Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

MediaPedia review
An excellent book!Fun, while being very informative.Lots of pics and graphics as examples of what is being discussed help the learning.Highly recommended

Inspiration+technique+practice=Success
At the moment the two people in our house are fighting for face time with this book. I got the first look-see, and loved it because in combines clear explanations of what were mysterious concepts to me, like layers and filters, with clear explanation of design principles with projects that stress the importance in any art of practice. Now techie hubbie is glued to it, going page by page. So I'll go play with mediapedia.com!

Book for beginners
I may have misread the description of this book, but I assumed it was an inspirational book for professional designers/photographers. I found it far too simplified with very little new information for me personally. It is probably great for beginning Photoshop and digital camera users.

A reference and an inspiration
MEDIAPEDIA is a wonderful resource-- a tour of the creative frontiers of digital media... a collection of approaches and techniques each of which is a powerful tool... and a suite of demonstrations of creativity-in-practice.Like THE WHOLE EARTH CATALOG, MEDIAPEDIA has the serendipituous joy-- and the extraordinary utility-- of a Swiss Army knife.It's a delight that no student nor creative professional should be without.

Easy to read book to help every person in front of a keyboard up the ante on all their digital image creation
For full disclosure, I was a student of Kit's in grad school and have gotten in the habit of gifting his quite wonderful animation book to co-workers who are beginning to work in the field of digital media.

Kit has a flair for making even the most complex visual theories feel basic and has a deep rooted desire to share digital image making tools with everyone in his radius - thanks to the internet, it's a pretty big radius.

Mediapedia is an easy to read, workbook style book designed to help everyone use their available computer & digital tools in the creation & enhancement of media.Success is in the details and Mediapedia will help you master the techniques to perfect the details in both your personal and professional media creation. ... Read more

Product Description
Ideal for novice and experienced photographers alike, this introduction to the growing world of digital photography offers a visual approach to learning how to put any kind of digital camera to good use. More than 180 frames pair instructional text with photographs that illustrate each aspect of the latest trends in capturing digital photos, from identifying various parts of the camera to operating lens and flash exposure controls. Discussions are included for using memory cards, configuring ISO settings, and choosing the best camera. Created in a compact format, this fully updated handbook is an ideal companion for photographers learning on the go. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Too much money
This book is for someone who has never held a camera before.
I paid $30 for this small book, it is stamped usa $14.95 what a rip off.

All pictures
I got this book for my intro to photography classes I've been teaching.My students are mostly moms and dads who simply want to learn the basics of camera operation, functions, settings, and a few techniques.This book was helpful to everyone in my class because it's full of pictures, with just enough words to get the point across.A truly good basic photography book.Highly recommended!

As intuitive and user-friendly as a photography instructional manual can possibly be
Now in an updated second edition, Step-By-Step Digital Photography: A Guide For Beginners walks the reader through digital photography basics, from how to hold the camera to ISO camera settings, photography tips, tricks, and techniques, applying filters, camera care and cleaning, all about digital memory cards, and much more. Written in jargon-free prose, and dividing each nugget of information into a numbered paragraph with a full-color photograph to illustrate the point, Step-by-Step Digital Photography is as intuitive and user-friendly as a photography instructional manual can possibly be. Highly recommended.
... Read more

Product Description
A unique, full-color guide to the art of taking amazing photos with a digital camera

Aimed at photographers of all levels and ranges of interest, this new edition of Aaland's popular guide takes readers beyond the technology of the latest cameras and equipment to teach them the unique aesthetics of the digital image. Helpful examples explain how to take full advantage of RAW file formats, JPEG 2000, panorama automation, and more.

Mikkel Aaland (San Francisco, CA) is an award-winning photographer and author whose photography has been published in magazines and exhibited around the world.Amazon.com Review
A digital camera is functionally identical to a traditional film camera in all respects except image storage, right? Not at all, and Mikkel Aaland shows exactly why in his excellent Shooting Digital. He shows why digital cameras--the point-and-shoot variety as well as fancier models meant for professional photographers--are overall neither better nor worse than cameras of older design, and goes on to show you how to take advantage of their special traits. He shows how to compensate for their shortcomings, too, notably shutter lag (for which he documents a useful testing procedure) and color fringing. Though there's some coverage of creating animated GIFs, this book generally sticks to shooting time and leaves editing to other volumes.

