his own commercial studio, suffocated in formal dress while shooting weddings-for-hire, and shot sports for a daily newspaper and upstate New York college.His photographs and articles have been published in magazines as diverse as "PhotoGraphic," "Popular Photograph & Imaging," "The Rangefinder," and hundreds of other publications.He's also reviewed digital cameras for CNet Networks and Computer Shopper.

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Review of Digital SLR Pro Secrets (Paperback)

I've read several of Busch's plethora of books about digital imaging; however I think this one is his best hitherto. Great all around discourse, excellent tips, excellent explanations, great examples, very resourceful (and funny) "secrets."
What I like the most is the level of detail he gives and further, as a reader I feel the author really wants me to comprehend and understand the concepts at hand. I know there are more tips/"secrets" that can be covered in ANY book; however, the ones "exposed" (pun intended) in this primer are the most commonly used and necessesary to take better advantage of whatever DSLR and glass you might own. Also, I really enjoyed and learned quite a bit from the equipment testing section which I think is necessary in order to have a better understanding about the limitations (or lack thereof) of your DSLR.
If the above sounds like it's over your head, I then refer you to Busch's other book "Mastering Digital DSLR Photography," for a proper introduction to the subject.

Product Description
Have you mastered the basics of digital SLR photography and are ready to take full advantage of the unique tools and capabilities that digital SLR cameras have to offer? "Digital SLR Pro Secrets" shows you how to combine your artistic skills with your growing photographic proficiency as you capture compelling images. Today's digital SLR cameras are less expensive and more sophisticated than ever, but along with these special features and capabilities come special challenges that need to be embraced and used to improve the excellence of your work. Learn how to increase the image quality of your photographs and get all the sharpness, broad tonal range, and accurate color rendition that your camera is capable of. Gain a real understanding of how telephoto and wide-angle lenses work and how to use them creatively. And discover in-depth information on exciting topics such as infrared photography, macro imaging, using studio lighting, and how to produce special effects with your dSLR camera. Each chapter features tips and tricks from the pros, including how to create your own gadgets and equipment to really maximize your camera's capabilities. A comprehensive illustrated glossary features definitions and explanations of key photography terms and concepts and helps provide clarity as you work your way through the book. With "Digital SLR Pro Secrets", you will discover how to take great pictures in the camera as you harness all of the amazing tools right at your fingertips.

About the Author
With more than a million books in print, David D. Busch is a best-selling author of books on digital photography and imaging technology, and the originator of popular series like "David Busch's Pro Secrets" and "David Busch's Quick Snap Guides." He has written six hugely successful guidebooks for Nikon digital SLR models, and the most comprehensive manuals for dSLRs from Canon, Sony, and other vendors.His many other books devoted to digital photography include "David Busch's Digital Infrared Pro Secrets" and "Mastering Digital SLR Photography."As a roving photojournalist for more than 20 years, he has illustrated his books, magazine articles, and newspaper reports with award-winning images. Busch has operated his own commercial studio, suffocated in formal dress while shooting weddings-for-hire, and shot sports for a daily newspaper and upstate New York college.His photographs and articles have been published in magazines as diverse as "PhotoGraphic," "Popular Photograph & Imaging," "The Rangefinder," and hundreds of other publications.He's also reviewed digital cameras for CNet Networks and Computer Shopper.

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Review of Quick Snap Guide to Digital SLR Photography: An Instant Start-Up Manual for New dSLR Owners (Paperback)

Always eager for something to read in English, I picked up several of this author's books on a recent visit to New York.This one I actually got for a friend of mine back home, but I found myself totally absorbed in it on the plane ride.What a great idea this is!

You'd think that digital SLRs are too "advanced" a topic for a simple book like this one, but Busch obviously recognizes that many DSLRs are going to be purchased by people who have never held such a camera in their hands before.They are so affordable now that it just makes sense to get one and gain all the flexibility and expandability they offer, rather than invest in an expensive compact digital camera with far fewer features.

But what do you do when you're confronted with all those buttons and dials, and, even, a lens that comes right off the camera and can be replaced with another one?I'd say you should read this book.It starts at a very basic level, never talks down to you, and provides exactly the kind of information that new DSLR users need to begin taking pictures.I wouldn't recommend this book to experienced DSLR owners.It's really too basic for them.But that's a good thing for everybody else.

Product Description
If you're a serious photographer, you know that no other camera offers as much sophistication and versatility as the digital SLR. The drawback to this sophistication comes in the form of tedious and lengthy user manuals that can make it difficult to find the essential information you need to get started. Quick Snap Guide to Digital SLR Photography provides you with a concise introduction to the most important features of your dSLR camera. Each topic is covered in two- or four-page spreads with plenty of illustrations and images, making it easy to follow along. Eliminating the frustration of timeconsuming user manuals, this book is the ideal guide for any new dSLR owner who wants to start taking great pictures right away.

