Canon 50D: From Snapshots to Great Shots

WARNING: If you , like me, want a general reference for the Canon EOS 50D because you have a used camera with no instruction book included, don't buy this in hopes of it fulfilling your needs.This book might appeal to the beginning photographer who just bought an EOS 50D and know very little about the principals of digital photography in general. That's okay if you are in that category because this book probably will be fine for your use. But it's not a good choice for experienced photographers who just want a more concise and logical reference for the camera than what the instruction book has to offer.I've been a Canon shooter since 1999 and I've used several Canon models in both film and digital designs. Prior to that, spanning back to 1972, I've owned and used a lot of other different cameras in 35mm and various medium formats and large formats. By now, I have a pretty good grip on photography, both digital and analog. What I don't need in a camera-specific book is more information on "tips, secrets and how-tos". And that's the problem with this book. It's more a basic photography tutorial and it even has assignments for the new user tossed in as a means to help them learn how to take good pictures.I just bought a used Canon EOS 50D. Since it will be my third EOS digital camera, I'm fairly familiar with the product line. But I like having instructions available and the used camera I bought didn't come with the Canon instruction book. While the instruction book is available online, it is like most instruction books these days--confusing, illogically laid out, muddled and nearly useless. Thus, I downloaded the Kindle edition of this book and hoped it would cover the function of the camera and not be filled up with basic photography tutorials. Boy, was I wrong!If you need a manual, my best advice is to download the Canon instruction manual. It's available at no cost from a variety of sources, just go to Google and pick one. Second, I would buy a Magic Lantern guide to the 50D while they're still available. I've ordered one through Amazon but I don't have it yet. While I can't say it's the best book out there on the 50D, Magic Lantern guides have always been reliable. They include some basic photo instruction but every one I've ever seen had an excellent guide to the features, customizations and menus of the camera in review--some books better, some worse than others.

As others have noted, this is not simply a re-hash of the manual that comes with the 50D--in fact, the author refers back to the manual for some technical details, like a comparison of the modes in the Basic and Creative "zones." He calls these "Manual Callouts."The manual that comes with the camera is complete, but there is a lot of detail in there--it's a complex camera. The manual tends to overwhelm you with explanations of everything a particular feature does. "Canon 50D" discuses, in clear language, what's important for each type of photo, what you get from the camera's Basic Zones (portrait, sports, etc.) for that type photo and what the Mr Revell (a professional photographer) thinks you can and ought to do in the Creative zone for such photos. He provides examples in each case and, here's where it becomes a course, each chapter includes homework ("Assignments") that guide you through use of the information he's provided. Actually adjusting the camera for different types of photos was very helpful for me. The book is replete with Mr. Revell's own photos, each with explanatory notes that relate to a point in the text.For example, while the Canon manual walks you through the entire system of menus in one section, Revell discusses, for example, landscape photography and at that time tells you which menus are pertinent to that type of photo. Sort of like the history teacher who explained why there was a War of the Roses, as opposed to the one who just gave you dates and names.I've taken photographs for decades and own a Canon EOS film SLR, but the DSLR is like a film camera on steroids and this book helped me to a better understanding.

If the 50D is your first DSLR this book will get you out shooting right away the right way! If you upgraded from a 30D or 40D to a 50D you can still learn a couple of things from this book regarding the new features of the 50D! Not that you would'nt get it from your manual that comes with your new camera but it really makes a big difference IMHO to hear and see how a Pro uses your camera. Jeff shoots out with Photo Gurus like Scott Kelby, Joe McNally and the likes so you will also see and learn the advantages of their execution style in Manual and Aperture Priority. He also covers the Custom Function "Features & Set-Ups" thoroughly so you can customize the camera to your way of shooting right from the start. BOTTOM LINE? This book is worth the $25 it's valued at as a 50D owner.