Aaland never forgets that digital cameras should be more cameras than digital, and his book serves as an excellent photography text for hobbyists and aspiring professionals. The author's advice in this area is both technical (how to light a still life and how to best a strobe to eliminate shadows) and artistic (why kids should be encouraged to photograph other kids, and how you can use perspective to create weird effects). He's an accomplished photographer who obviously loves his work, and his enthusiasm for making art with a camera--and, for that matter, just playing with one--come through brilliantly. --David Wall

Topics covered: Photography--of objects, people, places, action, nature, and other subjects--as accomplished with a modern digital camera. Emphasis falls on the relationship between camera and subject, as defined by focus, lighting, composition, and motion. Further attention goes to image manipulation accomplished via camera settings (like white balance and exposure, and, a little bit, to post-shoot processing with image software. There's also nice coverage of the differences among various image file formats. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Excellent.
This is a fantastic book for newbies learning on DSLR. I recommend it to everyone.

for ambitious but ultimately amateur photographers
I found this to be a pretty well-balanced book that is targeted at amateur photographers that are trying to take their photos to the next level.The book is technique driven rather than focused on the hardware.Because the chapters are organized topically, it's easy to skip over some to get down to the meat of what interests you -- for example, I skipped over the portrait photography chapters to move on to the landscape/nature photography and techniques for night shots.The book is full of good tips and is fairly accessible, reiterating certain tips in-context, re-covering some basics even though the introduction says that it assumes you (the reader) will already know about them.

The book's biggest strength is definitely that it is topically driven -- having the focus on the techniques means that most of the tips will apply to you regardless of if you're shooting with a pocket-sized point-and-shoot, a "prosumer", or high-end DSLR.

It also does a decent job of covering "digital darkroom" work such as creating HDR images, re-touching white balance, etc.

The frustration I experienced with this book was that I was looking for more information about when to use specific aperture/shutter speed combinations and what kind of lenses work for specific situations.That said, the introduction does specifically state that it expects that you already have a decent background in photography and working knowledge of those techniques.To the author's credit, while he does not dedicate a chapter to apertures and shutter speeds, he does bring up "recommended settings" in context with detailed explanations of why he recommends them.There is also a few pages that detail "focal length equivalents" with respect to lenses.

By itself, this book is great; combined with Digital SLR Cameras & Photography For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)), they make a great miniature library for amateur photographers to learn and maximize their shiny new DSLRs.

Good book for taking digital photos - intermediate
It's a good book - easy to understand - not necessarily what a pro would need but very good for the beginner to intermediate.

Great for the intermediate digital photographer
This book is clearly not pointed at true beginners (and says as much).It fills a huge gap in the existing material, a book for the intermediate shooter.I teach a digital photography class at the local community college, and the author addresses most (if not all) of the questions that the more experienced students ask.My students are not professionals, many are beginners, and I recommend this book to any students that might want to continue their studies.The book is also not for the advanced photographer, is a great middle step for those that find "beginner" books to basic, and feel they don't quite understand some topics in "advanced" books.

Most up-to-date book for the "transitioning" photographer
Wonderful book for the experienced hobbiest/prosumer film photographer finally making the transition to serious digital work.I've been shooting film for 30+ years; however, I've been doing mostly digital "point & shoot" with a Lumix LZ2 for the last two years.I made the transition to a serious digital camera and technique a couple of weeks ago with the help of the author's second edition, published in 2007.

Highly recommended for all (with the exception of the beginner who will need to know the basics regarding f-stops, , focal-length, shutter speeds, ISO, and depth-of-field).If you're finally making the transition like me, you'll find this book enlightening to the point of rekindling the joy of photography. ... Read more

Product Description
Understanding exactly how a digital SLR (dSLR) works can help you use its exciting capabilities to their fullest potential. Whether you aim to become a serious photo hobbyist, are interested in turning pro, or want to take advantage of the improved control that dSLRs give you over your photography, this fun and friendly reference will show you how to maximize everything a dSLR has to offer so that you can improve your photography skills, increase your picture-taking and image-editing knowledge, and ultimately, take better photos.

