Nikon D3100: From Snapshots to Great Shots

I got D3100 for Dummies when I bought this fine camera about a year or so ago. Since then I've been trying to get more serious about doing really good photography. See my reviews for the Nikon SB-700 Speedlight Flash and the handbooks for that flash. This book gave me many new dimensions for improving my use of the D3100 and the organization of the book is much different from Dummies (which is also very helpful). The author, naturally, is a professional photographer and is generous with his tips and suggestions for getting the best out of this nifty and affordable camera, even while I lust after the D7000 at almost twice the price. Hey, how good does a camera have to be for an 85 year old amateur? I'm retired from college teaching and can't throw my money around without thinking about it. If you bought a D3100 you have a great camera and this book will definitely help you make the most of it.

Probably one of my favorite photography books! I purchased this book as a beginner photographer who just got my very first DSLR camera and couldn't be happier with it. It broke down every function the camera has, what's its purpose, and how and when to use it. Also included basic photography tips on how to get better photographs. My favorite part about this book are all the photo examples included in it along with the settings used to achieve the look so you can recreate the photo yourself. It was very helpful and definitely set me on the right path being a beginner photographer. I have since upgraded to a Nikon D5500 and still reference this book from time to time.

Best book I have found for learning the D3100. I have just moved from a pint and shoot to my first DSLR, a used Nikon D3100. I have acquired a few books and the Nikon owners manual, and each one tries to be everything featured on the camera. One author practices his comedic side to a fault. This one stands head and shoulders above any of those with excellent descriptions and the reason for including it in the book. I find nothing important missing and it will be a long time before I am ready for obscure features. I am getting rid of the other books, this what I need.

I downloaded this book to my 6" Kindle. The book itself is great as I am new to the world of SLR cameras and it gave me all the information for the Nikon D3100 camera I will ever need. Whilst new to photography I found the assignments at the end of each chapter very useful as they gave me the confidence to move forward on experimenting with the different settings and seeing how they affected the pictures taken. After reading the book I now have the confidence to move on from the Auto settings and pursue my interest in photography. Only down side to having it on my 6" Kindle was that the photos in the book were not in colour and not of a good quality. As a lot of the book has photos with information regarding settings i.e. aperture, shutter speed, ISO settings. Due to this I ordered a hard copy of the book( which I would seriously recommend ) and found it absolutely great. The other feature of this book for me is that it will be handy as a reference to go back to when needed. As I am new to photography having only used a point and shoot camera I had to read some chapters twice to get a handle on it and this proved very useful. Would recommend this book to any one starting out in SLR cameras.

Im new to the dslr and amatuer photography "world" and this is exactly the book I was looking for! The first few chapters cover everything you need to know about how to adjust any and all of the settings on the D3100. The rest of the chapters are less camera specific but explain very clearly the basic ideas you need to take different types of great photos. The author uses very easy to understand terminology and includes a ton of color example pictures. I did not have one question about how to properly operate my camera once I finished reading (took less than 3 days). Im so happy I decided to go with this book over those "dummy" books. The only complaint I have is the last 2 "bonus chapters" are pretty weak and you have to create an account with the publishers website (which starts to email you a bunch of annoying newsletters), but its ok because they cover subjects that I really didnt look for in this book.

I was hoping for a book that approached the basic concepts of DSLR photography (aperture, shutter speed, f-stop, etc) in an organized, logically progression. Instead, I found the author diving head-first into a mixture of these concepts right away in the book. I may be guilty of having the wrong expectation, but if you're looking for a reference-type book that discusses these concepts and how they apply to the Nikon D3100 in an organized way, I would look elsewhere. Don't get me wrong - the author definitely knows his stuff, but I just didn't like the format in which it was presented.

