Are you still using an “old style” camera, but want to switch to digital photography? Have you recently bought a digital camera, but find yourself overwhelmed with the new terminology and all the things it can do? Have you had your digital camera for awhile, but want to get more out of it including better photos? If your answer is “yes” to any of these questions, then you might want to pick up a copy of Tom and Michele Grimm’s latest book.

The Grimms, both veteran photographers and authors, have been recognized for their classic guide to photography (The Basic Book of Photography) for more than 30 years. Now they’ve written the ultimate guide to digital photography with 400 illustrative photos and organized into eighteen easy to read sections and two appendices.

I resisted buying a digital camera for a long time – instead relying on my reliable 35mm Minolta which my dad gave me for my sixteenth birthday. But when that camera broke and I found I could not get the parts to fix it, I was forced to reconsider my options. My purchase of a Nikon digital camera was one of the best decisions I’ve made…but I quickly discovered that the amount of knowledge I needed to use it to its fullest capacity was a bit overwhelming. I could have used the Grimm’s guide!

The Basic Book of Digital Photography covers the most elemental aspects of the craft up to the more complex ideas. Whether you have a simple point and shoot or a more complicated SLR model, the book provides easy to access guidelines. Individuals who are considering purchasing a digital camera will find the section on choosing the right camera helpful. There are also sections which deal with lenses, accessories, and settings; as well as teaching you the best way to use the settings on your camera, special techniques for shooting, creative composition, and even transferring your images from camera to computer, organizing them, editing them, and finally printing them. I found the section on shooting video the most helpful as that is one aspect of my camera I have neglected to learn.

I can recommend this book for beginning digital photographers, as well as those who are comfortable with their cameras, but want to improve on their photography. I know I will continue to reference this helpful guide as I grow more and more comfortable with my camera. ( )

My Thoughts:

I was so excited to get this book in my hands. Why you ask? Well, I’m the proud owner of a new digital camera of which I know nothing about. I’m sure there are more like me out there. Now you’ve got that new camera, what do you do with it. Tom Grimm and Michele Grimm’s book, The Basic Book of Digital Photography, is a great place to start.

I must confess, when I saw how thick the book was, it felt a little overwhelming. But the interesting and easily understood narrative kept me speedily reading. At first, I skipped around and read the sections I was most interested in learning. Like what was I supposed to do with my flash besides bounce light all over the place, or, was there really a way to know what options to choose from all the operational settings on my camera? I loved the chapter on Special Shooting Techniques With Digital Cameras and Shooting Video Clips, Recording Sound, Using Camera Phones, and Scanning Photos.

I am a retired ‘Print Artist’, which means that I have 30 years of experience in the professional photo finishing business. I know what needs doing to enhance a photo and how to get it done. So I was glad to see that the book addresses these techniques in a reader-friendly approach.

The authors cover their subject thoroughly from point A to Z, including many illustrations that help clarify what may be new concepts to many. For anyone who reads my reviews, you know I’m an illustration junkie. If anyone expects me to reach point Z, they better give me a way to identify when I’ve reached it.

Favorite Quote:

“Among the many joys of our digital age is the discovery that there seems to be no limit to the world of photography. Pick up your digital camera and join in the fun.”

*Acknowledgement: I thank FSB Associates for the complimentary review copy of this book.
Rating: 4/5 ( )

This is a must have for anyone learning to use a digital camera. It is a very in-depth guide that has step by step directions to get the most out of your photos. There are many photos and guides. My only complaint is that most of the photos are b&w and I'd loved to have seen them in color. It's a thick book at 528 pages, but it is so worth every word. I just recently bought my first "professional" camera and still haven't learned to use all the features. The cd's that came with it are not much good since they don't clearly show what they are talking about. If you take your time reading this, practicing as you go, it doesn't seem so daunting. I would recommend this book to anyone who has just bought or is thinking about buying a camera. ( )