Written with just the right balance of technology and techniques in mind, this guide provides you with the know-how on everything from getting acquainted with the basic key features of the technology (lenses, sensors and image processors, and exposure and focusing systems) to the nuances of various dSLR techniques (setting up speedy continuous-shooting burst modes to capture fast action, applying selective and sharp focus, and shooting under the lowest levels of light). Other topics explored include:

• Composing your shots with an accurate viewfinder
• Deciding how many pixels your camera needs
• Cleaning the sensor yourself
• Choosing between a tripod or monopod
• Adjusting exposure and improving shutter speed
• Creating time-lapse sequences
• Fixing murky or contrasting photos

With so much subject area covered, Digital SLR Cameras & Photography For Dummies, 2^nd Edition not only introduces you to the fundamentals of great picture-taking with a dSLR, but goes beyond the basics. Some of the more advanced topics discussed include working with the various formats of digital photos, minimizing shutter lag and first-shot delays, and fixing up your pictures with various image-editing programs. This is just the book you need to progress from getting started with a dSLR to actually improving your dSLR photography! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (62)

Excellent Book
This is a excellent book if you are new to photography as I am.It explains about the different pixels, the camera lenses.It talks about the accessory's for a digital.Also how to fix your images.I can go on and on, but if you want to learn the basics the you should get this book.I can't say enough about it.

Great book
This book was great! I was a total noob who wanted to learn everything about DSLR cameras and photography. This book made it super easy to understand and easy to learn.

Digital Slr Camera for Dummies
I found the book helpful in mamy ways, but didnot cover, in detail, all of the subjects I thought it would. I needed a book that goes in depth how to set different setting in the manual mode. It covered some subjects that were useful, I needed more information.I will keep the book in my library for future references

Too complicated
I am new to DSLR photography and I bought this book to learn about the camera's settings and how to take a good photograph.I am on chapter 5 and beyond lost.This book was a big waste of money.Do not buy this book unless you grasp technical details easily or are experienced in photography.

Turned off by the name but the book has helpful points
The book is better than it sounds.I have been taking pictures for years but didnt really utilize all the basic features.Many of the principles apply to Digital slr's as well.It is a quick read and sheds some light on bracketing for optimal pictures, better aperture settings for different effects, and more. ... Read more

Product Description
The Essential Computers series provides simple, visual references to all the computer skills you need, from word processing to the internet. Addressing the issues that thousands of new users face every day, the Essential Computers series helps them join the "Information Age." Each book in the series is geared toward solving a specific task by using the most up-to-date software available. Whether the issue is creating spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel or parental control of the internet, each lesson is taught in the simple, step-by-step style that DK made famous. The text is clearly illustrated with pictures pulled directly from computer screens, showing the reader what to expect at each stage. ... Read more

Product Description
The fourth in Pam Lessing’s popular technical manuals for the completely NONtechnical – how to edit, save and send digital photos.

Put away your old-fashioned camera, file those worn-out photo albums and get ready to send your photos to friends and family over the internet. Taking a digital photograph is not a problem for those who know how to use a camera. The question, what do you do once you’ve taken the digital photograph? This brand new title in Capital’s popular "First Week" series, will take you into the Digital Age! Now with this easy-to-read and use book, by the master of non-patronizing instruction, you’ll understand what is going on inside the camera when you take a digital photo, how to download them into your computer or web site, edit, send, and store them. Pamela Lessing makes clear all the wonders of digital cameras and the software programs that allow you to keep all those precious photos safe. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Intended for the first time owner of a digital camera.
This is the perfect book for the first time owner of a digital camera.The author explains basic terminology and how pixels and resolution effect the photographs, and guides the reader through how to transfer, edit, process and archive the photos.

It is not a guide on how to take photos, nor is it highly technical.It is designed for the first time user answering many of the questions and easing the confusion felt when entering the digital world.I am buying it for my sister-in-law and my 75 year old father, who both recently purchased cameras and are struggling with the understanding what resolution to use, how to print the photos, etc.

I wish I had this book years ago when I purchased my first digital camera.

