I've recently gotten a KonicaMinolta Maxxum 5D body with 18-70 lens as a beginner set up. I've read the book at least 4 times but it's just not basic enough for me. So far I've only used the auto setting and I'd like to learn to do more. Can anyone suggest a VERY basic book that starts like Ned in the First Reader and assumes you know absolutely NOTHING about f stops and histograms and all the other stuff this manual assumes I already know?

Thanks for any help.

 

Hmm not sure about books but I subscribe to Pro digital imaging magazine. They have helpful tips and techniques. As far as a beginners book.... Have you read your manual? I always refer back to my manual and keep it in my camera bag at all times. It usually gives you a VERY general explentaion of f stops and what a histogram is. My manual does anyway (canon rebel XT) If you want to check it out...visit www.photography-on-the.net Read the threads there. Ive learned a lot there just by reading in 1 night. To improve you vision on what to capture check this site out too http://asp.photo.free.fr/Composition/photo...MainClass.shtml

another site that I also rever to on a regular basis. And as always if you have questions feel free to post here. We dont bite. swear!

 

The manual then this:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...ad.php?t=53846

 

Thanks, I'll try those. Yep, I've read the manual -- at least 4 times. The problem is they start assuming you know something and I know nothing. Even with re-reading several times, I'm still lost. I'll try the other sites. I don't want to bore everyone here to death with my most basic questions.

Thanks!

 

thats ok...bore us...we all had to start somewhere too ya know.

 

BKW provided a link for some great books. I highly recommend Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. I still read the book daily after completely reading it, cover to cover, a dozen times.

 

Heh, I have Peterson's Understanding Exposure and Understanding Digital Photography. The guy really puts everything into terms and examples that make it easy.

 

Another Peterson reader here.

If you want very basic from someone who knows digital imaging, pick up Scott Kelby's The Digital Photography Book: How to make your photos look like the pros!. He also does some fantastic photoshop books. Scott's strength, as a writer, is in his ability to make the most technical things appear so basic. He is also the editor of NAPP's (National Association of Photoshop Professionals) Magazine.

 

Thanks everyone! Those are all good suggestions. I'm re-reading the manual for the umpteenth time and am finally understanding a few things. After that, I'll start on some of the recommendations above. I appreciate the help and hope to someday have something worth posting on here! Hope springs eternal and all that!