Control
If you want to exercise more creative control over the photos your camera takes, then this book is for you. You see how exposure works, how to control it, and learn about the aperture (which affects depth of field), shutter speed (which controls motion blur), and ISO (which increases your camera’s sensitivity to light). You also read about filters.
Book 4: Lighting the Scene
I start this minibook with a chapter on natural light. You see the difference between taking photos in the morning, late in the day, or at night. After that, I cover flash photography. If you take photos indoors or in poor light, knowing even a little about your camera’s flash will help you take much better photos. In the last two chapters, you learn how to use your camera’s built-in flash, see whether getting an external flash is right for you, and explore a ton of cool flash and lighting accessories and techniques.
Book 5: Managing and Processing Your Shots
This book is mostly about software. I explain how to manage your photos, how to quickly spruce them up, how to dig deeper into photo editing, and even how to express your artistry. You also see how to shoot and process panoramas and high dynamic range (HDR) photos.
Book 6: Showcasing Different Scenes
The last book has five chapters that focus on specific subjects. I’ve chosen some of my favorite photos to share and give you insight into how I took them.
Icons Used in This Book
Helpful icons are scattered throughout the book. They appear beside information I want you to pay particular attention to (or to avoid if you see fit). Each icon has a unique meaning:
Where to Go from Here
First, have a look at the table of contents. Next, jump to somewhere in the book that looks interesting or has information you want to know right now. Then go out and take some pictures. Rinse and repeat.
Do you want to start with lenses? Turn to Book 2 first. You don’t even need to read the chapters within a minibook in order. If you want to immediately jump to the chapter on shutter speed, by all means do.
If you’re new to photography, though, I do suggest starting at the beginning and reading the first minibook in order. When you’ve finished that, you should be able to turn to any place in the book and not get totally lost.
Lastly, when you have a minute, go to dummies.com to find the cheat sheet with this book. It’s full of information you might find valuable.
The more photos you take with your dSLR, the more you learn about it and how to take great photos. So go out and start shooting!
Book 1
Pursuing Digital SLR Photography
Chapter 1
Embracing Digital SLRs
IN THIS CHAPTER
❯❯ Learning about digital SLRs
❯❯ Defining different dSLR types
❯❯ Understanding camera specifications
❯❯ Seeing what's new in the world of dSLRs
❯❯ Buying a dSLR and accessories
What's so special about dSLRs? The short answer is: Lots! Digital SLRs are tremendous cameras. They take great photos, are versatile, friendly to new and casual users, serious enough for more advanced and professional photographers, and have the potential to accompany you through a lifetime of photography.
People sometimes think digital SLRs are complex, expensive, professional cameras that are hard to master. You don’t have to feel intimidated. Learning to use them isn’t hard. You don't have to start out with the model that has the most buttons and advanced features. You can find the right camera for you, no matter what your skill or interest level. Once you do, you’ll be able to learn and grow at your own pace. The sky is the limit!
Introducing the Digital SLR
The digital SLR (also known as dSLR or DSLR) is the modern, digital descendant of the 35mm film-based camera called the SLR. Both types of camera are shown in Figure 1-1. In many ways, the relatively new Nikon dSLR on the left is a direct technological descendant of the much older Nikon FE2 film SLR on the right.
FIGURE 1-1: Digital SLRs (left) have come a long way from its predecessor (right).
SLR stands for single lens reflex, and it identifies a class of camera with two unique characteristics: They have something called a reflex mirror, which enables the camera to use a single lens. Here are some details:
❯❯ Reflex mirror: SLR cameras use a hinged reflex mirror (reflex means that it moves) to, when lowered, reflect light that enters the camera through the lens and bounce it around inside the camera body for various purposes. When you press the shutter button, the mirror moves up and out of the way, allowing light to expose the film or be collected by the image sensor when the shutter opens.
❯❯ Single lens: SLR cameras can therefore use a single lens for all viewing, focusing, and metering. While that does not sound earth-shattering to us today, there was a time when photographers had to resort to using additional lenses or other mechanical devices (such as a framing rectangle on top of the camera) to view the scene and focus. Through-the-lens viewing, composing, metering, and focusing means that what you see is what you’re going to get when you take the photo.
SLRs and dSLRs also feature an interchangeable lens design. Although this isn’t a unique property, it's often thought of as a defining characteristic. Lenses attach to the camera body and can be removed, making it possible to use different lenses with different qualities for different purposes.
Naming and Classifying Digital SLRs
This section shares and explains the information you need to decode the names and understand the basic characteristics of different types of digital SLRs available today. For example, you should be able