A Book for Author's Friends Only
I'm afraid I for one cannot figure out the purpose of this book.It reads like something the writer should have simply photocopied and passed out among her friends. It is neither a very knowledgeable digital photography book, nor an amusing account of the author's introduction to digital cameras. (Shenton's illustrations are quite funny, however!)Lessing's description of memory fails to even mention SD or MM cards.Her description of photo software just covers her opinion of the few she has used.She's a Sony user who states there are no really good HP or Kodak digital cameras;although she admits her opinion there might become outdated, which it certainly has.Actually, the whole book is outdated, even though it was just published in 2003, and just hit my local library as a "new" book.Take my advice, which is no worse than the author's advice--take the money you would spend buying this book, and instead get a year's subscription to PC Photo magazine.PC Photo will give you the latest information on digital cameras, memory, scanners, printers and software...and will give you much, much more knowledgeable, as well as easy to understand, advice about picture taking, storage, editing and burning. ... Read more

Product Description
Here's a simple solution for learning how to get the most out of your digital camera, how to take better photos, and what to do with your images once they’ve been captured. Written by an award-winning photographer, How to Do Everything with Your Digital Camera, Fourth Edition is just the book you need! Loaded with clear explanations and step-by step-details, the book explains the different components of a variety of digital cameras and how to use them. Coverage includes flash and lighting tips, action and outdoor photography, various image-editing packages, and finally, organizing, storing, sharing, and printing digital images. The new edition of this best-seller has been updated to include details on removable storage devices and the latest utilities and photo-sharing facilities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Dave Johnson on Digital Photography
I'm only 1/2 way through the book but am very impressed with the presentation of the information.I have read & enjoyed his tips on Photography via PC World/Digital Focus. That led me to select this book and it has not disappointed me.To date I have owned and enjoyed a number of compact digital cameras but just reentered SLR photography after more than thirty years with the purchase of an Olympus E-620 DLSR.The major difference between this camera and my old 35mm SLR is the number of variables.Other than a through-the-lens light meter everything was under my control.Now, controlling the number of variables in any mode selection requires real thought to achieve the desired outcome.Dave Johnson has done a very good job thus far in describing camera settings versus desired outcome.He has related that info to typical DLSR settings.I highly recommend this book for folks like me trying to reenter the SLR world.

Beginers' Only
Very little details on camera useage to match SLR experience. Very little details in general. I did not find 3/4 of the material to be of value.

Wow....a book that covers everything
This book on digital SLR cameras covers just about everything: buying one, settings on the camera, taking shots, PhotoShop, programs, formats, editing, you name it. I love this book. As I am a casual nature photographer trying to get more serious about my hobby/art, this book was indispensible. It's even enjoyable to just sit down some rainy day to just read. Easy reading style, easy to understand, not condescending in tone. Genuinely helpful book.
Anyone entering the DSRL field may enjoy this book and find it highly helpful.

very pleased
So far I'm finding this book helpful.I've only used point and shoot cameras so far and I just purchased my first DSLR and have no experience with SLRs to begin with.I needed a book that DIDN'T assume previous photography (not snapshot) experience.This is it.I foudn the explanations helpful and am not worried about any technical errors mentioned in the previous reviews.Once I'm ready for more srious picture taking, I'll find other sources to make up for anyof the mistakes there may be in this book.All in all I think this is a good beginner basics book that covers quite a bit of material.

Good overall guide to digital photography
I like the overall layout, discussing various topics relating to digital photography. Have only read 1/2 the book and have already learned a lot, found new things to try, and new "accessories" I want/need to buy. :-)

As others have noted he does have some errors, some so obvious you wonder how they weren't caught, but then I've found errors in virtually every book I've ever read so I don't fault him too much for that.

I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking to understand more about how digital photography works, how to use their camera, memory, computer, etc. as an entire system to take, edit, store, and print photos. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Great book
I love this beautiful book.Mr. Barr offers many breath-taking examples.His writing style is chatty and encouraging.This is not a "beginners" Photoshop or photography book.He doesn't go into a lot of step-by-step detail about how he achieves his affects.Rather (in my opinion) this book is like walking around at the elbow of a very talented, friendly photographer, while he snaps many shots, chooses the the one he likes best, and manipulates it in his computer.He explains why he does what he does, both with his camera and Photoshop.This is a book I will treasure for a long time.

Pleasant reading that helps
The author delivers a lot of insight and jovially talks/walks you through the various aspects of his work-flow.
Bottom line, looking at pictures I processed during the period I was reading the book, I see some improved results.
There is much to be learned from this book regarding the appropriate philosophical approach to photography that seems to suit both fine art photographers like the author and amateurs like myself.

What I did certainly not enjoy is the low level of editing the book received. I red other "Rocky-Nook" books, and they also suffered from miss-numbered illustrations, but this volume excels in giving the feeling that you are reading a not proof-read copy: talk about pictures that did not make it into the book and even whole paragraphs and phrase sections that have been duplicated.