About the Author
With more than a million books in print, David D. Busch is a best-selling author of books on digital photography and imaging technology, and the originator of popular series like "David Busch's Pro Secrets" and "David Busch's Quick Snap Guides." He has written six hugely successful guidebooks for Nikon digital SLR models, and the most comprehensive manuals for dSLRs from Canon, Sony, and other vendors.His many other books devoted to digital photography include "David Busch's Digital Infrared Pro Secrets" and "Mastering Digital SLR Photography."As a roving photojournalist for more than 20 years, he has illustrated his books, magazine articles, and newspaper reports with award-winning images. Busch has operated his own commercial studio, suffocated in formal dress while shooting weddings-for-hire, and shot sports for a daily newspaper and upstate New York college.His photographs and articles have been published in magazines as diverse as "PhotoGraphic," "Popular Photograph & Imaging," "The Rangefinder," and hundreds of other publications.He's also reviewed digital cameras for CNet Networks and Computer Shopper.

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Review of Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT Guide to Digital SLR Photography (Paperback)

Really does a nice job of explaining all the features of the camera.
Part of the book covers the same info as the Canon owners' manual, but with much expanded detail (and you don't need a magnifying glass to read it!).Where the author explains each setting/menu option it has a nice BIG photo showing the button or camera display. Where there are different options, the author explains the purpose of each setting and why you might want to select it.
The book contains lots of color photos. Included is a decent discussion of accessories (flash, lenses, hoods, software, etc.
The book is printed on nice quality paper, with plenty of room in the right-hand margin for your own notes.
I paid a lot for the camera, might as well learn how to use all the features I paid for!

Product Description
If you own a Digital Rebel XT, then you're planning to do more than just take the occasional snapshot. You're serious about photography. As an avid photographer, you owe it to yourself to make the most out of your cutting-edge equipment. You want to conquer the features of your Digital Rebel XT and you also want to take amazing photographs - and you want to do both now! Welcome to the guide that can lead you to each of these goals. Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT Guide to Digital SLR Photography provides you with a concise guide to the most important features specific to your Digital Rebel XT, explaining not only how to use them but also why and when. Filled with full-color images to illustrate results at various settings, this book also helps you enhance your digital photography skills with techniques specific to the EOS Digital Rebel XT.

About the Author
With more than a million books in print, David D. Busch is a best-selling author of books on digital photography and imaging technology, and the originator of popular series like "David Busch's Pro Secrets" and "David Busch's Quick Snap Guides." He has written six hugely successful guidebooks for Nikon digital SLR models, and the most comprehensive manuals for dSLRs from Canon, Sony, and other vendors.His many other books devoted to digital photography include "David Busch's Digital Infrared Pro Secrets" and "Mastering Digital SLR Photography."As a roving photojournalist for more than 20 years, he has illustrated his books, magazine articles, and newspaper reports with award-winning images. Busch has operated his own commercial studio, suffocated in formal dress while shooting weddings-for-hire, and shot sports for a daily newspaper and upstate New York college.His photographs and articles have been published in magazines as diverse as "PhotoGraphic," "Popular Photograph & Imaging," "The Rangefinder," and hundreds of other publications.He's also reviewed digital cameras for CNet Networks and Computer Shopper.

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Review of Canon EOS 40D Guide to Digital Photography (Paperback)

The book is about 300 pages dedicated to the 40D. The book is extremely detailed. Basically, everything you will need to know including the included software that came with the 40D. It's written in a very personal way from David Busch and its kinda like having him actually there. Highly recommended.

Product Description
As the new owner of Canon's most advanced intermediate digital SLR, you want to get started taking professional-looking photographs using all of the exciting features at your fingertips. "Canon EOS 40D Guide to Digital SLR Photography" is a concise introduction and guide to your camera's essential controls and functions, such as Live View, built-in dust reduction, and the blistering 6.5-frames-per-second continuous shooting mode that is an action photographer's dream. The book provides detailed instructions showing you how, when, and why to make optimized settings with the Canon EOS 40D's enhanced menus, which include a half-dozen versatile new custom functions.You'll learn about the camera's improved automatic focus, flash synchronization tricks, how to choose lenses that will provide the perspective and effects you want, and which exposure modes are ideal for each picture-taking opportunity.Packed with full-color images and examples that illustrate the recommended techniques and settings for your Canon EOS 40D, this book helps photographers of any skill level begin maximizing their equipment as soon as you open the cover!

About the Author
With more than a million books in print, David D. Busch is a best-selling author of books on digital photography and imaging technology, and the originator of popular series like "David Busch's Pro Secrets" and "David Busch's Quick Snap Guides." He has written six hugely successful guidebooks for Nikon digital SLR models, and the most comprehensive manuals for dSLRs from Canon, Sony, and other vendors.His many other books devoted to digital photography include "David Busch's Digital Infrared Pro Secrets" and "Mastering Digital SLR Photography."As a roving photojournalist for more than 20 years, he has illustrated his books, magazine articles, and newspaper reports with award-winning images. Busch has operated his own commercial studio, suffocated in formal dress while shooting weddings-for-hire, and shot sports for a daily newspaper and upstate New York college.His photographs and articles have been published in magazines as diverse as "PhotoGraphic," "Popular Photograph & Imaging," "The Rangefinder," and hundreds of other publications.He's also reviewed digital cameras for CNet Networks and Computer Shopper.

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Review of Mastering Digital SLR Photography (Paperback)

It's about time we had a book of techniques for using digital single lens reflex cameras.For a long time, only the pro photographers could afford a digital single lens reflex, and they mostly already knew everything they needed to about photography. But now that the Canon Digital Rebel is available for less than $1000, and the Nikon D70 costs only a few hundred dollars more, there are millions of serious amateur photographers who are moving up to a digital SLR and who need some tips on how to use them.

For example, I was completely in the dark about some funny spots on my photos, and I learned from this book that they are dust on the sensor and how to remove them.I also wondered about sports photography because shutter lag with my old Minolta digital camera made shooting action almost impossible.I got some great tips about action photography from this book and have already taken some great pictures at my son's basketball games.

I like that this book is aimed at the SLR owner, who is likely to be very serious about photography.It offers lots of tips and tricks that go beyond the mundane and show you how to use a digital SLR to take better pictures. Although the explanations are not complicated, the author goes into lots of depth, making this book very comprehensive.I purchased his previous book on Mastering Digital Photography, and found that this one had not much overlap, so I could enjoy both.It covers the topics with more of an SLR slant.

SLR photographers who are shooting digital must have this book to learn how to get the most from their cameras, and to pick up some valuable photography advice. I recommended it highly.

Product Description
Are you ready to use the new breed of digital SLR to go beyond point-and-click snapshooting and explore what it has to offer the world of photography? If you have already conquered most of a digital camera's basic capabilities and now wonder what to do with the enhanced features found in digital SLR cameras, this is a dream guide to pixel proficiency. Mastering Digital SLR Photography, Second Edition includes extensive updates that cover the vast improvements in technology in the last 2-3 years, including new camera models, raised bar on resolution, vibration reduction, new kinds of lenses, and more. It goes beyond the standard coverage offered in most general camera books, covering features and techniques specific to digital SLR photography. From initial discussions on hardware selection to professional-level tips and techniques for sports and action shots, this is the comprehensive guide that any photographer needs for refining their digital SLR skills.

About the Author
With more than a million books in print, David D. Busch is a best-selling author of books on digital photography and imaging technology, and the originator of popular series like "David Busch's Pro Secrets" and "David Busch's Quick Snap Guides." He has written six hugely successful guidebooks for Nikon digital SLR models, and the most comprehensive manuals for dSLRs from Canon, Sony, and other vendors.His many other books devoted to digital photography include "David Busch's Digital Infrared Pro Secrets" and "Mastering Digital SLR Photography."As a roving photojournalist for more than 20 years, he has illustrated his books, magazine articles, and newspaper reports with award-winning images. Busch has operated his own commercial studio, suffocated in formal dress while shooting weddings-for-hire, and shot sports for a daily newspaper and upstate New York college.His photographs and articles have been published in magazines as diverse as "PhotoGraphic," "Popular Photograph & Imaging," "The Rangefinder," and hundreds of other publications.He's also reviewed digital cameras for CNet Networks and Computer Shopper.

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Review of David Busch's Quick Snap Guide to Using Digital SLR Lenses (Paperback)

This book was a revelation for me! I purchased a fairly advanced digital SLR without having a lot of experience, and have been struggling with learning all the nuances of photography and the equipment used.Lenses have been one of the biggest puzzles.What lenses should I get?Why does one 70-200mm lens cost $300 while another one costs $1700?How do I choose among telephotos and wide angle lenses?This book answers all those questions, and a lot more.

It's arranged in two page and four page layouts, with each set of pages dealing with a specific aspect of selecting or working with lenses.There are chapters on improving the quality of your results with any lens, using filters, and the correct use of every lens control.I learned about "bokeh," depth-of-field, perspective, and how to shoot great close-up pictures with the lenses I already have.

I'm glad that there is a book that takes just one aspect of digital photography and goes into it in detail.This is a wonderful resource for anyone who has purchased a digital SLR camera and now needs to know how to go the next step with lenses.

Product Description
Are you ready to go beyond the basics with your digital SLR camera but are unsure which interchangeable lens or two to buy and more importantly, how and when to use each lens? "David Busch's Quick Snap Guide to Using Digital SLR Lenses" offers focused, concise information and techniques on how to use different lenses to take great photographs. You'll begin with a quick overview of how lenses work and the types of lenses available, including normal, telephoto, wide-angle, prime, and zoom. Then you'll explore typical lens controls and features such as focus rings, depth-of-field scales, and image stabilization, and how particular settings can help improve your photography. Once you have the basics down you'll learn how to create cool effects using lens filters and accessories, and how to select the best lens aperture for particular types of photos. Finally, you'll go in-depth with telephoto, wide-angle, and macro lenses. Each topic or concept is explained using a clear, two- or fourpage spread, and beautiful, full-color images illustrate the results of photographing with each setting, technique, or lens. A mini-glossary will help you define unfamiliar terms as you go. Get ready to enhance your photographs using the versatility of interchangeable lenses on your digital SLR!

About the Author
With more than a million books in print, David D. Busch is a best-selling author of books on digital photography and imaging technology, and the originator of popular series like "David Busch's Pro Secrets" and "David Busch's Quick Snap Guides." He has written six hugely successful guidebooks for Nikon digital SLR models, and the most comprehensive manuals for dSLRs from Canon, Sony, and other vendors.His many other books devoted to digital photography include "David Busch's Digital Infrared Pro Secrets" and "Mastering Digital SLR Photography."As a roving photojournalist for more than 20 years, he has illustrated his books, magazine articles, and newspaper reports with award-winning images. Busch has operated his own commercial studio, suffocated in formal dress while shooting weddings-for-hire, and shot sports for a daily newspaper and upstate New York college.His photographs and articles have been published in magazines as diverse as "PhotoGraphic," "Popular Photograph & Imaging," "The Rangefinder," and hundreds of other publications.He's also reviewed digital cameras for CNet Networks and Computer Shopper.

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Review of Adobe Photoshop CS3 Photographers Guide (Paperback)

OK, you've purchased a DSLR and either Photoshop CS3 or Elements. Now you want to know how you can best use your new camera to capture the best images you can, so that when you get them into Photoshop you'll be able to process them to their fullest potential and really get some impressive images, much better than the point n shoot crowd. You can spend 3 years and read nearly 20 books like I did, but who really has time for that? Isn't there one book out there that gives someone a good taste of all of the components of photography and Photoshop? Yep, this is the one! I've read it through, and comparing it to several other all-in-one guides to both photography and Photoshop, this is one of the best choices. There are many good soup-to-nuts Photoshop books out there, but not many of them teach how to optimize your photography skills to ensure the best possible image BEFORE firing up Photoshop. How do you get a great image out of Photoshop? Start with a great image. This book tells you how, and it's not just for beginners.

Pick this one up, even if you own a different version of Photoshop. It's a winner.

Product Description
Photography and Photoshop go hand in hand. Whether you're using a digital pixel-grabber or hanging onto a film camera, Adobe's revamped flagship image editor, Photoshop CS3, has the tools you need to fine-tune your photos and correct errors in exposure, lighting, and color balance. This full-color book is packed with effective examples, simple-to follow techniques, and tricks that serve as a jumping-off point to spark your own creativity into action. You don't need to be an ace photographer or Photoshop expert to create eye-catching effects through both traditional and leading-edge photographic techniques.Use easy-to-master Photoshop tools to: * Match colors between shots taken under wildly different lighting conditions. * Duplicate colorful "cross processing" darkroom effects. * Morph images to blend or distort them. * Add zoom lens blur effects without using a zoom lens. * Preserve all the key tonal values and separation between subjects in your monochrome images with new black-and-white conversion techniques.

About the Author
With more than a million books in print, David D. Busch is a best-selling author of books on digital photography and imaging technology, and the originator of popular series like "David Busch's Pro Secrets" and "David Busch's Quick Snap Guides." He has written six hugely successful guidebooks for Nikon digital SLR models, and the most comprehensive manuals for dSLRs from Canon, Sony, and other vendors.His many other books devoted to digital photography include "David Busch's Digital Infrared Pro Secrets" and "Mastering Digital SLR Photography."As a roving photojournalist for more than 20 years, he has illustrated his books, magazine articles, and newspaper reports with award-winning images. Busch has operated his own commercial studio, suffocated in formal dress while shooting weddings-for-hire, and shot sports for a daily newspaper and upstate New York college.His photographs and articles have been published in magazines as diverse as "PhotoGraphic," "Popular Photograph & Imaging," "The Rangefinder," and hundreds of other publications.He's also reviewed digital cameras for CNet Networks and Computer Shopper.

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