I recently upgraded from a Kodak EasyShare Z981 14MP Digital Camera to the Nikon D3100. Boy, DSLR's sure can be intimidating when you've never shot with one in your life. I didn't know the difference between aperture and dentures. There are so many options and settings, and all I wanted to do was take some good pictures. This book is great because it starts off immediately with the top 10 things to do with your new camera, everything from the importance of charging your camera to changing the ISO and white balance. Not only does it show you how to make the changes step-by-step, but it also tells why those changes are important. One of the other things I really liked is that the author gives you assignments at the end of each chapter. There's only so much you can really learn from reading this book, but the assignments ensure you play with the camera and learn how each setting affects the quality of your shots. One of the things I wish this book did however is stick with the 18-55 lens that the camera comes with. In the book he uses many different lenses to capture some amazing shots, and it makes me want to buy all those expensive lenses that I can't afford. All in all, I believe this is a must have for any beginner. I read this book over Christmas and it really helped us take some great indoor shots of the family. Greatest thing that this book helped us do...it taught us how to get away from using the "Auto" setting.

The book does provide more detail than the manual that came with the body. I appreciate the authors take on how to shoot, but some of his instructions (how to set up your camera) were more his personal choice. Which is fine, but don't settle for just those settings...experiment for yourself. All in all very informative and handy 'field guide'. As for the delivery of the book, it took a little longer than I had expected...so, don't be in a hurry to get it or opt for the 2 day shipping, etc.

As a retired photographer, I have turned from my medium format to the Nikon D3100 and thought I needed a refresher course. I've read other articles, books, etc, but I have to say...."THIS IS THE BEST YET". It helps that I understand Aperture, Shutter speeds, ISO and the basics, but this book is written to lead into all the finer points and features of which I had no clue. Now I'm excited about just doing photography for fun. Thanks for a well written, well thought out, easy to understand book. Milie

I gave this book to my husband along with the camera. It is easy to understand and has a lot of useful information. It's been a great guide to the getting the most out of the camera. There are plenty of visual aids in the book, and chapters on technique as well as the basics. It is well-written and seems to be very thorough.

I got D3100 for Dummies when I bought this fine camera about a year or so ago. Since then I've been trying to get more serious about doing really good photography. See my reviews for the Nikon SB-700 Speedlight Flash and the handbooks for that flash. This book gave me many new dimensions for improving my use of the D3100 and the organization of the book is much different from Dummies (which is also very helpful). The author, naturally, is a professional photographer and is generous with his tips and suggestions for getting the best out of this nifty and affordable camera, even while I lust after the D7000 at almost twice the price. Hey, how good does a camera have to be for an 85 year old amateur? I'm retired from college teaching and can't throw my money around without thinking about it. If you bought a D3100 you have a great camera and this book will definitely help you make the most of it.

Probably one of my favorite photography books! I purchased this book as a beginner photographer who just got my very first DSLR camera and couldn't be happier with it. It broke down every function the camera has, what's its purpose, and how and when to use it. Also included basic photography tips on how to get better photographs. My favorite part about this book are all the photo examples included in it along with the settings used to achieve the look so you can recreate the photo yourself. It was very helpful and definitely set me on the right path being a beginner photographer. I have since upgraded to a Nikon D5500 and still reference this book from time to time.

Best book I have found for learning the D3100. I have just moved from a pint and shoot to my first DSLR, a used Nikon D3100. I have acquired a few books and the Nikon owners manual, and each one tries to be everything featured on the camera. One author practices his comedic side to a fault. This one stands head and shoulders above any of those with excellent descriptions and the reason for including it in the book. I find nothing important missing and it will be a long time before I am ready for obscure features. I am getting rid of the other books, this what I need.

