Friedman’s book...opinions...Please
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Forum Name: Other photographic topics
Forum Description: Miscellaneous photographic topics
URL: https://www.dyxum.com/dforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2708
Printed Date: 03 December 2024 at 17:01
Topic: Friedman’s book...opinions...Please
Posted By: ybsane
Subject: Friedman’s book...opinions...Please
Date Posted: 11 March 2006 at 08:30
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Is Friedman's book on the Konica Minolta 5D and 7D as good as the hipe is and have you read it? Second, if someone has downloaded the ebook version, is it in color or B&W?
Thanx for your opinions!!! |
Replies:
Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 11 March 2006 at 10:40
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In a word. Yes.
I bought it back in January. It was and is an incredible publication. I am still reading it, but that is simply how I am. He has laid it out in easy to read chapters explaining what he needs to and worthwhile to read. If you download the book you can print it out. What I've done is I've printed a few chapters at a time and then take the document to work to read in my breaks (I'm a professional driver). It is also handy to have the camera around you when reading so you can have an "ooh" and "ahh" whilst going through it ;) I've a 5D. I've got as far as Appature Priority and the bits before it. I'm not a genius, but will plod along at my own pace. I reckon I'll finish the book in Summer :D :D ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |
Posted By: Diddlbiker
Date Posted: 11 March 2006 at 13:34
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I second Elwyn's advice. It's a great book, well worth the money. I did download it, and it is in color. I actually printed it in color as well (at work :-), but you need a [i[big binder to put it in - print it double-sided (if only I were so lucky...)
Gary Friedman is a gifted writer, the sample you can download is very much representative of the book. Although most pictures were actually taken with the Minolta A2 (he wrote a book about that as well) he will explain all options as found on the 5D and 7D cameras. Recommended! ------------- 
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Posted By: ybsane
Date Posted: 11 March 2006 at 15:34
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One more thing...Does Friedman explain each and every dial,knob,and button...What they do and how they work?
The manual does such a bad job...First you start reading one page which tells you to go to pg 58...pg 58 points you to pg 24 and on and on...Poorly written imo! Sorry Saratoga and Mr Friedman...I wae referring to the Minolta Manual. No slam about Friedman's book intended. |
Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 11 March 2006 at 21:15
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The Book is not a manual.
It is an amazing peice of litterature that explains what each and every bit does. How it all fits together and how to get the best results under certain conditions. It would not be fair on him to reproduce any part here, but suffice to say, you get to use apperture, shutter speed, iso levels and white balance in tune with each other. Comes as just under 30mb PDF file so you can even read it on your PDA!!!! ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |
Posted By: lustron
Date Posted: 12 March 2006 at 13:41
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I would also like to praise the book (although I've only read a third of it so far). Mr. Friedman does not hesitate to indicate his preferences for settings and his reasoning. He also shares relevent experiences.
The first part deals with the basics with later chapters dealing with the more complex subjects. ------------- lustron |
Posted By: X-R-M
Date Posted: 13 March 2006 at 04:51
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I also recommend Gary Friedman's book.
I got printed black and white version for USD 29.73. Book size is 7"x9" which is more comfortable to use than 8x11 printouts. More opinions you find http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1035&thread=16620578 - here and http://dyxum.com/dforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1436&PN=1 - here Gary Friedman is preparing appendix to his book. Check it http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Minolta/message/127005 - here |
Posted By: dranoel
Date Posted: 13 March 2006 at 06:24
| How much is that book?? Sounds like kinda expensive?? :p |
Posted By: brettania
Date Posted: 13 March 2006 at 06:31
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Looked at http://www.dyxum.com/ - our front page recently? It's US$19.95. ------------- http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/posting-images-and-links-faqs_topic28010.html - Posting Images and Links | http://tinyurl.com/oz62mfp - Posts awaiting answers |
Posted By: dranoel
Date Posted: 13 March 2006 at 06:35
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Ohh US19.95 isnt expensive at all. I got mine earlier. :D
Thx bret for the reminder. ;) |
Posted By: jeditim
Date Posted: 13 March 2006 at 15:41
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Excellent book...I bought the color version a couple of months ago. While it isn't a manual it does explain a lot of the features. I also liked his insight into how he has setup his camera...whether it is for wireless flash or how he setup the custom profiles.
