New 40d

[chameleon]

Just treated myself to a shiny new 40d and 580.
What would you recommend as a good guidebook for these? I've seen quite a few books out there for the 40.
There are a lot more options and setting up than my old 350d. I've had books before, that dont really offer any more than the standard manual.

 

[the undertaker]

Just treated myself to a shiny new 40d and 580.
What would you recommend as a good guidebook for these? I've seen quite a few books out there for the 40.
There are a lot more options and setting up than my old 350d. I've had books before, that dont really offer any more than the standard manual.

Magic lanterns publication, buy it from www.bookdepository.co.uk they are fast and well priced. But if you want to learn quick and well, book yourself on to 2 days at Experience Seminars, The best way to learn about your beautiful new camera.

 

[RaphaelSamad]

I have the Canon EOS 40D Digital Field Guide [Paperback] By: Charlotte K. Lowrie (Author). I bought it from Amazon for a few pounds and it does seem to be quite good.

 

[kevin_c]

Personally I've never seen the point of these books - For me the manual is a usually a good reference guide for where all the buttons are etc. the rest is really just understanding exposure (cue book recommendation...)

THIS is a good guide to understanding what effect aperture and shutter speed have on an image.

A camera is just a light tight box with a shutter that you can stick a lens on, it's what you point it at and how you expose the film/sensor that really counts. Some have more 'modes' and options than others but IMO this just gets in the way of actually taking pictures.

Just my view...

 

[RaphaelSamad]

That looks to be superb book. Quite dear but good value for money. I shall add it to my list of things to get.
Regarding the books telling you how to use something like a 40d, I sometimes find the manuals just too boring, whereas the other guides often present the information in a better way - they have to as it is their reason for existence.

 

[Badger UK]

I used the booklet that Canon provided and it seemed pretty good to me.

So I'd say give the Canon free one a go before you part with your hard earned.

 

[Cobra]

I used the booklet that Canon provided and it seemed pretty good to me.

So I'd say give the Canon free one a go before you part with your hard earned.

Or do as I do with "anything" new, be a typical bloke and lob the manual

 

[Badger UK]

Or do as I do with "anything" new, be a typical bloke and lob the manual

Of course Cobra you are right. I had to chuck the book when it got to all the stuff about the custom settings and the mirror lock-up. Impossible. It was either that or stab myself in the eyes with a pencil.

 

[oldgit]

Or do as I do with "anything" new, be a typical bloke and lob the manual

It comes with a what a "manual"?
Mines fully got automatic as well. What are you on about.... ???




ohhhh


From http://www.thefreedictionary.com/manual

n.
1. A small reference book, especially one giving instructions.

I thought that's why I got married 10 years ago so someone else could do the instruction bit?

 

[oldgit]

More seriously 'on topic' this time.

I've not really found any use for many books for the last few years, when I started out I read lots. The "Kodak book of photography" was a gem at the time.

Most of what you do with your 40D will be part of how you take photos. It's got lots of knobs and twiddlers, but most of them dont get used.
- Learning how to quickly twiddle the focus spot around is very handy I find.
- Spot metering can be useful.
- As can AI servo on the centre spot.
- The custom settings the AF-ON button can be a great boon too. I have mine set to stop AF most of the time.
- Then there is highlight priority. Handy in the sun.

(yes, OK, I did read the book that came with it, but most of it is experience and experimentation)