Hi.

Finding the right book is often not easy and I'm in a bit of a quandry. I want a complete guide to digital photography, but I want it to be aimed at the serious user. Let me explain.

I have a book by John Hedgecoe (which I can't locate at this precise moment) which I think is called the Complete Guide to Photography, or similar. It covers cameras, including medium format for example; lighting, including studio flash; aperture, shutter speed, depth of field and all of those principals; accessories; film, including B&W; developing and printing iirc- although not to a massive depth; and subjects. Although it is "Complete" and starts with basic principals, it is aimed at the enthusiast.

What I want is a book on digital cameras that does pretty much the same thing- The types of digital camera (just for "completeness") the difference between CCD and CMOS although I know what each acronym means; Full frame and APS-C for example etc. etc. etc. and of course computer manipulation instead of darkroom techniques and printing information. I want the kind of book that actually explains why ghosting and flare are a particular problem with digital cameras because every lens bumf seems to mention it but it doesn't feature in the books I've looked at.

Now, I know that some of you are going to want to answer a couple of those specific queries and others will link to great articles on the net, but the point is that I like books. I like buying them, owning them and reading and referring to them, so if you can't recommend a book then I don't need your help at this moment but thanks anyway.

There's loads of books out there. I have a couple, but the snag is where digital is concerned they're often out of date as soon as they're published.

I'll let you know the books I have when I get back home. For now, though, consider looking at more general photography technique books to get you more up to speed with the whole thing, not just the "digital" side of it.

Oh, and if we get some good recommendations, I'll add them to the Hints & Tips thread.

I harp on about these, but try to see if there is a Magic Lantern book for your camera. They are very good - and are kind of a “missing manual” for your camera. It covers everything, even the hidden bits which some cameras will have.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss?url ... rn&x=0&y=0

Books - I love books too but they go out of date so quickly. Try HERE for some info on books. I know it's a url and you may have to register but if you can't find the photography book you're looking for in that lot I shall be most surprised

Of course I do have a few e-books I could send you......

Al

I have got the Magic Lantern book in mind, rest assured, Paul. Thanks.

More than just a book on better photographic techniques, I want a book that explains photography. I am now trying to treat photography as a hobby in its own right and not just something I do on a day trip. I would like to know more about lens design, although I don't necessarily expect to get that in the same book and things like that.

To me, it's the difference between knowing how to do something and WHY you do something and having sufficient depth of understanding to know not only WHY you do something but why it is better than something else, for example.

I know I could get this information from lots of books, and the internet, but I was thinking of a "Complete Guide" that is as modern as it can be.

Thanks for the input so far.

Wiki Clicky

Mark

Evening classes? Local camera club? You may learn more that way than from reading a book.

Right, from the comfort of my home office (not really, it's a complete tip actually), here are the two books I referred to earlier.

The Digital SLR Handbook by Michael Freeman
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: ILEX; Revised 2nd Edition edition (28 April 2008)
Language English
ISBN-10: 1905814178
ISBN-13: 978-1905814176

Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera by Bryan Peterson
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Amphoto Books; Revised edition edition (1 Aug 2004)
Language English
ISBN-10: 0817463003
ISBN-13: 978-0817463007

As you can see, the last one hasn't been revised or updated that recently, but as far as general photographic techniques are concerned it's a well-written book that is easy to digest and has stunning images as well.

The first book has plenty of technical stuff about how digital cameras work, about how to set up your computer for colour and retouching, and loads of other very techy and useful stuff. I found it invaluable when I first got my 400D, but I've not really looked at it since. I suspect, while a lot of it is still valid, a fair amount of the tech info has been superseded by recent developments.

Either way, I recommend both books. But bear in mind that I personally have learned more about the hobby by listening to podcasts and reading blogs than by reading the books I own.

I think I have this one.
I was going to check this evening after work, but it's the one that Heather recommended to me way back when.

Mark

Thanks for that.

As noted, I like a book. I always have books around- I'm on my third novel since last Thursday- and always buy at least one good book on any activity that I choose to take up.

I have a very good, but very dated book on film photography and was hoping for one that is similar in nature but aimed squarely at photography today. The book I have is not only dated on technology, but on subjects as well. I can't seem to find it at the moment but I wouldn't be surprised if some of the example pictures in it were taken in the seventies.

The more I study this subject, the more I see many terms or issues that are specific to digital photography and I have no reference book. The Web is wonderful but I hate reading long-winded stuff on screen. I like it to expand on a subject or issue I am already aware of, but I just can't be bothered searching through so many different sites just looking for random bits of information.

I will give those books a look, Heather and the Magic Lantern book is on my shopping list, Paul- I thought that my wife might have bought it for my birthday, which is one reason why I don't already have it.

I have considered a club and I have no problems with joining one. I will give it some serious thought.

Me too.

How about a subscription to something like Practical Photography? I think its about £40 a year for 13 issues with a free gift. Every month you'll get advice on a new technique, info on new tech, user guides, etc etc.

I've just started buying magazines again. I haven't done that since I first started SLR photography and they are great for inspiration, ideas and keeping up to speed on kit, but-

First of all, I haven't found one that I like enough to consider buying it occasionally, let alone taking out a subscription and second, although they do offer lots of great advice, the one I like most of all for its practical content (DSLR Photography) has far too many articles on individuals. This month there is an article on Michael Jackson's official photographer (yawn) an article on a sports photographer (great pictures, but I'm not interested) and a top US photographer who shoots celebrities and animals- GREAT pictures, but about 12 or 14 pages of it.

If they could make a great photo tips mag that was about £2 and only had gear and tips in it then fair enough or £3 and ONE article, but I don't need three articles in one magazine, thank-you.

I know that many people use this type of material to inspire them- that's great, but the standard of pictures submitted by readers is enough to inspire me (and make me feel inadequate) let alone THREE articles on professionals.

I am still looking for the mag that I like and value magazines for keeping up to speed rather than for learning.

A thought occurs. Despite my years of experience with computers and long-time reading of Custom PC, I am learning one hell of a lot from studying (after a fashion) the Comp TIA A+ book that I have. Does anyone know of a photography course that would include in-depth content not so that I can study for it, but buy a course book that explains things from a technical as well as practical viewpoint?

Is learning all this stuff going to make you a better photographer or enjoy the process any more than you do now?

It's actually got nothing much to do with technique, I just think that aiming to be an expert (or at least highly competent) photographer should involve knowing more about the kit you have so that you can choose the right piece of kit at the right time and know why it's the right kit.

I thought about this the other day and call it "the Grenade Principal"

I could (if I had one ) give my 9 year old a grenade, tell him to pull the pin and throw it as far as he can. He would have little or no idea of what it was, how it worked and what it would do but after showing him, I am sure he could throw grenades. With practice, he could even throw them accurately.

Understanding the different types of grenade- WP, stun grenades, fragmentation- requires showing him each type and telling him of their capabilities so that he can choose the one he needs at a certain time. The SAS wouldn't be popular chucking WP into a room full of hostages!

Then there are different models and he might want to know the history of hand grenades because they are useful and he finds them interesting.

If he understands exactly how they work, then he is able to use them how he wants- a popular action is to shorten the fuse (or was). And can even have some input if he thinks that they need improving.

Then, the really important part- Why should he want to throw grenades in the first place AND when shouldn't he throw them.

I don't know why it was grenades, it was just an example of a very simple activity with LOADS of background implications.

Now, I keep reading blurb about lenses- the number of elements in the aperture, ghosting, flare etc. This is the sort of stuff that is supposed to help you make a decision and while I know what it is, I have a limited idea of what it MEANS. Now, I am not stupid and I guess that I do know what ghosting and flare is but it keeps getting mentioned that it is a particular problem with digital cameras. WHY, FFS? And a colleague explained something about the number of blades the other night, so I am getting somewhere.

And besides all this, I like reading and there is no harm in having a good book (or two) on my shelf.

After more than 11 years of SLR photography, I am not sure that anything is going to stop me making stupid mistakes or put an artistic bone in my body, but understanding everything that I can won't hurt anything.

Your point is taken, Prof and I know that one day with someone who know what they are doing is probably worth ten books, but I'll settle for one or two good one(s).