Recommend for any level of 7D/5D user. Tim ------------- Maxxum 7D and 7 (can't remember last time used); Minolta Lenses 24-105mm f:3.5-4.5 (D), 50mm f:1.4, 85MM f:1.4, 100 f:2.8 Macro(D), 100-400 f:4.5-6.7 APO Minolta Flash: 5600 HS (D) |
Posted By: ajm80031
Date Posted: 13 March 2006 at 15:52
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I purchased the book (B&W print version) after having had my 7D for about six months. I didn't gain too much new information from it, having read the manual and lurked here and on the KM forum on dpreview, but even so it's worthwhile to have all of that information in one place. Gary also gives some useful reminders about basic photographic skills (composition, etc.). In short it will be tremendously useful if you're not too familiar with your camera yet, and is still a good buy even if you've got the camera pretty well figured out.
About the only complaint I'd level at it is that I think Gary spends a bit too much time being a Minolta cheerleader. It's good that he's enthusiastic about the cameras, but for me the number of times he says how wonderful Minolta gear is and what a good choice you made gets a bit excessive. |
Posted By: jeditim
Date Posted: 13 March 2006 at 20:14
I guess I didn't notice the Minolta cherrleading as I am a believer in Minolta gear as well :) ------------- Maxxum 7D and 7 (can't remember last time used); Minolta Lenses 24-105mm f:3.5-4.5 (D), 50mm f:1.4, 85MM f:1.4, 100 f:2.8 Macro(D), 100-400 f:4.5-6.7 APO Minolta Flash: 5600 HS (D) |
ajm80031 wrote:Posted By: wheatridger
Date Posted: 15 March 2006 at 06:57
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There's much I need to learn about the 7D, and I might buy a book to lead the way. There seem to be at least two choices. How does Gary's book compare to the Magic Lantern Guide? Class, compare and contrast.
What I wouldn't want to spend money on is page after page of basic information that explains how Aperture Priority works, or how to set the self-timer (as I saw in other Magic Lantern Guides). For me, there are several magic/mystery features on the KM Ds that are completely unique, and poorly documented. AntiShake and Zone Matching are my biggest realms of uncertainty. I'm appreciate as many details and results on these camera-specific features as possible, but from Gary's contents table, they seem to get no more ink than most features and settings that are shared with other cameras. So far, my alternative to buying these books has been to scan the archives here and at dpreview on topics of interest. That gives a democratic, grassroots perspective that I enjoy, with a few bad answers thrown in with the good. Given the cost of printer supplies, I'll probably spend as much as buying the book. ------------- Yes, I've gone digital. But I'm still not sure about this autofocus gimmick... |
Posted By: brettania
Date Posted: 15 March 2006 at 07:18
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John
Forget the Magic Lantern Guide -- it was written, most believe, without any hands on at all and appears to be a rough and at times inaccurate rehash of the manual. Not to belittle Friendman's book, in the broader scheme it remains a guide most useful to people who have either little SLR or digtital experience. And that is what it was intended to be and does very, very well. If you want to get into things in more detail, you will have to buy lots of books and they won't be brand specific. It is my belief that Friedman explains as much as you really need to know about the principles of AS and ZM -- the rest can be figured by referencing against your own use of those facilities and, as you say, from websites such as this. Remember there's not much cost involved in experimenting. Friedman writes in a pleasant, conversational style and illustrates what he talks about in a very good way. ------------- http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/posting-images-and-links-faqs_topic28010.html - Posting Images and Links | http://tinyurl.com/oz62mfp - Posts awaiting answers |
Posted By: jeditim
Date Posted: 15 March 2006 at 14:48
Cameron, I think the above summarizes it the best. I previously had a Magic Lantern Guide for my 7xi and it was a waste of money. It was almost exactly what was written in the camera manual. If you read the manual you do not need the guide. The Friedman book does not look to replace the manual and it tells you that in the first couple of pages. What it does is explain some of the functions and their use to the photographer in an easy to understand format. I liked the book and have read it twice...however, as you said, experimenting would in itself give you a lot of information. Tim ------------- Maxxum 7D and 7 (can't remember last time used); Minolta Lenses 24-105mm f:3.5-4.5 (D), 50mm f:1.4, 85MM f:1.4, 100 f:2.8 Macro(D), 100-400 f:4.5-6.7 APO Minolta Flash: 5600 HS (D) |
