Comments about oreilly Digital Photography: The Missing Manual:

This Windows-only book gently eases beginning digital photographers into

the rapidly evolving and exciting world of digital photography, without

overwhelming them with technical detail. It also provides support to both

amateur and proficient film photographers who are transitioning from their

previous comfort zone of traditional shooting to new territory with

unfamiliar vocabulary, methods, and hardware. Who could possibly be more

welcoming to these beginners than David Pogue, who wrote the enticing

introduction to this Missing Manual? In his typically refreshing blend of

easy-to-understand language, touch of humor, and genuine enthusiasm, Pogue

magically engages the reader and assures subsequent

absorption of the book from cover-to-cover.

In the Introduction, David Pogue explains that the book is comprised of four

parts, each containing several chapters. The First Section, Digital Camera

Basics, assists in the decision of what type of digital camera

best suits which needs, and then how to learn to use the features of that

choice. The differences between digital and film photography

are reviewed, and easily implemented tips for taking great photos in

different kinds of situations and environments are provided. The Second

Section, Organizing Your Photos, focuses on different options for storing,

organizing and retrieving photos on the computer and on the Internet.

Section Three looks at Editing Your Photos using the computer and software

programs (as opposed to previously using a darkroom and sending jobs out to

a photo lab). Basics of removing red eye, blemishes, cropping, and more

advanced topics like creating panoramas from multiple photos are reviewed.

Finally, Section Four explores sharing digital photos, printing photos at home, ordering prints through online services, and ordering specialty items such as photo books, calendars, and other photo items.

While this book is intended for Windows users, much of the content is

enriching for any beginning digital photographer, regardless of platform.

This is especially true of digital camera features, lighting and

flash options, explanations of resolution for printing, memory card

varieties, and editing considerations. The beginner is also advised to learn

to take risks in trying different creative techniques and options, since it

is easy to just erase mistakes. Tips are given for shooting

vacation photos, weddings and celebrations, sunset and night

photos, indoor flash photography, sports and action shots, and special

effects. The techniques of rotating, resizing, and other editing and enhancing are introduced to the beginner for a taste of the next level in photo manipulation.

Digital Photography: The Missing Manual has many detailed and colorful

illustrations, as well as an excellent index (typical of this series). The authors

do an excellent job of organizing the basic essential information for a

beginner to get started in digital photography. The

content of this book will surely serve as a firm foundation for the beginner to develop confidence to acquire effective digital photography skills.