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Which Digital Photography Book Should I Buy?

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 26 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

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The Top 5 Digital Photography Books & Manuals

 

There are so many competitors on the shelves at the moment, we'd even go as far as to say the market is flooded with books full of hints, tips and techniques. But which ones should you actually trust? After all it's your hard earned cash you'll be parting with! So here at YDP we've decided to do the hard work reviews for you and bring you the 5 bestselling digital Photography books currently leaving the shelves.

We got our hands on a copy of each of the best digital photography books at present, judged on sales and popularity, then set to work wading through the pages to bring you a concise review of these latest chart toppers. Although we were inundated with book submissions to consider, we found the titles below to be outstanding in terms of content, user information, illustration quality and overall usefulness.

So if you're looking for the best Digital Photography books 

The Digital SLR Handbook 

Michael Freeman

The ultimate reference for serious photographers making the switch from film to digital, The Digital SLR Handbook tackles head on all the issues with which traditional photographers struggle when getting to grips with shooting digital and digital image processing. Drawing on his own experience and his discussions with fellow photographers, best-selling digital photography author Michael Freeman answers the questions that photographers ask most often, and explains matters they can find confusing or difficult to understand. From sensors, storage media, and resolution, through formats, histograms, and dynamic range, to digital noise vs. film grain, color management, and image workflow - this book gives you all the information you need. Comprehensive in its scope and unrivaled in its depth, The Digital SLR Handbook is the definitive reference source for every professional or enthusiast photographer. A bestselling digital photography book of top quality.

The Digital SLR Handbook

Amazon Price: (as of 07/04/2008)
Used Price: $10.94

The ultimate reference for serious photographers making the switch from film to digital, The Digital SLR Handbook tackles head on all the issues with which traditional photographers struggle when getting to grips with shooting digital and digital image processing.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

The Complete Guide To Digital Photography 

Michael Freeman

This guide has been completely updated and revised to reflect technological advances. It offers essential techniques and professional tips for digital camerawork and guidelines for choosing suitable digital equipment, including cameras, computers, monitors, scanners and printers. The book covers all aspects of photography from actually taking the pictures (probably the most important part!) through digital enhancing (the main part) to printing, including the necessary theory of each stage. I've been a photographer for many years and managed to find much useful information in here.

It is well designed, well laid out, and diagrams and illustrations are generally of a high quality. I agree that sometimes it is difficult to see the difference between "before" and "after" shots but this really is a minor gripe and close scrutiny will pay off in this respect. This was also one of the few that didn't waste 30 pages showing what you can do with the "artistic" and "3D" effects that come with most photo software. As earlier reviews have said, the author is clearly first and foremost a photographer and this shows. In terms of useful content, this is one of the best digital photography books we've reviewed.

The Complete Guide to Digital Photography 3rd edition (A Lark Photography Book)

Amazon Price: $21.86 (as of 07/04/2008)

Completely revised to cover all the rapid progress made in digital technology, The Complete Guide To Digital Photography looks at all the latest technical features gracing new cameras, and teaches the timeless skills that will always make better photos, no matter what the equipment.

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40 Digital Photography Techniques 

YoungJin

"40 Digital Photography Techniques" will show you how to: choose, use, and accessorize your digital camera; understand and exploit various sources of light; get creative with filters; become effective with low-light and night photography; capture expressive portraits of adults, children, and yourself; photograph objects in motion and get great action shots; catch the mood of your vacation, a snowy or rainy day, a brilliant sunrise or sunset; shoot everything - panoramas, architecture, landscapes, products, food, cars, pets; take animated photos with your camera phone; transfer, edit, and print your images, or share them on the web; and more!

How is this book different? Written for new digital camera owners in a language that's easy to understand; presents inspiring, full-color images on every page; lets you dive right in and have fun with your digital camera; helps film photographers make a smooth transition to digital; combines technical instruction with creative ideas to help boost your skills; groups topics thematically for quick reference; provides a thorough explanation of how digital cameras work; uses practical step-by-step instructions, explanations, shortcuts, and tips; shows you how to shoot professional-looking images with any digital camera. Who is it for? Anyone interested in correcting, enhancing, or creating digital images - for home or professional use; photography hobbyists, professional photographers, print and web designers; contents; using Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 effectively; correcting lighting and contrast; coloring black-and-white photos; removing red eye, eliminating blemishes, and enhancing facial features; using lens blur cleaning up, combining, and resizing images.

