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Digital Cameras - Camcorders - Mastering the Nikon D300
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List Price: $39.95
Our Price: $23.47
Your Save: $ 16.48 ( 41% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Rocky Nook
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 771.32
EAN: 9781933952345
Format: Illustrated
ISBN: 1933952342
Label: Rocky Nook
Manufacturer: Rocky Nook
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 256
Publication Date: 2008-10-31
Publisher: Rocky Nook
Studio: Rocky Nook
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating: 
Summary: A nice, simple book
Comment: I bought this book partly to help support the Nikonians, as I already had a couple of good books on the D300, but I also expected to get a well-edited, knowledgeable guide to the D300. Reading through the first few sections, I found the book to be relatively easy to read but a little simple and lacking in specifics. Then I got to the section on live view mode, starting on p. 44, and found it so bad that I questioned whether it was worthwhile going on.
First, it appears that the author lacks a basic understanding of autofocusing technology. The section heading, LV Hand-held Mode, is followed with the parenthetical phrase "uses Phase-Detection AF instead of normal AF". And in that section it states, relative to focusing time, "This can take a second or so in lower light levels, since Phase-Detection AF is not as fast as normal AF". While it is true that the hand-held mode uses phase-detection autofocusing, that IS the "normal" autofocusing method. There are only two autofocusing methods used in the D300, phase-detection and contrast-detection. The author seems to think that there is a third, the "normal" autofocusing method.
While in itself this may seem like a minor shortfall, it causes one to wonder about the accuracy and usefulness of the book. Also, it is disappointing that this error was not caught in the review process--was the manuscript not reviewed by a knowledgeable person?
This section also lacks other important information. For example, it does not mention that at some shutter speeds one should set exposure delay mode to "on", that the viewfinder eyepiece should be covered except in manual exposure mode, that the display brightness can be adjusted, when contrast-detect autofocus might have difficulty achieving correct focus, or the use of remote cords. All of this information is covered rather well in the Nikon instructions.
If the D300 is your first DSLR camera and you are intimidated by the Nikon instruction manual and any technical details, then this may be the book for you--at least as an introduction. But if you are looking for a book with detailed, accurate explanations of the many complexities of this fine camera, you can certainly do better.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Good Reference, Nice Style
Comment: Being a long-time Nikonian myself, I'm familiar with Darrell Young and his writings. He has delivered a very informative and worthwhile book on the D300. I would have given it 4.5 stars if I could. Suggestions for the next edition:
1. Printing font was too small, and the color of the print was much too light; very hard on these 54-year-old eyes! I would use a more reader-friendly font and print color next time.
2. Several times Mr. Young injects his own preferences for menu selections throughout the book. He should do that more often. The Nikon D300 can be overwhelming with its multitude of menu choices and setting options, even for an experienced DSLR owner. Having a seasoned shooter like Mr. Young give us suggestions for initial settings gives us a start point from which to explore on our own.
Bottom line: Well done...
Customer Rating:
Summary: Buy this Book
Comment:
This is my third book on the D300. This is the best. Rather than just re-hash the help file and the menus, this book teaches why the camera does things the way it does. I don't need another book to tell me the commands to use, for example, Live View. Instead, I need a book that acts as the instructor sitting over my shoulder, telling me when and why to use Live View. The explanations are clearly written and easy to understand. This book is a keeper.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Double D's D300... Great Reading
Comment: Darrell does an excellent job going into the mysterious realm of the D300. His personal writing style is excellent and help involve you in the book. Great work Double D!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Nikon D300 - The Nikon Way to Go!
Comment: I have just purchased the Nikon D300 (upgrade from my D50). The stock manual kind of intimidated me a bit. I went searching online for an easier and faster way to master the D300. There were quite a few options, but I am glad I made the decision to purchase Darrell Young's book. Easy reading, colorful images, step-by-step menus, and one of the most important features: his personal experience transmitted in a friendly way. No other "manual" you will find this. I have just started reading and I can tell that I will quickly be able to master my new Christmas Toy, my D300! A must have tool if you are taking your D300 serious.
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Editorial Reviews:
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Mastering the Nikon D300 by Nikonian Darrell Young provides a wealth of information and professional insights for owners of this powerful new camera. Each chapter explores the features and capabilities of the D300 in detail, surpassing basic user manuals by providing step-by-step menu setting adjustments coupled with illustrations and logical explanations for each option. Darrell Young's writing style allows the reader to follow directions in a friendly and informative manner, as if a friend dropped in to share his experienced knowledge without "talking down" to you, explaining the how and the why. The learning experience for D300 beginners (and refresher information for professionals) goes beyond the camera itself. When camera features and options expand to additional Nikon equipment (such as with the use of optional Speedlights) Darrell adds the necessary information. Young's frequent references to user manuals provided by Nikon (complete with specific page references) allow the reader to easily navigate past the "confusion factor" that often comes with new equipment. Mastering the Nikon D300 is the inaugural title kicking off the Nikonians Press imprint "the exciting, new joint venture between Nikonians and Rocky Nook.
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