Posted By: lustron
Date Posted: 15 March 2006 at 15:25
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the Friedman book is truly a bargain, $20 USD for a full color download that you can read on your computer or print out as you see fit. In view of the considerable investment everyone here has made in cameras and equipment, this is a trivial expense regardless of how much or how little you get out of it. And as for an earlier concern someone had about Mr. Friedman's boosterism for KM, I would suggest that it is his enthusiasm that separates his book from the host of impersonal guides and tutorials that abound. ------------- lustron |
Posted By: Kevint
Date Posted: 20 March 2006 at 14:20
Just got the new Appendix B - thanks Gary. It's a quick reference of guidelines for special shooting situations covering fireworks, waterfalls, concerts, nightime, snow, outdoor portraits, street, sunsets, moon, nightime sports, christmas lights, candlelight and how to get the best results without computer manipulation. Simple reference with lots of good information. Kevin ------------- Sony A65, Dynax 5D Sony 11-18, 16-105, 18-55, 50 1.4 Minolta 18-70 DT, 75-300, 100-300 APO 3600HSD |
Posted By: lustron
Date Posted: 20 March 2006 at 15:50
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The appendix B "update" is another reason to own the Friedman book. While his cover email didn't bring us any startling news, he is obviously keeping close tabs on the KM - Sony situation. Considering his contacts, he's probably one of the more reliable sources of info. ------------- lustron |
Posted By: ajm80031
Date Posted: 20 March 2006 at 16:09
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How did you guys receive the update? I don't see anything about it listed on http://www.friedmanarchives.com/Writings/5D_7D_ebook.htm - Gary's page about the book . As a buyer of the hard copy book should I have gotten some sort of notification?
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Posted By: lustron
Date Posted: 20 March 2006 at 16:19
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here's the link (he sent an email)
(deleted by Brettania -- if you have purchased the book and not received the appendix, then email Gary) ------------- lustron |
Posted By: Kevint
Date Posted: 20 March 2006 at 16:21
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I didn't post the link as I wasn't sure whether the update was only for paying customers - I think Gary e-mailed all those that have purchased.
Kevin ------------- Sony A65, Dynax 5D Sony 11-18, 16-105, 18-55, 50 1.4 Minolta 18-70 DT, 75-300, 100-300 APO 3600HSD |
Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 20 March 2006 at 17:02
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If you ask GF nicely I am sure he will put the contents of the email either here or on his website but without the relevant link ;) ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |
Posted By: ajm80031
Date Posted: 21 March 2006 at 19:07
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Okay, I haven't gotten an email about the update (purchased a physical book through Lulu) so I sent an email to the address on Gary's main page. Hopefully that was the right place to send it.
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Posted By: Mink
Date Posted: 21 March 2006 at 20:09
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I agree with Cameron. I had already worked through the manuals of both the 5D and 7D before I got Gary Friedman's book. It took me a whole evening to read it and, although I enjoyed it, I didn't feel I learned very much new. Even his good exposition on the use of wireless flash was not entirely new - I mastered this system some years ago with my 7xi/5400xi setup.
On the other hand, this book is perfect for my wife, who has no patience for cryptic manuals but wants to be able to use the 5D when we go travelling (does that sound sexist - it isn't meant to - she's a great photographer, but very impatient with new stuff..) I think there's a gap (or, perhaps, that there would have been a gap if KM was still in business!) for a more advanced technical book on the 'science' of the KM system - not necessarily fun to read, but which answers all the questions likely to come up as you progress with the system. Still, I suppose that's why we have this forum! Maybe you guys should think of compiling something which we can download to our PDAs - there's heaps of material in your archives, and lots of techies among your members to peer-review it! Maybe you could even make some money :-) |
Posted By: jeditim
Date Posted: 21 March 2006 at 21:05
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There was also an update to Chapter 7 several months ago...if anyone purchased the book they should also request this...I received it directly from Gary via PDF.
