Canon Speedlite System Digital Field Guide
by Thomas
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Book Reviews of Canon Speedlite System Digital Field Guide
Book Review: Not enough depth or detail...
Summary: 2 Stars
I picked this book up at a local bookstore. Unfortunately I gave the book a quick look before purchase only to find it less than I have hoped once I got it home.
The book doesn't go in depth on any specific topic which is what one expects of a book dedicated to a specific niche on a specific product. The whole book reads like a couple of chapters from a more general purpose photography book rather than a book dedicated to the Canon 580ex and 430ex Speedlite System. Please note that other models are not mentioned and while they don't have all the bells and whistles of the new versions, they can be used with some minor tweaks. Too bad he doesn't even mention that.
Well, I do know why he didn't mention that...
The author never gets beyond using the flash system outside of E-TTL II mode where the camera uses the flash in automatic mode. While I think E-TTL II is good, it always isn't the answer. I cannot imagine he never mentions manual mode other than early on when mentioning the various modes available with the camera.
The good is he does describe the Speedlites a little better than the user manual (or at least in a more interesting style) in the first chapter. Some additional good is the wireless section and ratios but it does lack real detail but it is enough to get you started with the concept.
The bad is all the custom functions of the Speedlites are ignored. The examples of flash photography are generally not great examples and the explanations are totally lacking. There are no diagrams of how the flashes are arranged or what accessories are being used. Even if not possible for every shot, some should have been shown with the additional detail.
I also don't know why the book gets into posing techniques unless it is to broaden its appeal. That truly is not the function of a Speedlite. I would rather see some more depth in the use of fill flash which is a complicated thing to do well.
Overall the book is good for someone wanting a quick read to learn the very basics and get some start on more complex flash set ups using the Canon Speedlites at a modest cost. If you are familiar with the functionality of your Speedlites already, then skip the book.
Book Review: Good if you're a Canon shooter.
Summary: 4 Stars
The use of controlled lighting in photography can be overwhelming to the novice. When you graduate from the pop-up flash on your camera to using your first flashgun, the owner's manual does not begin to cover the skill and technique needed. Instead it diagrams what each button and switch does, and bits you a merry fare well! Conversely, full-blown photography texts may have a chapter or more dedicated to lighting theory and tips on where to place reflectors, umbrellas and strobes. The "Canon Speedlite System Digital Field Guide" by J Dennis Thomas is the perfect marriage of super-owners-manual with 'lighting how-to'. If you're a Canon shooter, this book is all you'll need. It's a 2007 publication and up-to-date with all but Canon's very newest pro flashgun (the just-released 580 EX II).
The book comes in three parts. First, a plain-English owner's uber-manual for the Canon 430EX and 580EX flashguns. Not just the 'what' of Canon's supplied pamphlet, but also the 'why'. This section also covers some accessories like the wireless ST-E2 transmitter, and makes short mention of the Canon 14EX ring lite for macro photography. The second section is the real meat of the book. A full course on flash photography for the beginner, covering basics, wireless use of Canon's Speedlites, and progressing to how to set-up a flash photography studio. The section finishes with field applications such as sports and theater. The third section are references a glossary and appendices. The book is full-color throughout and rich with examples. This is my second encounter with 'Digital Field Guide' books and they have standard conventions with icons and tips. Similar to what you would find in a Dummy's guide.
Thomas is easy to read and does not weigh the tutorial with technical jargon. This series is printed just small enough to pack. I'm a Canon shooter, so this book is perfect for me, but with as small as Section One is, I would think it would be an easy matter to incorporate Nikon's flashguns as well.
Book Review: Book needs a re-write
Summary: 2 Stars
The book held a lot of potential and promise but barely came through to fullfill. I agree with the author's premise and have been using Speedlites in the field myself for wedding and portrait photography to stay "low impact"; dragging around lots of lights and equipment is just not practical. I fly out to Orange County for a wedding next week and won't be bringing strobes or tripods or any heavy equipment.
The errors drove me nuts. Refering to figures that just plain were not there, indication of examples that did not exist, not picturing equipment such as light modifiers, etc. is just plain inexcusable. Also there were times of great contradiction, such as on page 56 where he says to set your camera to flash setting for White Balance at the top of the page, then at the bottom says leaving your camera set to auto-white balance is more accurate. Which is it? Why not just start the options and tell the user to experiment instead?
I give this two stars since there is some value here; some nice examples and some inspiration. If this can be re-done into a more advanced edition, and be generic to speedlites (not just the 580 and 430) then it could have a wider range audience and won't appear to be out-dated information in a years time. I own the 550 and 420 and I purchased it anyway; so why not include the others and make enough elbow room for when new Speedlites are introduced (like Canon just did with the new 580 EXII).
If you want to gain some technique and inspiration with low impact speedlite lighting in the field, do consider this book. Just don't buy it new. Pick up a used copy for $5-$10 if at all possible, or borrow a friends.
Happy speedliting!!
-Jeff, Johansen Photography
Book Review: Must have for serious photographers
Summary: 5 Stars
I was put off by the other reviewers, after reading the book I am going to have to disagree with them 100%. The author first makes sure you understand the Speedlite product and goes over what each switch, dial and attachment does. This is done for both the 580 and 430 ex. Once you have an understanding of how it all works you quickly move into actually taking some photos (imagine that).
This section gives all sorts of tips, tricks and scenarios for using your new Flash, but also walks you through the technical side of it. I was particularly impressed with a photo being provided for each lighting style, that really shows how much effort the author put into this book.
One part that stuck out for me was the method of showing a picture, explaining how it was achieved and then giving you some tips to experiment from.. this had me breaking out my own 30D with the 580 Speedlite.
The book ends the numbered chapters with Simple Posing, a guide to setting up the best portrait shots. Very informative as it stepped past the camera and explains how to set up your shot.
A "rules of composition" section is where the book ends and I don't think a better section could have been chosen. After reading the book you get many tips, tricks and concepts but the composition section brings it all together and really leaves you wanting to shoot..shoot..shoot!
Overall I found this book to be very informative and highly recommend it for amateur photographers or professionals looking to extend their skillset.
Book Review: Disappointed
Summary: 1 Stars
I was looking for a book that would help me understand Canon's Speedlite system and E-TTL II. This book is not it. As others have said, it begins as a manual describing the Speedlites with the what and where each button and part. There is a short chapter on setup that basically describes the flash modes. Then there are two chapters on multi-flash, wireless setups. I guess they are good if that's what you are trying to do. The idea for chapters on Applications and Posing is good but the execution is lacking.
What's missing: I tried to find the answer to the question In what modes does the Speedlite operate as a fill flash and in what modes does it operate as the primary light source? This book does not tell you. In a short paragraph on fill flash it mentions that in Tv and Av modes the flash operates as a fill flash. How does it operate in other modes? I couldn't find the answer. Also, missing is a discussion of the custom function settings and why one would set them one way rather than another. Maybe the author consider most of the them obvious. But a short discussion should have been provided. The book discusses the different types of batteries. It doesn't discuss milli-amp Hour ratings and how one might choose rechargeable batteries based the the mAH or why its important.
I am disappointed in this book. It has not enough technical information on the Speedlight and too many pages on basic photography.