I was very happy with this book and breezed through in a few hours. The author uses excellent sample shots throughout each chapter to illustrate his lessons. Good coverage of basic, intermediate, and some advanced concepts. I feel much more confident with the settings, functions, and capabilities of my Canon 50D. I also look forward to trying the "assignments" that conclude each chapter to build my skills behind the viewfinder.My only significant complaint is with the Kindle execution of several photographs in the book. The author uses a feature called "Poring over the Picture" at the beginning of each chapter. The Kindle adaptation renders these photos in too low a resolution to read the author's commentary in the small callout text. I suspect these are perfectly readable in the printed version so I am not subtracting a star from the author's excellent content for the publisher's poor rendering to Kindle format.In short, fantastic book that will get your creative juices flowing while offering solid technical advice. Just be mindful you won't get as much as the author intended from the callout text in roughly 15 of the best photos.

I've recently retired and decided that now would be a good time to revive my keen interest in photography. Having used a Canon FTB slr film camera for many years I thought I should now move into the digital age.I chose to purchase a Canon 50D DSLR and I have not been disapointed in my choice, but have been made aware that the camera offers such a significant potential to deliver photographs of outstanding quality, I really needed some simple straight forward advice on how I could maximize this potential to the full.The instruction book explains the camera components and general operation, but offers nothing more. This is why I decided to purchase "Canon 50D: From Snapshots to Great Shots: Simple Steps to Great Photos" from Amazon, who offered the book at the best price.Author Jeff Revell, really does provide what I consider to be the best approach to giving just the type of information I was looking for. He covers every possible angle from "Ten Tips To Make Your Shooting More Productive Right Out Of The Box" to every aspect of setting up your camera for all types of photography, ending each chapter with a series of assignments which reinforces your understanding of what is contained in each chapter.I can't recomend it highly enough, it's simple and highly effective in what it offers.You can look "inside" the book if you call it up on the Amazon website, it will allow you to get a very good idea of how comprehensive the book is.

If you've upgraded to a 50D or thinking of doing so then this book is a must as it guides you through the many options and settings of the camera in an easy to understand manner. All aspects of the camera are set out in chapters from the basic settings, through all the shooting modes and advice on how to improve your photos. You can either start reading from the begining or just go to the chapter which has the information you are interested in.All the photos in the book have the camera settings listed beside them which is very helpful in understanding how and why, and the "Poring over the picture" section at the beginning of each chapter explains in more detail why the settings were used in that particular shot.If you are thinking of the 50D or are new to the camera then this is a must.

I bought this book as an extension to the in box manual that comes with the camera.(Canon 50D).There are a number of similar books available for the same camera, but thanks to Amazon's "Look Inside" feature and product reviews, I decided this was the one. I am not a novice photographer but wanted the extended knowledge of this camera's ability. I have not been disappointed and find the book a very worthwhile purchase.It is not written in a condescending way nor is it too professionally aimed.Ideal.Excellent.

brilliant read really easy to understand without any technical jargon i have already learned a great deal from this book and i havent even finished it all yet really easy to dip into for a refresher.thanks very much

This is an excellent beginners book - i understand one of the other reviewers saying there was "nothing new", as this is not targeted for seasoned photo experts / professionals, however this book is easy to read and understand and gives you an excellent "grounding" for the journey ahead. This was the 1st time i'd ordered from Amazon and it was a very painless experience - so well done Amazon.

What can I say.Up grading from a basic Canon camera to a much more advanced one (Canon 50D) this is a must. Very comprehensive and takes you from the basics to advanced at a steady pace. Great book and well worth it.

Simple fantastic.

Photography is a hobby of mine and I bought a new EOS 50D, while the manual has everything you need, you also need to be a professional user to understand it. Enter this book. I can,t recomend this book enough to the hobbyist who owns a Canon EOS 50D. I found it invaluable as a reference and just a good read.

Bought this book some years back, along with the camera. As always, I get an upgrade camera, and get a book about it.Informative. I always learn a little of something out of each camera manual, and this was no exception

This has got to be one the best books I have read. My photography has come on leaps and bounds since reading. Would recomend this to anyone who owns or is thinking about owning a Canon 50d DSLR.

It is nice to have a book written specifically for your camera and this will help you make the most of your 50D.

A great read learned a great deal about my 50D

Helpful as camera came without manual got me started on the right path with some helpful tips and exercises

If you are new to photography this series of books is wonderful for the specific camera rather than trying to learn from generic photography books. The author Jeff Revell has a wonderful way of explaining each aspect an it became the goto book in the middle of my first Biathlon event.

Great add on