Tim ------------- Maxxum 7D and 7 (can't remember last time used); Minolta Lenses 24-105mm f:3.5-4.5 (D), 50mm f:1.4, 85MM f:1.4, 100 f:2.8 Macro(D), 100-400 f:4.5-6.7 APO Minolta Flash: 5600 HS (D) |
Posted By: ajm80031
Date Posted: 21 March 2006 at 22:21
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To followup, I sent Gary an email this morning and he replied within three hours. If, like me, you purchased a printed copy of the book through Lulu be aware that the printer does not share any buyer information with Gary. So buyers of the printed book need to contact him as he has no way of knowing who all to send the pdf update to.
I used the contact address at the bottom of the http://www.friedmanarchives.com/ - Friedman Archives home page to get in touch with him. (Edited to delete the extra "http://" from the link above) |
Posted By: Saratoga
Date Posted: 21 March 2006 at 22:49
Better use this link as it lacks the extra http :) http://www.friedmanarchives.com/ ------------- ex-KM5D, Sony A700, A55, A77ii Coventry UK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/covltwt - CovLtwt Flickr |
Posted By: jarenas
Date Posted: 22 March 2006 at 03:44
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It took me a few days to read his book and although it has given some things to think about including appendix B I wish he had touched on using slow sync because I haven't been able to master this feature.
One issue is what metering to be in? |
Posted By: ajm80031
Date Posted: 22 March 2006 at 15:15
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Good question. You want your foreground subject properly exposed, so you that might suggest spot-metering on it. However, the reason you're using slow sync is that you want the background to show up which would suggest wide-area metering.
So much for theory. In practice I've mostly used wide-area metering for slow sync photos and they've usually worked out well. Occasionally I need to dial in some negative flash compensation because the foreground subject gets a bit overexposed but most of the time I'm happy with the results with no compensation. What problems are you running into with slow sync? BTW, it might be worthwhile to start a new topic asking for advice on slow sync to make your question more visible. |
Posted By: jarenas
Date Posted: 22 March 2006 at 20:22
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Whenever I activate the slow sync feature, the shutter speed is so slow that hand holding would not be practical. I haven't bumped up the iso and I usually don't travel w/ a tripod- bag is already to heavy.
Thats pretty much the gist of it. |
Posted By: jeditim
Date Posted: 23 March 2006 at 14:42
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I previosuly purchased the hard copy of Gary's book and sent him an email in regards to Appendix B...within a couple of hours I received the link, printed the file and placed it with my updated Chapter 7.
While I could have just taken multiple pictures to get to the desired effect I can now use Gary's setup as a guide and adjust accordingly...nice quick response from Gary. Thanks, Tim ------------- Maxxum 7D and 7 (can't remember last time used); Minolta Lenses 24-105mm f:3.5-4.5 (D), 50mm f:1.4, 85MM f:1.4, 100 f:2.8 Macro(D), 100-400 f:4.5-6.7 APO Minolta Flash: 5600 HS (D) |
Posted By: Andrew
Date Posted: 23 March 2006 at 15:59
You can set exposure compensation for ambient only and use slow sync. Lets say non flashed ambient exposure is f4 1/8s, slow sync will allow the flash to make up some of the exposure so will give you 1/15s. If you set -1 ambient comp you will get 1/30s with slow sync. I call it "slowish sync" but I usually use M mode to get me there. Andrew |
Posted By: jarenas
Date Posted: 23 March 2006 at 16:54
| Thanks Andrew. I'll give it a try tonight. |
Posted By: X-R-M
Date Posted: 24 March 2006 at 03:49
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Jeditim, I also have printed version of Gary's book (version 1.3).
After asking Gary for Appendix B and updated chapter 7,I received link for App.B, but not Chapter 7 update. What version of printed book do you have? Maybe Chapter in my book is already updated (i ordered book in January 2006)? |
Posted By: jeditim
Date Posted: 24 March 2006 at 13:50
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I received the Chapter 7 update back in early December...I believe that any books sold after November 2005 contained the updated chapter.
I suspect your book contains all of the new material. Tim http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Minolta/message/123384 - Yahoo User Group - Gary Friedman Message on his ebook In the event you can't read the message I posted the text below...it was posted on December 3, 2005 Well, as promised, Chapter 7 of the 5D / 7D ebook (dealing with Wireless Flash) has been updated. (In addition, the online article at <www.FriedmanArchives.com/flash.htm> has been updated as well to clearly spell out the differences in the way wireless flash works with film and with digital. (Not at all the same!)) These changes have also been rolled into the book so those who buy either the downloadable .pdf file or the hardcopy book format will receive them as well. Those of you who bought the ebook have already been notified of a new Chapter 7 .pdf file that you can download. Those of you who bought the printed copy of the book, however...well, that's a different story. I have just learned that my Print-On-Demand publisher, lulu.com, has a policy of NOT sharing customer information with me, making it nearly impossible to let people know about updates. Hopefully this list can serve to get the word out. So, to all of you who bought the hardcopy of the book, please get in touch with me! As a buyer of the book you are entitled to receive the Updated Chapter 7.pdf file as well. Many thanks to all of you who have spread the word about this book to the other online communities! Sincerely, Gary Friedman ------------- Maxxum 7D and 7 (can't remember last time used); Minolta Lenses 24-105mm f:3.5-4.5 (D), 50mm f:1.4, 85MM f:1.4, 100 f:2.8 Macro(D), 100-400 f:4.5-6.7 APO Minolta Flash: 5600 HS (D) |
Posted By: Gary Friedman
Date Posted: 31 March 2006 at 09:43
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Well, as the author of said ebook, I feel I must take a moment and offer a heartfelt "Thank You!" to everyone for such positive and honest feedback! It makes the whole project worthwhile and encourages me to make the next edition for the Sony cameras (yes, there will be one) even better.
Yes, it is correct that if you bought the hardcopy version of the book then I have no idea you exist unless you emailed me to register (as requested in the confirmation email). If you still don't have Appendix B yet, send me an email (Gary@FriedmanArchives.com) along with your receipt and I'll send it to you right away. Now regarding all this complaining about being a Minolta "cheerleader"... :-) Nothing I say is over the top. Camera design is difficult, good user interface design is damn difficult (it must be, look at how few others do it right, whether you're talking cameras or software!), and the fact that they can have a sensor moving up and down while a shutter slit travels across it depositing fractions of multiple flash pulses onto the sensor WITHOUT showing any effects of light-and-dark banding is beyond me. (By all accounts there should be an interference pattern when shooting with flash and AS on.) How many other cameras allow you to press AEL in manual exposure mode, and then change the shutter speed as you change the f/stop? How in the world did they manage to do High-Speed flash synch in wireless mode (nobody else can do that!)?? It is VERY clear to me that the entire UI design of the 7D had considerably more thought go into it than any other modern camera. They have solved technical problems that nobody thought were solvable in a consumer-priced camera. And, according to David Kilpatrick (a UK magazine editor), their color rendition and in-camera sharpening are done better than the competition. Why shouldn't I point out a job well done when I see it? (Especially when nobody else is hearalding these accomplishments!) If nothing else, I think this kind of cheerleading is a little overdue from the rest of the camera world. So now you know! :-) I hope this answer is helpful. Sincerely, Gary Friedman |
Posted By: kiklop
Date Posted: 31 March 2006 at 10:00
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Welcome to our forum Gary.