40 Digital Photography Techniques, 3rd Edition (Photography Techniques)

Amazon Price: $12.74 (as of 07/04/2008)

With this friendly, full-color guide new users can immediately start having fun with their digital cameras. 40 Digital Photography Techniques provides dozens of tips for taking better pictures and getting creative with digital photography at a remarkably affordable price.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Digital Photography for Dummies 

Julie Adair King

If you are fairly comfortable with the concept of photography but find the digital part a stumbling block, Digital Photography for Dummies should get you over the hump. Julie Adair King, a photographer and graphics-software specialist, deftly explains such concepts as resolution, f-stop, and compression. King is also refreshingly up-front about the differences between film-based and digital photography, spelling out the shortcomings of the latter in the early pages of the book.

Although the author claims this is one of 'the' best digital photography books around, her advice, from the most basic to the more advanced aspects of the field, is well thought out and simple without being condescending. She informs readers, for example, that you needn't use high pixel resolutions simply for placing images on a Web page. Such tips come as a relief to fledgling photographers on a budget, or novices who may be led to believe they have to use the highest-quality settings at all times. This was YDP's selection for 'best digital photography book' in January. This is probably the best digital photography book for beginners. A sure fire winner!

Digital Photography For Dummies (Digital Photography for Dummies)

Amazon Price: $14.11 (as of 07/04/2008)

If you're comfortable with the concept of photography but find the digital part a stumbling block, Digital Photography for Dummies will get you over the hump.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

The Digital Photography Handbook 

The Complete Illustrated Guide to the Electronic Photo Revolution

The "Digital Photographer's Handbook" is a comprehensive beginner's guide, assuming no prior knowledge. It brings together the best of classical photography techniques and the unrivaled potential of digital technology. The author has been a photography magazine journalist for 15 years and has extensive knowledge and an easy, jargon-free writing style.

Going Digital - the basics, including choosing a camera and equipment, setting up, taking shots and camera care Using your Digital Camera - tips for taking great photographs, with inspirational ideas for every genre: portraits, holidays, weddings, children, flora & fauna, abstracts, etc. The Digital Darkroom - improving, adapting and rescuing images on a computer: basic, advanced and professional techniques. Output - getting the best end result, on-line or in print, and creating a portfolio. This is a definite contender for 'best digital photography book' for summer 2006.

The Digital Photography Handbook: The Complete Illustrated Guide to the Electronic Photo Revolution

Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 07/04/2008)

The Digital Photography Handbook is a complete illustrated guide to electronic photography, written in non-technical language that anyone can understand. The manual begins with an equipment guide to finding the right digital camera; there is also information on computers, monitors, scanners, and printers.

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

More Digital Photography Books 

There are plenty of other great books and manuals on Digital Photography. Below are just a few of them - you can see a full range of Photography Books at Amazon.com.

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What Books Would You Recommend? 

If you know of a really good book that teaches digital photography techniques, or how to get the most out of your digital camera, then you can add it to this list:

The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby

The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby

This book tackles the most important side of digital photography--how to take pro-quality shots using the same tricks today's top digital pros use (and it's easier than you'd think).1 point

Complete Digital Photography, Third Edition (Digital Photography Series) by Ben Long

Complete Digital Photography, Third Edition (Digital Photography Series) by Ben Long

An in-depth tutorial and guide for the serious hobbyist and the professional digital photographer. Goes beyond the basics to cover digital camera hardware, special effects, and more.1 point

Digital SLR Cameras & Photography For Dummies by David D. Busch

Digital SLR Cameras & Photography For Dummies by David D. Busch

Whether you own a Digital SLR camera or are thinking of buying one, with this guide, you%u2019ll give it your best shot! It has info to help you choose the right camera and accessories, and then use them right.0 points

More Photography Resources 

Improve Your Digital Photography
Read guides and tutorials on digital photography, and learn how to take better photographs. Each week there will be new tutorials posted here that will provide advice and techniques.
Digital Cameras - Advice and Guides
Learn about digital cameras, and get the most out of the photographs that you take. Weekly published advice and information on the advantages of digital cameras, how to find the best camera and tips on how to improve your pictures.
Compact Digital Camera Review
So which camera models are the cream of the crop? That depends a lot on what you intend to use the camera for, but we have listed a few models here that we think would make a fine purchase in most cases.
Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras
The Canon PowerShot Digital Camera series offers 23 different cameras with features ranging from professional SLR quality to one of the easiest to use point-and-shoot cameras available.