Though I am not a "Photoshop" user, all the techniques with the exception of the commercial tools easily translate the the tools I am using. More important than these details are the ideas related to the goal and spirit of the processing.

An all-inclusive digital camera guide for hobbyists, amateurs and fine art photographers alike.
In his rather charming introduction, "fine art" photographer George Barr related to the reader that ideally he be able to go along with each budding photographer and peer over their shoulder as they embark on each capture, to supply helpful advice. In this book, Barr instead conveys intricate details and steps on how to capture and enhance `artistic' photographs, instead of merely "shooting" commercial images or fixing "red-eye".Besides the basics of image capture, one learns specific tactics for taking a good shot, importing it into the PC--keeping the most image data possible--and then how to enhance the natural beauty of one's photographs.

The instruction on how to `mask' off a portion of a picture which does not need enhancement I found most illuminating; Barr used a picture of a rocky waterfall to illustrate his point, masking off the crystal-clear water and brightened the light to enhance the colors in the surround rocks, which before had been quite dark. The result was not a `skewed' or unrealistic picture, but one which matched more closely the way the human eye would view the scene.This is a must-have book for digital photographers.

Reviewed by Meredith Greene

Specifics on image editing from a pro interested more in creating fine art than mass production
FROM CAMERA TO COMPUTER: HOW TO MAKE FINE PHOTOGRAPHS THROUGH EXAMPLES, TIPS, AND TECHNIQUES deserves ongoing mention as a top pick applying practice to the theory of producing photographic art works. It follows the author's process, from the initial search for subjects to refining composition and editing images. Proof sheets and works-in-progress accompany polished images and offer specifics on image editing from a pro interested more in creating fine art than mass production.

Delivers on Half of Its Promise
If the marketing copy and text on the back cover is to be believed, Mr. Barr's book shares his insights on how to create fine art photos by following some detailed editing examples (in addition to working the scene, etc.). Yet only 8 of the 23 chapters include detailed workflows of his edits. (One can add 2 more chapters to the total -- 7 and 11 -- because they include some processing details.) And the author does not take the description of his workflows far enough; he's often content to explain the main steps in his edit of an image, and then skims over the rest of his detailed ("minor" as he calls them) edits to show the final image. I've seen a few other authors include a screen shot or two of their entire layer hierarchy for an image, and including something similar would have added more value to the book, allowing the reader to get a better grasp of just how much work is involved in making one of Barr's fine-art images. That would be more educational than simply stating that a number of minor edits and masks were applied to the image.

A few chapters look as though they were filler, in an attempt to make the book approach a saleable length. For instance, why include a chapter on the Lensbaby when Barr isn't particularly enamored of the accessory? Is the chapter included because the Lensbaby is a current fad in photography? And Barr feels necessary to include short chapters on a number of subjects -- people photography, portraits, a European trip -- that little of value to the book. They cause the book to loose its focus [no pun intended].

Lastly, I continue to try to impress on Rocky Nook to be more conscientious with their copy editing. (Tghis is the fourth Rocky Nook book that I've read and each has had its share of glaring typos or grammatical errors.) There's no excuse for a misspelled page heading for an entire chapter (Fruitr when it should be Fruit.) And the first figure in the Appendix spells histogram as historgram, for example.

Would I recommend this book to other photographers? Perhaps. I did find some useful information in the book, which is why I decided not to return it. There's some valuable advice on working a scene that you don't find in many other places. Just don't expect to find complete answers on how to create a fine art print. ... Read more

Product Description
You've just purchased your first digital camera and you're ready to start taking great pictures right away! Unfortunately, your basic reference-the manual that came with your camera-is full of cryptic information that?s either difficult to understand or too basic to translate into great photographs. You've just found your solution. Quick Snap Guide to Digital Photography gives you a concise introduction that covers not only the most important features of your digital camera, but also explains their function and purpose, detailing how to use them and, more importantly, why. Each topic is covered in two- or four-page spreads with plenty of illustrations that make it easy to see how to apply the techniques described. Appropriate for owners of basic, intermediate, and advanced digital cameras, new users will be shooting prize-winning photos in no time at all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very Helpful for a Newbie Like Me
I recently came back for a marvelous trip to Mexico City with lots of wonderful pictures from my simple Kodak point and shoot.

A loooong time ago I kind of understood some of the concepts needed to use manual settings. To be honest I don't remember much of that and every one who has seen the photos I took didn't seem to know that a $135 camera took them.