I hope you will find worthwhile visiting it more often :) ------------- We may have http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/unawsered_forum_topics_date-range13.html - questions waiting for answers ! |
Posted By: Gary Friedman
Date Posted: 31 March 2006 at 10:09
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Thanks! I wish I had more spare time to "hang out" in the online forums, but I'm way too busy just doing things that keep the licensing revenue coming in... -Gary |
Posted By: jeditim
Date Posted: 31 March 2006 at 15:02
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Gary,
I never though you were cheerleading for Minolta...then again I agree with what you are saying. Welcome to the group and thank you for your quick responses to emails. Tim ------------- Maxxum 7D and 7 (can't remember last time used); Minolta Lenses 24-105mm f:3.5-4.5 (D), 50mm f:1.4, 85MM f:1.4, 100 f:2.8 Macro(D), 100-400 f:4.5-6.7 APO Minolta Flash: 5600 HS (D) |
Posted By: azzkikr
Date Posted: 31 March 2006 at 22:18
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I downloaded a copy as e-book. In one word..Great!!!!
A must have for every 5d and/or 7d owner. Lots of tips and tricks, lots of background information, an usefull manual, and also a little encyclopedia on these two slr's. Written in an understanding way, without too much tech talk. Usefull for both beginners and more expierienced users. Greetz from the Netherlands. ------------- Maxxum 5D, 70-210 f4, 100-300 f4.5-5.6, af dt18-70, 28-75 f2.8, tamron 18-200di II,Sigma 400mm f5.6 APO,Minolta AF500 reflex F8, Program Flash 3600HS |
Posted By: X-R-M
Date Posted: 01 April 2006 at 02:10
Thanks Tim. Since Gary send me only Appendix B link, I must have updated version of Chapter 7. His response for my request about Appendix B was very quick, and he was out of town at that time. I find that Appendix very handy. Cheers Jerry |
Posted By: Muizen
Date Posted: 05 April 2006 at 21:08
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I agree with the positive comments regarding Gary Friedman's book on the D7/D5.
His book has been instrumental for me in better understanding the use and possibilities of this fantastic Minolta product! Important subjects that, I feel, did not get adequate attention are metering and exposure compensation; this goes too for how to make optimum use of the information the camera meter supplies when in manual mode. Readers familiar with working with DSRL's and users of Photoshop will most likely be less interested in the content of pages 251 - 314? ------------- Harry Briels |
Posted By: Leendert12
Date Posted: 11 April 2006 at 17:22
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Little question: I downloaded this file yesterday, but I can't get it to work?
Is there anybody who knows how to solve this problem? ------------- Proud to be owner of a KonicaMinolta 7D, VC7D, 17-35, 28-200 & 100-300 & 100 2.8 (D) (forget about the rest...) |
Posted By: brettania
Date Posted: 11 April 2006 at 17:24
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Have you got a recent version of Acrobat Reader?
AFAIR it also comes in a zipped form so you need to unzip. And welcome, BTW. ------------- http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/posting-images-and-links-faqs_topic28010.html - Posting Images and Links | http://tinyurl.com/oz62mfp - Posts awaiting answers |
Posted By: Leendert12
Date Posted: 11 April 2006 at 18:25
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Thanks!
Yes, I have the latest version of Adobe Reader. The PDF file is zipped (I guess) in a self-extracting file. But this doesn't work like it supposed to be. I tried to open it in WinRAR and it opens flawless, like a normal PDF in Adobe Reader. I'm sorry I bothered everybody.... how stupid I am... ;-) BTW I like this forum and hope to learn a lot about my "new" Dynax (maxxum) 7D. It isn't brandnew, I bought it on kind-a-Ebay (in the Netherlands), with a couple of lenses and I try to make the most of it. ------------- Proud to be owner of a KonicaMinolta 7D, VC7D, 17-35, 28-200 & 100-300 & 100 2.8 (D) (forget about the rest...) |
Posted By: brettania
Date Posted: 11 April 2006 at 18:32
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Don't worry -- I had never heard of WinRAR until Kiklop mentioned it a couple of months back. It seems a little more robust than some others.
