Nikon D300 Digital Field Guide
by Thomas
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Book Reviews of Nikon D300 Digital Field Guide
Book Review: OK for Beginners
Summary: 3 Stars
In his introduction, J. Dennis Thomas acknowledges that his book covers much of the same ground as the "D300 User's Manual" from Nikon, but in a manner that's easier to comprehend and more interesting to read. It seemed to me that Thomas didn't quite reach his goal.
Part I of the book starts out with a quick tour of the camera which describes how to set the most basic functions necessary to use the D300, followed by a physical description of each of the controls on the camera. The author then follows up with a slightly longer discussion of the camera's functions, followed by a line-by-line description of each of the camera's menu items. In Part II, the author provides generic discussions of Nikon's family of lenses, photography essentials like exposure and composition, the use of light, a long chapter devoted to snippets on different kinds of photography, like architectural or landscape photography, and then a chapter on viewing and editing images in-camera. There is an appendix which describes a few accessories in the broadest possible terms.
Every equipment guide has to aim at a broad range of users from beginners to professionals, although the Nikon D300 is such a sophisticated machine that it is more likely to be used by more experienced photographers. I suppose that a beginner might find new information here, but only if he didn't want to go through the small print, black-and-white only, manual that comes with the camera. On the other hand, a lot of essential information was not discussed. For example, although the author often refers to options offered by the camera relating to the differences between the JPEG and RAW formats, he never gives a full explanation of the benefits of one format over the other. Another example is in his description of the number of focusing points available in dynamic area mode. Although he describes the difference between 9, 21 and 51 point modes (more points--duh!), he doesn't explain why it doesn't make sense to just use the most points for any occasion. The author doesn't tell you that the more points you select, the slower the camera focuses because it must sample each point for changes in the scene.
There were even a few cases where Thomas included less material then the Nikon manual. He describes a menu item called "Print set (DPOF)" which did not even seem to appear on my D300's menu! After frantically trying to figure out what was wrong with my camera, I looked in the "D300 User's Manual" where I found that this is a menu setting that probably isn't even available until certain other conditions have been set up. (I eventually found the item by scrolling backwards through the playback menu.)
Most of the material in part II is just too broadly brushed to be very useful. A new photographer might learn that there is such a thing as a soft box, but never learn how to use one with the D300.
Some material provided is misleading as in the image that's included with the explanation of histograms that shows the histogram divided into five sections while the D300's histogram is divided into four sections. In other cases, illustrations that would help one understand the discussion were not available, as in the failure to include a screen capture in the discussion of picture controls.
Although this volume may be enough for beginners who don't want to go through the tiny print, flimsy paged "D300 User's Manual" provided with the camera, more serious users would be better off with "David Busch's Nikon D300 Guide to Digital SLR Photography" (even though I must acknowledge that Thomas does provide a better explanation of fine-tuning auto focus lenses).
Book Review: Only my opinion
Summary: 2 Stars
I purchased Thomas' book yesterday and I'm returning it today. Like some of the poorer critiques in here, I must concur with them. This little book, if anything, is suited for beginners who have absolutely no clue about the D300 or photography in general. Here are just a few things I noticed while flipping through the book and reading a few pages:
1. In many cases the photography stinks. Granted, it may just be poor photo reproduction, but if I were buying a D300 and saw the pics this professional photographer took with the camera, I'd probably go Canon. Also, why would this guy shoot with third party lenses that no one, at least not I, have ever heard of? If you are writing a book on a Nikon product, shouldn't you use Nikon products all around? If I were Nikon I'd be a little tiffed at this guy.
2. Errors about the cam and photography in general were found. Too many for me to trust the "guide".
3. The author was too general in many of his suggestions. For example, I was looking up how to use the bulb feature and what I'd need to get, such as a good remote cable release. He said (paraphrasing here a bit), that you could buy some gadgets. Well, what gadgets mister?
4. The title of the book is a little deceiving. I'd say half the book is on general photographic techniques that have nothing to do with how to actually understand the D300. I was hoping to get something similar to ML's D300 guide, but this book fell way, way short.
Well, there you have it. I think I am going to learn the ins and outs of my D300 and write my own book.
Book Review: Well worth the investment
Summary: 5 Stars
I found this handbook to be far more useful than the manual that is delivered with the camera. The book describes the camera's features and menus in a logical fashion. I now have a great understanding of the D300's capabilities and can put them to good use.
The first section, Quick Tour, defines the function of each button and allows you the satisfaction of taking pictures immediately. Then Chapter 1 explores each of the controls and displays. Chapter 2 describes the use of each of the settings and automatic photography modes.
The remaining chapters guide you through taking great photos, including exposure, ISO, depth of field, color, light, lens choice, composition basics, and techniques for taking great images in a variety of situations. The final section covers downloading and editing images.
The book is well laid out with many charts, tables and color illustrations. Appendixes and a comprehensive index allow you to find answers to your questions quickly.
Whether you start at the beginning and work your way through methodically or just pick it up and look for guidance on a particular topic, you're going to learn something every time you refer to the book. I did. Well worth the small investment to unlock the potential of your highly capable Nikon D300.
Book Review: Extremely helpful and succinct
Summary: 4 Stars
When I bought my D300, I had the best intentions to read through the
manual that came with it - I promised myself that if I was spending
this much on a new camera that I'd really take advantage of its full
potential. But I found the manual to be frustrating and not
surprisingly, boring. My biggest complaint was that the manual
explained the function of a button or setting without ever teaching me
how it would actually affect my photos. So I bought this book hoping
it would increase my understanding of how to use my D300's controls to
get the best possible pictures. I wasn't disappointed. This book
takes you through your camera's settings and menus step-by-step,
explaining not only the function of each setting, but also when you
should use it and how it will make your pictures better - exactly what
I was looking for. It also has a large section that talks about the
basics of digital photography. While I had heard a lot of these basic
rules of photography before, I felt like it was a great refresher
course and I learned some new tips for getting great pics. I
feel more confident using my D300 after reading this book and my
pictures have improved as a result. Highly recommended.
Book Review: Better than any tutorial DVD.
Summary: 4 Stars
As mentioned elsewhere, I am in the process of converting from film to digital photography and there are certain aspects which I have found quite daunting. Altogether, I have purchased several books and tutorial DVDs on the subject as that process of conversion continues and this product is one of the best.
Having already worked my way through this particular title (with camera in hand) I found this particular book was able to provide instruction which was far superior to any of the tutorials I had also studied. Basically, if you are new to the Nikon D300, this book will provide an excellent grounding.
Beginning with an introduction to the camera, the book is then carefully laid out in the best possible way where the author meticulously builds on the information imparted so far until the structure of the book is complete. Part 1 contains an explanation of the many and varied facets of this outstanding camera and are far too numerous to list here. Part 2 then expands on this knowledge by giving examples of how to create great images and includes a chapter on working with light and other aspects of the art.
Altogether a complete product for the complete photographer.
NM