Digital Photography Magazines 

Keep up to date with the latest technology and techniques...

Popular Photography & Imaging Magazine

Popular Photography & Imaging Magazine

Price: $54.00

Popular Photography & Imaging Magazine,Famed for its comprehensive coverage of the latest equipment, inspiring images by leading photographers, in-dep... more »

Photo Techniques Magazine

Photo Techniques Magazine

Price: $35.94

Photo Techniques Magazine,Provides the best digital, darkroom and black and white photography. Useful techniques and tutorials on Photoshop, printing,... more »

PCPhoto Magazine

PCPhoto Magazine

Price: $44.91

PCPhoto Magazine,Shows you how to enjoy the exciting and affordable new world of computers and photography. Every issue features step-by-step instruct... more »

Digital Photographer Magazine

Digital Photographer Magazine

Price: $23.94

Digital Photographer Magazine,Whether the reader is an absolute beginner or a hobby enthusiast, this is the publication that explains it all--what to... more »

Blog Posts on Digital Photography 

Notes on a few books
It is not meant to be an advanced guide, but it is a good overview, I believe, of things photographers need to know about digital photography, and a good start for anyone who wants to photograph seriously with a digital camera.
Paint Shop Pro Photo X2~~$39.99!!!
Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 is the ideal digital photography software for users who want professional-looking photos and new ways to unlock their creative potential. With the widest selection of photo-editing features--ranging from ...
My Nikon D60 Guide to Digital SLR Photography now shipping!
Instead, I show you what you need to know to take any kind of picture you want. This book does more than provide an overview of the mechanics of the camera. It teaches you the elements of photography with the Nikon D60.
Camera digital video - Amazon.com: Digital Video Camera: Toys amp ...
comDigital Photography and camera digital video Video - ZDNet ReviewsSource: review.zdnet.comCamPanel Digital Surveillance Download - Multi-camera digital ...Source: www.topshareware.comDigital and camera digital video Film Photography ...

Digital Cameras and Photography Plexo 

Here is a list of all my digital camera and photography lenses on Squidoo.

#1

Learn How To Take Better Digital Photographs

Learn about digital cameras, and get the most out of the photographs that you take. Weekly published advice and information on the advantages of digit...1 point

#2

Printing Your Own Digital Photographs

Printing your pictures on to paper is the next important thing in digital photography. You best photographs will not be given justice if you have not...0 points

#3

Which Digital Photography Book Should I Buy?

There are so many competitors on the shelves at the moment, we'd even go as far as to say the market is flooded with books full of hints, tips and tec...0 points

#4

A Few Cool Photoshop Tips And Tricks

When it comes to entering the graphic design world, creating interesting pieces for a job or sharing artwork with family and friends, there are plenty...0 points

#5

Review of Canon Digital Cameras

The Canon Corporation has an astounding product line of Canon digital camera devices, and compact photo printers that will fit the most discriminatory...0 points

#6

Which Camera Bags Can I Buy?

A camera bag is an essential equipment for photographers as it makes their jobs easier, it allows them to have a place where they can arrange their eq...0 points

#7

Top Accessories for Your Digital Camera

The anticipation of buying some digital camera accessories is just about as exciting as buying the camera itself. With so many trimmings to go with it...0 points

#8

Canon Powershot G7 Digital Camera - Review

The newest camera Canon has put out for the advanced users, the Power Shot G7, had many serious photography aficionados snapping their fingers, anxiou...0 points

#9

Underwater Digital Cameras

An underwater digital camera is not just used to capture underwater memories; some professional marine photographers also use them in their business....0 points

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About the Author 

Gary Bunn is a Digital Photography Expert and the Editor of the site Your-Digital-Photography.com. Want more? Check out our FREE Tips E-zine.
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