Good luck with the new camera -- the book will be a help in explaining things, and in a far better way than the manual. If you hadn't noticed already, we have quite a few Dutch members. ------------- http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/posting-images-and-links-faqs_topic28010.html - Posting Images and Links | http://tinyurl.com/oz62mfp - Posts awaiting answers |
Posted By: Leendert12
Date Posted: 11 April 2006 at 18:40
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Yes, I noticed already. This forum contains quite a lot information, especially when compared to similar forums in the Netherlands. I hope to learn a lot looking around on this forum. ------------- Proud to be owner of a KonicaMinolta 7D, VC7D, 17-35, 28-200 & 100-300 & 100 2.8 (D) (forget about the rest...) |
Posted By: Dirk
Date Posted: 27 August 2006 at 22:16
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Hi, I got my copy end of July as a birthday present. This is, as other forum members stated before a very good book. It's written in a very easy and for everyone understandable style. All major features, and better, advanced options are discussed accompanied by examples. I got a hard copy, easy to read in your folding chair during holidays, holding the 7D to go through all of his cool tips.
I highly recommend this book to new owners and those who want to explore their 5d/&d possibilities. ------------- |
Posted By: gsaronni
Date Posted: 27 August 2006 at 22:42
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Hello Dirk, I have read very interesting things about this book, and I am thinking to buy it, but I am afraid of my medium english, enough to have some time here but maybe not enough to understand all of it
I will think about it Regards ------------- 35/1.8 | 50/1.4 | 50M | 100/2 CZ 16-80 | Tamron 70-300 USD XZ-2 | A700 | A77 M2 http://www.flickr.com/photos/gsaronni/ |
Posted By: Diddlbiker
Date Posted: 28 August 2006 at 06:11
The best way to learn is to practice it, and you'll understand it probably because you're familiar with the subject. See the http://friedmanarchives.com/Writings/5D_Sample_Pages/book_page_samples.htm - sample pages to get an idea. Regards, Bart -------------
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Posted By: ldk62
Date Posted: 28 August 2006 at 08:19
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Hi Dirk,
I bought this book used (I was not willing to pay for a new), and here is my notice: 1. If in your local language is not made any user guide (and usually not), and you need it, this is a good User Guide replacement 2. Good easy, understandable language. Made by practitioner. Easy to read and understand. 3. For somebody who is new in DSLR, or have small experience, this book is MUST 4. For somebody who already have some books about basics in photography, but who shooting with digital for a short time, and are new with 5D, or 7D the book is very good source for info about DSLR and about Minolta cameras. 5. But if you are „experiences“ user, you read a lot, you shot a lot, you are reading forums on internet, the .pdf version is enough. All new tricks and tips for such a customers can be compressed to one or two pages of plain paper. And you will always find some new tricks, you omit on User guide, or you do not know about. Laco ------------- FF:800si | A850 | CZ 16-35/2.8 | CZ24-70/2.8 | 70-200/2.8 SSM G | Fish S 16/2.8 | S50/f1.4 | M100/2.8 | 200/2.8 APO HS G | Σ50-500 | TC: S1.4 + S2 ,Kenk 1.4. APS-C: A33| 18-250 | |
Posted By: Dirk
Date Posted: 28 August 2006 at 21:41
Hello Jose, don't be afraid. The book is very easy to read and Gary just did use plain English, no difficult words no guru talk nor expert bla, bla. It's so easy to read, my 15 year old son also is able to understand it. I'm not a beginner in photography but also not a very experienced expert. Of course I read all the manual, but as many know, some subjects are only mentioned very limited. The Friedman book just describes all the possibilities, just with friendly USEFUL tips. And, important for me, reading the book reminded me of some function that I knew were there, but honestly have sunken deep in my memory, so now I refreshed it and use it again. Particulary his tips on AEL and Wireless flash triggered me again to do some more playing around with it. For those with a vast experience and skills in DSLR, the book might be a surplus, but for everyone else I think it is a usefull reference and add to the manual. I highly recommend the book. (Gary you know my bank account <;-)) ------------- |
Posted By: GreatBlueWhale
Date Posted: 29 August 2006 at 16:19
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I've purchased two physical copies and two e-books to give to friends who went Minolta. All of them said the book was fantastic and just what they needed. Two of them had the Magic Lantern book, and said they wasted their money.
I, of course, love it and think it very useful or I wouldn't have given it to my friends. I think his technique of explaining the camera functions as they directly relate to a particular task is just what is needed for beginners, and a review of fundamentals doesn't hurt folks who have been at it a while, either. ------------- Trying to take better photographs in Kentucky. |