Book Review: Digital SLR Handbook by Rob Sheppard

Digital SLR Handbook by Rob Sheppard, the Revised and Updated Version.

Overall this is a great book for a novice photographer as myself. It is a pretty easy read with lots of pictures illustrating the various aspects of digital photography [one would expect a lot of photos in a book about photography]. My primary reason for purchasing this book is to learn how to make an educated purchase of a digital SLR camera. Much to my dismay, the book is less than adequate in that department. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of great information in the book, however I was looking for a guide about the various features of digital SLR cameras, explaining why particular features are essential, why others unwanted, and other good features that would be good for certain applications but not a necessity.

I would recommend reading this book if you are in the early stages of photography. It is filled with a lot of information for creating a base knowledge to begin with. From there, choose what interests you and start finding more books to read.

The book references Joseph Meehan's Complete Guide to Filters for Digital Photography to learn more about filters and altering light before it get to the light sensor. I find the use of filters very intriguing, from polarizing light to graduated filters. After I receive my camera and have had time to become familiar with it, I plan to explore filters first.

Finally I would would like to comment that this book needs more revisions and update, despite being the Revised and Updated Version. Where it references other pages, the page numbers have not been inserted, but rather are displayed as XX-XX, furthermore the ordered lists are not always in order.

Cameta Camera

I ordered my Nikon D5000 from Cameta Camera. See My Links for their web site. I chose to go through Cameta Camera because they have good prices and even better packages, great for when you're getting into a new setup. The camera kit I ordered includes: 16GB SDHC Memory Card, Spare Battery, USB SDHC Memory Card Reader, Memory Card Storage Wallet, Nikon Gadget Bag, Lens Cleaning Kit, and 2 Nikon School Instructional DVDs.

Before buying any camera on-line, makes sure you go to a store to get a feel for the camera first. A great camera is worthless if it is not comfortable to use.

The Beginning

Finally this blog is going to start. After much deliberation, I have finally purchased my first digital SLR, a Nikon D5000. Hopefully it will arrive before Christmas.
Reasons for choosing the D5000

• 12.3 mega-pixels
• 720p HD movie
• 11 point auto focous
• Live LCD for photos/video taking