Digital Photography Pocket Guide

By Derrick Story
First Edition  November 2002 
Pages: 128
ISBN 10: 0-596-00454-0 | ISBN 13: 9780596004545
starstarstarstarstar (Average of 2 Customer Reviews)

This book has been updated—the edition you're requesting is OUT OF PRINT. Please visit the catalog page of the latest edition.

The latest edition is also available on Safari Books Online.

Book description

The Digital Photography Pocket Guide gives you the tools and the knowledge to take the kind of pictures you've always wanted. Consider it your quick-reference photo mentor that explains each of the camera's components, shows you what they do, then helps you choose the right settings to accomplish your goal. When you want to ask an expert, "How can I get that picture?", simply pull this handy guide out of your camera bag, backpack, or back pocket, and you'll find the answer quickly.
Full Description

Digital photography has come of age. Digital cameras are now affordable, easy to use, and provide quality images that rival their traditional film counterparts. Interest among consumers and the technicallly savvy is soaring. Digital images are easier to share, and because you only print the pictures you need, they're much more cost effective and environmentally friendly. But the real attraction is far more human in nature: With digital cameras, you're able to free your creative spirit and take risks that you shied away from with film. Your visual inspiration now flows from your mind to the camera to the LCD screen -- to then be celebrated, adjusted, or discarded for another attempt all together. The Digital Photography Pocket Guide gives you the tools and the knowledge to take the kind of pictures you've always wanted. Consider it your quick-reference photo mentor that explains each of the camera's components, shows you what they do, then helps you choose the right settings to accomplish your goal. When you want to ask an expert, "How can I get that picture?", simply pull this handy guide out of your camera bag, backpack, or back pocket, and you'll find the answer quickly. The book covers everything from image resolution, flash modes, action photography, close ups and portraits, to memory cards, emailing images, and archiving. It's organized by three key sections: "What Is It?" "What Does It Do?" and "How Do I ...?" "What Is It?" is a quick reference to all those buttons on your camera. It's organized alphabetically and includes many of the familiar icons you see in your owner's guide and on the camera itself. This section helps you learn the difference between the close up button and the infinity mode. "What Does It Do" digs deeper into photo technique. How do you use those buttons and modes to take the photos you want? This chapter tells all. "How Do I ...?" includes 15 professional shooting techniques and explains them in easy to understand language. If you've always wanted to know how to shoot like a pro, but were intimidated by photographer's jargon, this section is for you. The Digital Photography Pocket Guide is for anyone who uses a digital camera. Even advanced amateurs forget whether to "overexpose" or "underexpose" in certain lighting conditions, and novices will appreciate the clear explanations of the various camera functions. Regardless of your prior experience, if you want to shoot like a pro with your digital camera, this guide is for you.
Post-purchase benefits:

Register your book | Submit Errata


Browse within this book

Cover | Table of Contents | Index

Book details

First Edition: November 2002
ISBN: 0-596-00454-0
Pages: 128
Average Customer Reviews: starstarstarstarstar (Based on 2 Reviews)


Featured customer reviews

Write a Review


Digital Photography Pocket Guide Review,  October 09 2003
Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
Submitted by DON SHERWOOD   [Respond | View]

Book Review- SCSCC

Digital Photography : An Informative 114 Page Pocket Guide

Don Sherwood

O’Reilly (not Bill ) Associates ,publishers of informative and helpful computer books and guides has done it again with its Digital Photography Pocket Guide by Derrick Story ($14.95-with a 20% discount to Club members) .

This slim guide, packed with a wealth of information is a handy tool to be carried along with one’s camera ; a quick read for the novice or for one considering the purchase of a digital camera and a handy guide as well for the more experienced.

A quick rundown of the contents :

Explanation of each of the components of a DC ; its function and how to operate and access;

Choosing the appropriate settings;

Image resolutions and solutions ;

Appropriate flash modes;

Using the DC for action photography , close ups , portraits ;

Use of memory cards ; e mailing images ; archiving photographs ;

The book is a quick read for the novice and for anyone wanting to familiarize themselves when considering the purchase of a DC as well as for the more experienced user.

In sum the guide takes the reader through explanation of the DC features ; what the function of each feature is and most importantly how to manipulate the features to achieve maximum results.

For the novice reading this book will eliminate any fears of using a DC and proving how simple it can really be.




Digital Photography Pocket Guide Review,  July 25 2003
Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
Submitted by Dean Nichols, Campbell Seniors Computer Users Group   [Respond | View]

I was particularly impressed with Derrick Story's Digital Photography Pocket Guide. I read it cover to cover and thought it did a very good job on a difficult to cover subject. I fancy myself as an experienced photographer who has pretty much converted to using my digital camera for most of the work I do since I bought the camera 2 years ago. I was impressed with the amount of information he was able to fit into the tiny little book, and agreed with the way the material was presented. Valuable tips for the beginner and even more advanced hobbyist.



