Canon EOS Digital Rebel Digital Field Guide

As a professional writer who has written dozens of technical books over the years, I feel qualified to comment on the writing skills of the author. Simply put, this is the best-written book on a technical topic that I've ever read. The writing is crisp and easy-to-read; the material is extremely well-organized and flows well from one topic to the next. I consider myself a very good photographer, and thought I knew a lot about photography. When I started learning neat new things in the Quick Tour, I realized how much more there is to know. I think I'll read this book several times...

I am fairly experienced as a photographer, but still learned quite a bit about how to use my Digital Rebel XT from this book. It is lavishly illustrated and contains clear but concise instruction on how to use all the features of this camera. The recipes are good, too, for shooting various types of pictures in all kinds of situations. If you're a veteran photographer, you'll find this book valuable. If you're new, you MUST own it.

Initially flicking through I thought the guide was 'wordy' rather than practical. Once I got into reading the easy written style I have read the guide like a book knowing I can go back for reference. I have been an EOS owner for 9 yrs but the guide has been useful in explaining the setting for digital and also the protocols for the EOS system. It has helpful advice for setting for different circumstances. It gives you confidence in pushing the limits of the options because you understand the parameters. Obviously it is not the complete answer for REBEL owners but it is both suitable for the experienced and inexperienced EOS user. This book and the manual are a contrast between using the tool to do good work and just using bits and pieces that are available. Compliments to the writer.

This book has been a perfect compliment to my new Rebel! Full color throughout, detailed photos of camera features, clear explanations of how to use the Rebel's features (Canon please take note!), useful quick-reference tables for taking portraits, travel shots, stop-action shots, etc., and lots of techniques for dealing with nearly any kind of photo opportunity. I recommend buying this -- not only for yourself -- but for friends and relatives who also have Rebels.

I wish this book had been available when I first got my Rebel...it would have saved so much frustration and very possibly provided instant gratification. Charlotte Lowrie is an excellent teacher, and this book covers every single aspect of the camera's controls, the Whys, What's, and How to's. As she writes in the Introduction: "Most important, these chapters will help you understand how controls and functions on the Digital Rebel work together with your photography knowledge to make a picture. When you know how the exposure is made, you'll be much more confident when changing settings and knowing what results you can expect." The book is divided into three parts: Part I, Using the Digital Rebel. The Introduction begins with A Quick Tour, where the camera is set up and pictures taken. The next few chapters go through each of the camera's programmed modes...what they do, how to set them and how to change them. Part II, Creating Great Photos with the Rebel. Discussion of photography basics, lighting, lenses, techniques for taking great photos (broken down into subject categories that include the usual suspects, plus an excellent section on night photography and fireworks, as well as how to take photos for online auctions), then on to how to download and edit pictures. There are example photos with specific information on how the picture was taken, including lighting, lens, modes and settings. I am really grateful for her explanation and how to's of the RAW format, as well as how to convert from RAW to JPEG. This has added significant pleasure to my photography experience. In Part III, the Appendices and resource section, there are web addresses for various photography sites for camera accessories; public photography forums to share experiences, sites to learn more about photography, as well as sites where one can share pictures online. Whether a newbie or a more experienced photographer, this book is an excellent companion for the owner of the Rebel.