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Average Customer Rating:

More misinformation from professionals

Customer Rating:

Having previously used the 350D, 20D and 30D I recently purchased a 40D and needed a few more pointers regarding camera settings (picture styles, custom functions etc.). I saw this book in a local book shop and thought it was exactly what I was looking for. It is written in concise language, is set out clearly and is logical in its approach to the subject. However, I did not buy it due to one glaring mistake, that so many so-called professionals are making when discussing the 'focal length multiplier' of smaller sensor DSLR cameras. Camera manufacturers inadvertently began this 'myth' to explain the 'focal length multplier' of the smaller sensor cameras. A more correct term would be 'FIELD OF VIEW CROP FACTOR' (FOVCF). The size of a camera's sensor cannot alter the physical optics of any given lens. The FOVCF refers to the cropped image that is produced in relation to a full-frame sensor's image. A 100mm lens on a 1.6x FOVCF body (Canon 40D for example) will give the same 'field of view' as a 160mm lens on a 1.0x FOVCF body (such as the Canon 5D). This does NOT mean that the 100mm lens on a 1.6x body will give you the same focal length (reach) as a 160mm lens on a full-frame body. If someone is telling you that you can save money by buying a 1.6x body and a cheaper lens to get the same effective reach as a longer telephoto lens then they have no understanding of either the physics involved in camera lens optics or the electronics involved in camera sensors and you are being grossly misinformed.

Didn't know how much I didn't know

Customer Rating:

Having been a keen amateur photographer for 40 years, I hoped this book would "top up" my knowledge for this advanced bit of kit. Well, just a few pages in, I realised how little I knew and very quickly was taking much better shots and working my way through the more sophisticated features. Sections on white balance, photo styles and computer editing, whilst not always specific to the 40D, are very useful indeed. Highly recommended for getting the most out of the great camera.

Best so Far

Customer Rating:

This field guide will appeal to beginners through to the serious amateur. It covers all the technical stuff as well as some good guidance on photography in general. If you have recently purchased the 40D and wanted a good book then this is it. If I had to be picky then my only criticism is the continued reference to L series lenses, which whilst ideal are often out of financial reach for many. You can get some very good results with some cheaper lenses.