Read all reviews


Media reviews

"Derrick Story is also the author of 'Digital Photography Pocket Guide' (O'Reilly, 2002), a complete guide to the ins and outs of digital cameras--including tips to for shooting in just about every situation you may come across."
--"Australian Macworld," March 2003

"For photography in general, we recommend the 'Digital Photography Pocket Guide.'"
--Mac Addict, Winter 2002

"This slim little book, measuring 4X7 inches, gives you the tools and the knowledge to take the kind of pictures you've always wanted...I recommend this book as a quick read and a handy on site reference."
--Willis Irons, The Journal of the Tuscon Computer Society, Feb 2003

"An excellent addition to any digital photo bugs library--or better yet, camera bag. In 100+ pages, this tiny gem provides valuable information for both the beginner and the shutter-clicker with bulging files of already digitally captured moments."
--Carolyn A. Scott, MacTechnics, March 2003

"Derrick Story's excellent 'Digital Photography Pocket Guide' is designed to be read with camera in hand...A bargain at $14.95, this guide can't help but make you a better photographer. Most highly recommended."
--Elsa Travisano, Macintosh User Group of Oneonta, NY, March 2003

"The pages are packed with information useful to new and intermediate users of digital cameras as well as to persons contemplating their first purchase...Several times I murmmured 'Aha,' as the digital style of exposure compensation became clear, or 'That would be nice [as a feature in my next camera].' Most importantly, it eases the transition from film to digital photography. If you've ever stood with your camera, wishing you'd memorized your camera's CD-based manual, this book is for you. In summary, this slim volume is worth every penny!"
--Mary Ginsburg, New York Personal Computer User Group


"This is a book that I will keep in my camera case along with the manual that came with the Nikon 995."--Alex B. Wright, AIMUG Canada, Feb 2003

"...a must-have for camera owners."--The Sunday Post, Dundee, Dec 29, 2002

"Comprehensive, logically ordered, and importantly, well indexed..."
--Ingrid Lamperts, AppleAct, Feb 2003

"If Santa (or a deputy) dropped one {a digital camera} into your lap at the end of last year, do yourself a favor and get this book to help you get the most out of your new toy."
--George Carrington, AppleAct, Feb 2003

"Excellent book, perfect for carrying with your camera. Well presented in an organized fashion. Just the facts, brief and to the point with many examples (black and white, not color, but good enough). Covers all the usual digital photography basics and common problems plus a lot of extra suggestions and techniques. I would recommend this book to any one who feels they need a concise reference 'on the road.'"
--DevAsp.com, December 2002

"With just a little knowledge and practice, one can greatly improve one's pictures and print, upload, and e-mail them with pride. 'Digital Photography,' by Derrick Story, is designed to provide just enough information and tips to raise one's results from the usual dismal to the very good. It is a small (114 pages), pocket-sized instruction and reference manual which clearly and simply describes the buttons and features of mostly basic and intermediate digital cameras and what to do with them. This is a handy reference guide with clear explanations and no photo jargon."
--John Suda, Apple Cider Newsletter, January 2003

"The under $20 gift has become an endangered species. And the surviving specimens tend to look terminally cheap. So we're always on the lookout for a nice gift item under $20. O'Reilly's Digital Studio series has just published Derrick Story's 'Digital Photography Pocket Guide,' a 4.25x7-inch, 114-page handbook that--at $14.95--breathes new life into the species...whether you are puzzled by a protrusion on your digicam or you have no clue how to shoot with fill flash, this little gem will help you out...Enthusiasts will not need the first section, but first time buyers will find it indispensable for its neat breakdown of basic, intermediate, and advanced features. But occasional digicammers will come back to this little guide time and time again to refresh their memory on certain techniques infrequently used and controls they know are there but can't remember quite where."
--www.imaging-resource.com, December 2002

"Anyone interested in getting better results with the digital camera will get a jump-start by using this concise guide. Definitely recommended."
--Pim Borman, SW Indiana PC Users Group, Inc, January 2003

"Packed with information about digital cameras and how to get the most out of them, in simple, concise, and easy to understand language."
--Joe Kluepfel, BPCA News, January 2003

"Mobilmorphs should take note of O'Reilly's new Pocket Guide series...the solution for quick reference hits without the baggage. Don't bother lugging those six ton tomes when you can stuff the nitty gritty into your gadget bag. We really like Walter Glenn's book on Word and Derek Story's 'Digital Photography.' Keep your eye on this series."
--Derek Pell, DingBat Magazine, January 2003

"Derrick Story has sifted through a lot of information, gleaned the important stuff and written it down concisely in this easy-to-read, easy-to-use pocket guide. He did a great job."--Dennis Wilson, Mountain Macs, January 2003

"I certainly plan to have this wonderful pocket reference firmly planted in my pocket on my next site survey trip."
--Jack Dolby, Club Mac of Hampton, January 2003

"Derrick Story's 'Digital Photography Pocket Guide' may be small in both size and price, but it's long on useful information for the fledgling digital photographer. I carry my copy in my camera bag and refer to it often. It's the perfect gift for anyone just getting started with a digital camera, but it's got plenty of helpful info for even more experienced shutterbugs."
--Bob Levitus, Houston Chronicle, Dec 20, 2002

"O'Reilly's 'Digital Photography Pocket Guide' is a fast reference from a trusted source. Digital photography accessories range in price and compatibility so much that it'll be hard to get that correct certain something for your photographer friend or relative- but assuming they can read, why not get them something fun, functional and new that doesn't break the bank? For $11 you can score an O'Reilly book on the subject and a big thank you."
--Dean Browell, Applelust, Dec 2002

"'The Digital Photography Pocket Guide' gives you the knowledge to take the pictures you've always wanted. It's a quick-reference mentor that explains the digital camera's components, shows you what they do, and helps you to choose the right settings."
--Desktop Connections, Dec 2002

"If you're considering making the leap into digital photography, this book proves invaluable for most everything from selecting the right camera to making the most of its available features."
--Fotophile.com, Dec 2002

"The quality and depth of the information provided in this little pocket book is truly amazing, and all digital photographers, amateur or professional, can benefit by using it."
--Joseph Kluepfel, Broward Personal Computer Association, Dec 2002

"...crammed with information."--Association of A32 Users, Dec 2002

"It is an excellent reference book for beginning photographers and is also an interesting 'read' for the more experienced photographer...especially those with 'film photography' experience."
--Dean Nichols, Campbell Seniors Computer Club, August 2003

Hide extended reviews


See larger cover