That said, I found myself bugged by the fact that this camera ate batteries - I was going through a pair everday. I found that if I took the batteries out of the camera when I wasn't shooting they lasted longer. This makes me suspect that the camera itself had a problem So I decided that I wanted to acquire something a little better.

That was the reason I got this book. I wanted something that would tell me what these new fangeled cameras were about as well as teach me some of the basics of using a camera and getting the most out of it.

Now let me be clear - this book is for someone who really isn't familiar with, or doesn't remember much about using a camera. The subtitle says it all: An Instant Start-Up Manual for NEW Digital Camera Owners. It helped me choose a really nice, versatile camera - the Panasonic FX18 and it gave me some ideas on how to use it. I gotta tell you the manual that came with my camera is for Sh--!

That said, this book is an informational guide and potentially a reference book. It's likely that it will end up sitting on your shelf so you might be better off checking it out of the library once or twice.

Excellent Prosumer reference new and prospective owners!
I would describe myself as a committed amature or a prosumer photographer.In the next few months, I will be upgrading to a digital SLR in the 6-10 MP range. But which one? I consider myself knowlegeable about photography, but the array of features of dSLR cameras was overwhelming. Which are going to be important to me, given my typical needs?

This reference was just what I needed!Using a generic composite illustration created (through the magic of Photoshop) from three or four different popular dSLR cameras, this book walked me through common features located on the camera body, as well as typical menu options.It explained what each feature does, in what situations you'd typically use/need that feature, and the advantages and disadvantages of "tweaking" that particular adjustment.Then, it moved on to different popular flash options, including different kinds of flashes, common settings, and how each works with the camera.

Finally, this book discussed various types of lenses, advantages and disadvantages of each, which are typically most (and least) expensive, and situations in which it does and doesn't make sense to purchase that lens.It also discusses ways in which a dSLR can work with lenses and flashes you might already own - even manual ones from film days.

This is not a book on how to compose a photograph, but rather, on the mechanics of actually setting the camera to capture your shot. It doesn't dumb things down, but it doesn't get into anything too mechanically or scientifically technical.(I don't want to BUILD a camera - just USE it!) It explains options in language that should be easily understandable to anyone who is a sophisticated enough photographer to want a dSLR in the first place.

I still don't know what model dSLR I want to buy, but, with this reference, I am now equipped to comparison shop.BUY THIS BOOK! ... Read more

Product Description
Digital photography is sweeping the country, and it’s easy to see why. You can take pictures of anything, do it quickly, see instantly what you got (or didn’t get), save only the stuff you like, and share your pictures as prints, on the Web, as a slideshow, or even on things like mugs and mousepads. A digital camera and the appropriate software let you

• Take wide-angle or closeup shots, indoors or out
• Know immediately whether you got what you wanted
• Delete shots you don’t like and retake them
• Improve your images on your computer
• Combine images into a montage
• Customize your pictures by adding special visual effects

Digital photography is fun, but whether you’re an old hand at taking digital pictures or still picking out your first camera, there are plenty of times when you know what you want to do and just want to figure out how to do it, right now. That’s exactly what Digital Photography Just the Steps For Dummies helps you do. It’s designed so you can quickly find the task you want to perform and follow step-by-step instructions to get the job done, right now. Loaded with full-color photos to show you what you can do, Digital Photography Just the Steps For Dummies helps you

• Choose the camera, lenses, and flash equipment that are best for the type of photography you want to do
• Compose good pictures regardless of your subject
• Scan and digitize existing photos so you can enhance or repair them
• Change the size or format of an image
• Adjust color, brightness, contrast, sharpness, and other attributes of a digital image
• Repair tears, creases, or scratches in a scanned photo, remove red-eye, and restore a faded image
• Use layers to alter an image, add text, or change the background
• Photograph items you want to sell online to show them at their best
• Sort and organize photos on your computer
• Print picture albums, make photo T-shirts, create a slideshow, or burn a video CD

When you’re looking for a clear set of instructions so you can get results right away, you want a Just the Steps For Dummies book. With Digital Photography Just the Steps For Dummies, you’ll find everything quickly comes into focus! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Helpful book
This was very helpful and answered the questions I had. I have several 'For Dummies' books and theyhave all been helpful.

Just the basics
This was a good introduction for those of us who were maybe leery of the digital camera revolution.It explains what to look for in a camera, how to use it and how to download to the computer.It's basically a more indepth camera user's guide. It, like the other book on the subject I own and reviewed (Perfect Digital Photography), talks about how to Photoshop your pictures after downloading them.

All in all, it is maybe a smidge too basic, but a good intro to digital photography.

Nicely done, and stays on target well...
I think I finally found a book I could give my dad if and when he ever decides to buy a digital camera...Digital Photography Just The Steps For Dummies by Frederic H. Jones.It's a very attractive work that doesn't stray from it's purpose.

Contents:
Part 1 - Acquiring Digital Photos: Selecting a Camera and Accessories; Setting Up and Using the Camera; Snapping Digital Pictures; Viewing and Transferring Images; Digitizing Existing Pictures
Part 2 - Editing and Enhancing Digital Photos: Manipulating Image Attributes; Fixing Common Image Problems; Repairing Digital Images; Adding Photo Editor Special Effects; Adding Photoshop Elements Effects; Using Layers
Part 3 - Choosing and Using a Printer; Organizing and Sharing Photos
Part 4 - Special Projects: Taking Close-Up Photos for eBay; Restoring Old Photos; Documenting Your Travels; Creative Mini-Projects; Index

The author's intent is simple:write a book for people who just want to do stuff with their camera and don't want to read 500 pages to figure it all out.Jones writes this book as a series of "steps" attached to each "thing" that you would want to do.Lengthen depth of field?Five steps to follow.Reduce battery usage?Two steps.Scan a photo using Windows scanner wizard?Nine steps...All very easy to follow and you'll get results in short order.

For the software manipulation of your pictures, he uses Adobe Photoshop in most of the examples.At first I thought that if you had some other package, you could just find the menu option that does the same thing.But for the type of reader that would have this book, they probably just want to follow directions and not dive deeply (yet?) into their graphics software.So if you don't have Adobe Photoshop, you may not get as much out of this book as you could.

Another thing I like about this book...It should appeal to a couple different types of photographers.The person who is making the leap into digital photography can use half the book to figure out how best to take pictures.The other person who has the camera but wants to start manipulating their pictures can use the other half to get some great digital images to show off to their friends.And if the bug bites and you get totally wrapped up in this subject, you'll have a solid foundation on which to build...

Nice book, extremely practical, and very easy to use... ... Read more

Product Description
The digital photography market has exploded to the point that consumers now buy as many digital cameras as traditional ones. Professional and amateur photographers are busy working out how digital technology can expand the pictures they can take and the way in which they distribute them, as well as how digital effects can dramatically alter shots after the fact. This wide new world of hi-tech photography has recently jump-started a bullish book market.

202 Digital Photography Solutions is for the hobbyist or pro who isn't necessarily interested in reading a book, but is very interested in getting all they can out of their camera. Using 2-5 page solutions organized by function (composing a shot, digital editing of images) and deals in expert's tips & tricks for every aspect of digital photography – from purchasing the best equipment for your needs to composing with a digital camera (knowing what kinds of clean-up or enhancement can be later done digitally) to creatively using digital special effects to create highly personalized images. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great advice!
Very useful guidance,hints and tips - really helps me get the most from my camera.

Veeerrrryyyy Basic
If you have a camera with any manual settings and know how to use them this book may be too basic for you.As another reviewer mentioned the images are poor quality, which can make it difficult to discern the point being made.

If you're new to photography in general this isn't a bad book.If you're beyond that look elsewhere.

Great information, but marred by problems
202 Digital Photography Solutions contains much useful information for anyone wanting to learn more about photography, including topics often barely touched on by similar books, e.g., caring for lenses.Yet the reader is not overwhelmed by useless detail.The information is well chosen and well organized, and the numbered "tips" layout is easy to follow.

There are two problems with this book.One is that the author's somewhat offbeat sense of humor eventually begins to grate on the reader's nerves.Must every pun and play on words be explored?He'll warn about creating "dark shadows" and then add ("like the tv series").And on and on.

The other problem is a more serious one.The sample photos are all in black and white, and are so badly printed that they detract from the book's effectiveness.There is nothing visual to inspire the reader or amateur photographer.Eventually one may wonder why, if the author knows so much about photography, his photos are so bad?

