phcaan Loc: Willow Springs, MO

I have asked several questions in the past week and always got great answers.
The best advice I received however was from several folks, who told me to "read the manual" I was reading the manual and not really understanding much of it.
I found a book called "A short Course in Canon PowerShot S5 IS Photography" by Dennis P Curtin. This is the best money I ever spent.
I actually think I may even learn to understand what some of you are talking about.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

You will never hear "read the manual" from me. Camera manuals were written by Japanese engineers in their native language, and translated into English by Japanese linguists, who were educated in Japan. You did the right thing by finding a book written by an American, for Americans.

tripsy76 Loc: Northshore, MA

I may have been one of the read the manual guys. I'll be the first to admit that if I tried to remember back to the stone age when I had to read the first manual, most terms probably didn't make sence not to mention balancing F-Stop exposure etc...
I'm glad you found a book that works. Once you've mastered (well at least grasped) your camera, I would recommend Bryan Peterson's understanding Exposure. Lots of great shots help illustrate the differences. Or for a slightly portable book, Peterson's Understanding Photography.
Hope you're enjoying your camera!

phcaan Loc: Willow Springs, MO

I may have been one of the read the manual guys. I'll be the first to admit that if I tried to remember back to the stone age when I had to read the first manual, most terms probably didn't make sence not to mention balancing F-Stop exposure etc...
I'm glad you found a book that works. Once you've mastered (well at least grasped) your camera, I would recommend Bryan Peterson's understanding Exposure. Lots of great shots help illustrate the differences. Or for a slightly portable book, Peterson's Understanding Photography.
Hope you're enjoying your camera![/quote]

I had an understanding of the basics, years ago I did some work with a Minolta SLR. The problem I had was translating film into digital. I am now learning that digital is really neat!

Sunrisepano Loc: West Sub of Chicago

I agree about reading the manual. It is almost as difficult as reading some of these responses. The written word is for communicating an idea. To make it easier for the reader to understand, use the correct spelling or even the correct word. Learn the difference between seam and seem, lose and loose, read, read and red. No, I did not err, read-present tense, doing it now; read-past tense, did it yesterday; red-a color but sounds like read past tense. (Read, read and red are to make a side point, American English is confusing enough when used properly, don't make is worse by misuse.)
I would not consider a job applicant who did not have BASIC writing SKILLS. If you don't accept reading a Japanese manual because it is difficult, why should I accept anything less from an American job applicant.

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

i always read the manual...but the third part books are so awesome.

i think they put more in leighman terms

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

I disagree with this advice. You should always start with the manual. If for no other reason, to familiarize yourself with your equipment. Few people have the luxury of understanding everything with the first read (unfortunately, I am not one of them). The more you become familiar with and practice, you can begin to make some sense of what the manual is trying to convey. Yes, third party books, videos and forums are great supplements, but I say read the user guide that came with your equipment, so you don't start off guessing what this button does or this dial accomplishes.

naturalite Loc: Up state NY

About 30 years ago there was a 26 volume set of photography books put out by "Time Life". I studied them all. Then spent 2 years in college taking photography classes.
You know what, I still need to read and keep up with the changes that occur in technology and cameras.
So just figure, if you love it, keep up with it.
Have fun and keep shooting.

Paw Paw Bill Loc: d

My 'take' on this, after having worked with many 'newbies' around here:

To a new participant in photography, the manual is almost useless. However, read it anyway! Note: it is not a tutorial on photography!

Newcomers may learn from the manual that a button controls some function, but may have no idea why they should know that or why use that or what it does for the image.


Read a book on photography basics, then go back to the manual to see how to make your camera do what the 'basics' book suggested you try. The manual tells you how to use the functions....the photography books tells you what the functions do or achieve in a photograph.

When you are 'in the dark' about photography, both books will have you wondering 'what have I gotten myself into now'. You must master both books before either one alone makes sense.

phcaan Loc: Willow Springs, MO

[quote=Paw Paw Bill]My 'take' on this, after having worked with many 'newbies' around here:

To a new participant in photography, the manual is almost useless. However, read it anyway! Note: it is not a tutorial on photography!

Newcomers may learn from the manual that a button controls some function, but may have no idea why they should know that or why use that or what it does for the image.

When you are 'in the dark' about photography, both books will have you wondering 'what have I gotten myself into now'. You must master both books before either one alone makes sense.

Read a book on photography basics, then go back to the manual to see how to make your camera do what the 'basics' book suggested you try. The manual tells you how to use the functions....the photography books tells you what the functions do or achieve in a photograph.

I think you have nailed it.
I read the manual, several times, and when I got the third party book and began using it alongside the manual thing started making sense. I can now go back through the manual and understand just what it is saying. Don't get me wrong, I don't know much yet. This is a process.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

I don't know about the others, but my canon manuals have always indicated, in a fundamental manner, what the different settings can achieve (tv,av,etc). You have to start somewhere, and the manual is the place. Your manual does nothing for artistic composition or any aspect of it. But it can start you off right. User guides (manuals) are not meant to be a tutorial on photography, they are meant to describe functionality, and I think they do that well.

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

hahahaha...ya nailed it!!!

Mel Winner

Thankyou for taking applications.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

You missed the space between Thank and you. Your application has been recycled. lol

:thumbdown:

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

There, their, they're. Don't get upset over college edumacated people not knowing 5th grade grammar. LOL. Lighten up, read the manual, it's not that tough. Hope I didn't ruffle too many feathers.

Think I'll go play frisbee with my dog. :thumbup: