Nikon D90 Digital Field Guide
by Thomas
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Book Reviews of Nikon D90 Digital Field Guide
Book Review: Almost worthless, not a supplement to the Nikon manual
Summary: 1 Stars
This will not be a lengthy review. The book isn't worth the time needed for a detailed consideration. First, it's not a "field guide," meaning (as with the famous Kodak Field Guide) a handy reference to consult on the job when just the right setting is wanted and a reference table all but essential. The author has been lazy, giving a sort of introduction to the Nikon D90, going over the essentials (and little more) such as Aperture Priority but not giving the steps to change settings. Definitely of little use if one needs quickly to figure out which dials to turn and buttons to push.
My guess is that the author is working from a template for his series of guides to a number of cameras and hasn't taken the time to list the specifics for each camera. Cross references to other pages in the book where a topic is treated again are largely missing. In any case, when a topic is broached a second time there likely will not be more detailed treatment, just a repetition of the earlier comments.
The printing company has done its job, producing an attractive book, with numerous photos. The section on composition, though unoriginal, benefits from illustrations of well printed pictures.
Don't bother spending money for this book. You'll be much better off sticking with the Nikon manual. If you want introduction to using a digital camera and to the sorts of features to be found in the Nikon d90, buy David Pogue's Digital Photography, the Missing Manual. Then once you know about the features, go to the Nikon manual to see how to implement them. Fortunately, the Nikon manual is rather good.
Book Review: An essential manual for getting the most out of a D90
Summary: 5 Stars
My interest in photography soared after buying a Nikon D40X in 12-07. I loved the SLR part of the experience, but was a bit intimidated by the "digital" part - i.e the huge number of parameters that can be controlled by this camera. The experience enrichened as I acquired an SB600 speedlight, and a few very cool Nikon lenses. It seemed however that the Nikon manual for the D40X was just a dense book of facts, and I was having trouble moving up the experential ladder.
So when I made the jump to upgrade to the D90, I purchased Mr. Thomas' manual and it arrived a few days before the camera. I bought it based on other reviews posted on Amazon - almost all of which were positive. The book was a joy to read, and used a more casual language that was less technical jargon and more substance. The illustrations and pictures are all color and both basic and advanced techniques are presented in a clear fashion. It was so good that I never even opened up my D90 manual to see what it had to say - until recently.
Now I can tell you that the "Field Guide" is an excellent companion to the manual and that both should be used by the serious student if you really want to master this amazing camera. The Nikon manual for the D90 is better than the Nikon manual for the D40X, and should be considered required reading along with Mr Thomas' tome. I give Mr Thomas 5 stars and and a "thank you" for your hard work. I am making some fine pictures these days.
Book Review: Good Reference, Some Minor Technical Errors
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased this book when I purchased my Nikon D90 few weeks ago. It is an excellent reference manual and includes most everything that the Nikon manual has, in an easy to ready format as well as tips on composing photos and some advise on accessories.
I found a few minor technical errors (and was unable to find a feedback form on the Wiley publishing website, so I will post them here):
1) Page 2 references the Main Command dial but it is not identified in the photo QT.1
2) Page 18-19 references Bracketing (BKT) button and then cross-references Chapter 5. But there is NO mention of bracketing (a very important subject) in either Chapter 5 or really anywhere else in the book.
3) Would have liked to have seen some discussion on polarizer rings and filters and how/if they affect the advanced lenses.
4) I ordered the Echo messenger bag as recommended by Thomas (pg 262) even though Amazon feedback indicates a may be a bit small. I phoned the mfg and they said it should work fine for a D90 with the Nikor 18-105mm kit lens attached.
If you spent the money for a great camera like the D90 this book is well worth a few extra $$ to get the most from your investment.
Book Review: NIKON D90 101
Summary: 5 Stars
My new D90 manual just didnt do it for me. I needed a "how to", "step by step" manual on how to familiarize myself with the D90's functions & capabilities. I had so many basic (beginner/ amateur) questions that the manual couldn't help me with. I needed a book that will explain the basic WHAT, WHY & HOW's and this book is the one that explained all the things that I wanted to learn about. If you're new to DSLR's, this is the book for you. It teaches you the basics, and at the same time slowly points you through the right path. It teaches you about all the buttons on your camera, what it does & the possibilities of what you can do (the 1st 100+ pages is dedicated to the D90's functions alone. After reading the book the first time, I already knew that I will be using this book as reference guide for a long time.
My advise is that as you go through the topics, have the camera handy next to you so that you can apply what you learn. If you are a pro, this book may not be for you because it probably contains things that you already know. It seemed to me that the author has people like me in mind when he wrote this book,and I am very grateful for that.
Book Review: Challenging for a Total Amateur
Summary: 3 Stars
First let me make it clear that I am not knocking this book. Based on the other reviews, it is clear this wonderful book has helped many with the operation of their D-90. In fact my decision to buy this book was based solely on the reviews found here. I am writing just to let others know that this book may not be suitable for a true amateur. I have what I would describe as a very BASIC understanding of cameras - no lessons or professionals to mentor me - just LOTS of time behind various cameras over the past 35 years. As a result, I am able to shoot photos that many rave over. I would call it dumb luck, lots of patience, and having the knack to be in the right place at the right time. This book however was over my head with lots of terminology I am unfamiliar with. Knowing its value to so many others tells me that I need to do some self-teaching or take a photography class to be able to let this book help me. Please don't hesitate buying this book because of my review. Instead just keep in mind that having nice cameras and lots of experience taking pictures may not guarantee you the ability to understand this book.