I downloaded this book to my 6" Kindle. The book itself is great as I am new to the world of SLR cameras and it gave me all the information for the Nikon D3100 camera I will ever need. Whilst new to photography I found the assignments at the end of each chapter very useful as they gave me the confidence to move forward on experimenting with the different settings and seeing how they affected the pictures taken. After reading the book I now have the confidence to move on from the Auto settings and pursue my interest in photography. Only down side to having it on my 6" Kindle was that the photos in the book were not in colour and not of a good quality. As a lot of the book has photos with information regarding settings i.e. aperture, shutter speed, ISO settings. Due to this I ordered a hard copy of the book( which I would seriously recommend ) and found it absolutely great. The other feature of this book for me is that it will be handy as a reference to go back to when needed. As I am new to photography having only used a point and shoot camera I had to read some chapters twice to get a handle on it and this proved very useful. Would recommend this book to any one starting out in SLR cameras.

Im new to the dslr and amatuer photography "world" and this is exactly the book I was looking for! The first few chapters cover everything you need to know about how to adjust any and all of the settings on the D3100. The rest of the chapters are less camera specific but explain very clearly the basic ideas you need to take different types of great photos. The author uses very easy to understand terminology and includes a ton of color example pictures. I did not have one question about how to properly operate my camera once I finished reading (took less than 3 days). Im so happy I decided to go with this book over those "dummy" books. The only complaint I have is the last 2 "bonus chapters" are pretty weak and you have to create an account with the publishers website (which starts to email you a bunch of annoying newsletters), but its ok because they cover subjects that I really didnt look for in this book.

I was hoping for a book that approached the basic concepts of DSLR photography (aperture, shutter speed, f-stop, etc) in an organized, logically progression. Instead, I found the author diving head-first into a mixture of these concepts right away in the book. I may be guilty of having the wrong expectation, but if you're looking for a reference-type book that discusses these concepts and how they apply to the Nikon D3100 in an organized way, I would look elsewhere. Don't get me wrong - the author definitely knows his stuff, but I just didn't like the format in which it was presented.

I recently upgraded from a Kodak EasyShare Z981 14MP Digital Camera to the Nikon D3100. Boy, DSLR's sure can be intimidating when you've never shot with one in your life. I didn't know the difference between aperture and dentures. There are so many options and settings, and all I wanted to do was take some good pictures. This book is great because it starts off immediately with the top 10 things to do with your new camera, everything from the importance of charging your camera to changing the ISO and white balance. Not only does it show you how to make the changes step-by-step, but it also tells why those changes are important. One of the other things I really liked is that the author gives you assignments at the end of each chapter. There's only so much you can really learn from reading this book, but the assignments ensure you play with the camera and learn how each setting affects the quality of your shots. One of the things I wish this book did however is stick with the 18-55 lens that the camera comes with. In the book he uses many different lenses to capture some amazing shots, and it makes me want to buy all those expensive lenses that I can't afford. All in all, I believe this is a must have for any beginner. I read this book over Christmas and it really helped us take some great indoor shots of the family. Greatest thing that this book helped us do...it taught us how to get away from using the "Auto" setting.

The book does provide more detail than the manual that came with the body. I appreciate the authors take on how to shoot, but some of his instructions (how to set up your camera) were more his personal choice. Which is fine, but don't settle for just those settings...experiment for yourself. All in all very informative and handy 'field guide'. As for the delivery of the book, it took a little longer than I had expected...so, don't be in a hurry to get it or opt for the 2 day shipping, etc.

As a retired photographer, I have turned from my medium format to the Nikon D3100 and thought I needed a refresher course. I've read other articles, books, etc, but I have to say...."THIS IS THE BEST YET". It helps that I understand Aperture, Shutter speeds, ISO and the basics, but this book is written to lead into all the finer points and features of which I had no clue. Now I'm excited about just doing photography for fun. Thanks for a well written, well thought out, easy to understand book. Milie

I gave this book to my husband along with the camera. It is easy to understand and has a lot of useful information. It's been a great guide to the getting the most out of the camera. There are plenty of visual aids in the book, and chapters on technique as well as the basics. It is well-written and seems to be very thorough.

