Cambridge In Color: Has anyone purchased the Cambridge In Color book, "Understanding Photography"? I got a notice that it's on sale right now and was wondering about getting it as a...

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

Has anyone purchased the Cambridge In Color book, "Understanding Photography"?
I got a notice that it's on sale right now and was wondering about getting it as a Christmas present for a neophite photographer.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Keldon wrote:

Has anyone purchased the Cambridge In Color book, "Understanding Photography"?
I got a notice that it's on sale right now and was wondering about getting it as a Christmas present for a neophite photographer.

It's hard to say without reading detailed reviews, but if it's on sale for well under the $39.95 list price, it could be a nice gift. "Understanding Exposure," by Bryan Peterson might be a better choice.

https://smile.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Understanding+Exposure

More ideas -

https://expertphotography.com/top-20-photography-books-improve-your-skills/
https://www.slrlounge.com/best-photography-books-help-become-better-photographer/
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/12-recommended-photography-books-bh-bestseller-list

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

Thanks, Jerry, I think you're right about Peterson's being a better choice.

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

Keldon wrote:

Thanks, Jerry, I think you're right about Peterson's being a better choice.

Peterson's book is definitely worth it. I have the 3rd edition. I think there may be a 4th edition out now, but not sure.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Vince68 wrote:

Peterson's book is definitely worth it. I have the 3rd edition. I think there may be a 4th edition out now, but not sure.

So I’m curious: what’s the difference between editions? Different photos? The fundamentals of exposure haven’t changed.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

I've paged through the Cambridge In Colour book at my local public library. A very well organized book. In my opinion, much better than the Peterson books, which are more eye candy than information.

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

So I’m curious: what’s the difference between editions? Different photos? The fundamentals of exposure haven’t changed.

I don't know what the difference is between editions 3 and 4, I only have edition 3. I remember that question being asked when I was purchasing edition 3. Someone said he updated some sections with new photos and new equipment info. Other then that, I couldn't tell you.

sjb3

Vince68 wrote:

I don't know what the difference is between editions 3 and 4, I only have edition 3. I remember that question being asked when I was purchasing edition 3. Someone said he updated some sections with new photos and new equipment info. Other then that, I couldn't tell you.

I've got the 3rd edition, and this post spurred me to check on a possible 4th. Besides factoring in the advances in photography (particularly dynamic range) since the 3rd edition came out in 2009, he's updated all the illustration photos by way of giving the material a fresh appearance, and there's a new, in-depth section on using flash. Also a how-to on using a flashlight to add creativity; I think he's talking about light-painting, which actually is pretty neat when it's done right. I've seen a lot of good stuff online, both stills and video. I'll probably get the new edition in Kindle format after the holidays.

Vince68 Loc: Wappingers Falls, NY

sjb3 wrote:

I've got the 3rd edition, and this post spurred me... (show quote)

sjb3... thank you for the update and that information regarding the differences between the two editions. That is what I had heard, new section on using flash, light painting, new images, etc, but wasn't sure.