A Must for Amateurs
This book is great an amateur like myself.It gave me the courage to try some new things and made digital photography both easy and fun.I would recommend this book to anyone who is just starting out with a digital camera or someone who wants to learn to get the full potential from their camera. ... Read more

Product Description

• Targeting Latino digital camera novices, this book covers everything from buying the right camera and taking great pictures to editing photos on a PC and printing quality pictures or sharing them online
• A helpful color section demonstrates how to adjust color in digital photographs
• This new edition is fully updated to cover the latest digital cameras and photo printers and explores the digital editing software people use most, including Photoshop Elements, PaintShop Pro, and Ulead PhotoImpact
• Includes a CD-ROM that features all the images used in the book, as well as photo editing and cataloging software tryouts
• Translation of Digital Photography For Dummies, Fourth Edition (0-7645-1664-7)

Customer Reviews (1)

buen libro, MALA TRADUCCION.
El libro esta bien. La traduccion es pesima, parece hecha por esos software que traducen y luego retocada por alguien, o tal vez hecha por alguien que no habla español como lengua materna. Le he pedido a amazon devolver el libro y lo comprare nuevamente en ingles. ... Read more

Product Description
In this invaluable guide to Canon's own EOS software, freelance photographer and internationally recognized author Andy Stansfield introduces the Window's user to the possibilities of these sophisticated programs. Color coded and cross-referenced to enable swift comparisons between various features, the software covered in detail includes: Digital Photo Professional, ZoomBrowser EX, Picture Style Editor, EOS Utility. This book also includes additional information on: PhotoStitch, Wireless File Transfer, Original Data Security Tools, The web-based iMAGE Gateway. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Computer Protocols, published by Worldwide Videotex on April 1, 2002. The length of the article is 666 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: CONEXANT DEBUTS BLUETOOTH DIGITAL STILL CAMERA PLATFORM.(Product Announcement)
Publication: Computer Protocols (Newsletter)
Date: April 1, 2002
Publisher: Worldwide Videotex
Volume: 15Issue: 4Page: NA

Article Type: Product Announcement

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Computer User, published by MSP Communications on November 1, 2003. The length of the article is 1349 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: How I spent my summer vacation: thanks to my indispensable digital camera, I don't have to rely on memories.(Outfitter)
Author: James Mathewson
Publication: Computer User (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 1, 2003
Publisher: MSP Communications
Volume: 21Issue: 11Page: 16(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Computer User, published by MSP Communications on May 1, 2002. The length of the article is 2974 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Digital photography hits the mainstream: just as PCs changed the way we thick about documents, digital cameras are changing the way we think about images. (On Topic Digital Photography).
Author: Phil Davies
Publication: Computer User (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 1, 2002
Publisher: MSP Communications
Volume: 20Issue: 5Page: 28(3)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Computer User, published by MSP Communications on January 1, 2002. The length of the article is 579 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Look smart: HP's Photosmart 715 digital camera is suited to all users. (Hardware).(and related article)(Evaluation)
Author: Joe Farace
Publication: Computer User (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2002
Publisher: MSP Communications
Volume: 20Issue: 1Page: 20(1)

Article Type: Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Computer User, published by MSP Communications on January 1, 2002. The length of the article is 582 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: More about digital cameras: Plus, throw the book at Microsoft. (Feedback).(Letter to the Editor)
Publication: Computer User (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2002
Publisher: MSP Communications
Volume: 20Issue: 1Page: 10(1)

Article Type: Letter to the Editor

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Product Description

Easy Digital Cameras is a 4-color practical guide guide that explains how to use a digital camera, how to take and edit pictures, and how to share online with friends and family. The author breaks down each process in a simple, step-by-step format that provides visual learning and an easy reference. A true novice to computers and cameras can use this book with ease. Some of the most popular and inexpensive hardware and software are used to demonstrate the processes.

Product Description
This exciting new book is aimed at first-time digital camera buyers and those contemplating buying a digital camera. The book explains what is a digital image and then shows the differences between film cameras and the new media of digital. It is also aimed at those more experienced users who already have a digital camera and want to get more out of it. The text is friendly, informal, and simple enough so that readers can understand all of today's new technology jargon.

Moving on from the camera, its structure, and how-to-use techniques, the book covers downloading, scanning and printers, and the section on the computer covers everything from organizing and filing images to viewing images, changing images, archiving images, inserting images, and printing, as well as digital imaging without a computer. A truly comprehensive book for the new media. ... Read more