Start with a Digital Camera
Book Review by Gerhard R. FischerThe author of the current book, who has been involved with digital photography since the mid-eighties, states in the beginning that the book is addressed to readers who are interested in photography as well as in designing, ranging from experienced photographers to amateurs who want to explore a new technology.
Even though the book is not intended as a textbook on digital photography, it starts with two excellent chapters on "Getting to know your Camera" and "Technical Issues". These two chapters give enough information and in sufficient detail to understand the workings and capabilities of digital cameras.
The following chapters give "The Big Picture", followed by "Working with People", and "Working with Objects". The "Editing of Digital Photographs" and "The Transforming of Digital Photographs" are also covered, while the remainder of the book is concerned with "Digital Photos in Graphic Art", "Digital Photos on the [Computer] Screen", and the "Adding of another [Third] Dimension".
The entire book is well and precisely written and depicts excellent examples of the various topics being covered. The page layout employed throughout the book, once one is used to it, allows the reader to easily follow and absorb the point being made. Explanatory text and captions are kept different in design and therefore easily distinguished and followed. Sidebars generally are concerned with related topics and many instructive design examples are presented.
Just perusing the book without a specific topic in mind, one finds that topics are generally well covered in an easily comprehensible way. Whatever the subject--be it the effects of lighting, ways of color correction, or photo enhancement--the procedures are always well explained and documented with the appropriate figures.
All in all, a not only valuable learning tool for the various aspects of digital photography (digital imaging), but also fascinating and very informative reading about a modern subject that is still in its infancy and rapidly expanding. I can only recommend it as a worthwhile investment for the novice as well as the more experienced digital photographer and designer.
Start with a Digital Camera - Second Edition
By John Odam
Peachpit Press
1249 Eighth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
US $24.99 - CA $38.99
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