As an amateur photographer graduating from a point and shoot camera to my first digital DSLR camera, I found that this book makes all those dials and buttons less confusing. Especially since I bought the camera used and it didn't come with a manual. Without this book and Youtube videos as well, I would have been very confused. Still learning from this book, and it makes a great book to use as an informative reference as your skill grows.

I love this book I am use to using a nikon but not with lens that you attach. So this is a huge step up for me and I was great at taking pictures with my nikon coolpix. So I can't stress enough read the whole book to get the most out of the book you can. I like how they give you exercises at the end of each section to try out which I highly recommand you do to get use to your camera. I would recommand to anyone that is new to these cameras

This is perfect if you really want to get to know your Nikon D3100 beyond the Auto Focus. This book is amazing and if you are starting out, get it! It shows you step-by-step (in color, I may add) on how to do it. It gives you really good tips on how to work the manual focus, which is why I bought it. The book was perfect for me because, I want to go beyond the "point-shot" motto.

I just received this yesterday but have already done some reading. I like the writers style. It's nowhere near as annoying as the "For Dummy's" type of books. Info is broken down in a format that I can understand as a new first time DSLR owner. I highly recommend this book. It's going to be of great help to me as I'm pretty technology challenged ;)

Now this book was well worth buying, I am still reading it and completing the lessons after each chapter. This book goes through everything and at the end of each chapter it gives you a lesson of what you read in that chapter. If you want to know how to use your camera the right way, this is the book to buy.

I've had my D3100 for 2 years but have been shooting on auto that whole time! I've done lots of reading over those two years but just couldn't "get it" till I picked up this book! the camera and it's setting were explained in a way I totally understood and I love all the assignments at the end of each chapter! I highly recommend this book!

I saw the book online and began reading it. It became annoying to read online especially if I wanted to use my camera outdoors. So I decided that the perfect thing was to buy the book because the guidelines and examples offered in the book by the author is just perfect.

After reading some online reviews, this book was recommended several times. It did not disappoint. I had it in seconds on my kindle reader and was able to learn things about my camera that I did not see mentioned in the user guide. Money well spent.

This book describes in detail the features of a reflex camera. However, it should talk more about lenses. Think of number 1. Ok, 1/2 is the camera the other 1/2 is to choose the appropiate lenses in a specific situation and the kind of results you expect.

I have looked at many more expensive books in the last 7 years and found none that go into the detail of telling how to set up the mystery of how and why of the basic parameters of ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed. As an old beginner such as I this will be my working handbook for the future. I have advised some of my friends to ignore the reference to the specific camera in this book title because the basics described apply to any DSLR. PS: My camera is D3100.

Great explinations and easy to understand. I got the D3100 after my father passed away it was his and at first since I am a Canon girl, I was worried about the learning curve.. this book made it easy to pick up on... thanks... Thought I did think the book had been advertised as NEW it was not... I am still happy with the contents!

This book tells you things you should and shouldn't with your new Nikon D3100! for example it tells you in the first few pages that you should buy an extra battery or memory card in case your battery dies or you memory card becomes full while you are in the middle of the shoot. it also tells you about the lenses for your D3100 and just about everything else you could possibly want to know! Great book. Money well spent.

I read through this several times and picked up some great pointers. A really good training book. The various pictures helped me to see the differences in quality pictures verses ho hum!! Would highly recommend this book.

This book sufficiently covers the essentials of not only the camera but photography on the whole. Excellent for beginners and a great refresher for experienced individuals.

The book has some really great lessons for taking your pictures from ordinary to extraordinary. Very easy read with great exercises at the end of every chapter.

It is a very easy to read introduction to the camera and to general principals of digital photography. I'm not sorry I read it. But I agree with another reviewer that it is not as comprehensive about all of the features of the d3100. There is nothing about taking video (and he admits that he didn't intend it for video). You have to go to the publishers website to get two "bonus" chapters. While on that site I noted that the author wrote a book of the exact same title except that it was for another camera. I could only assume that is why the detail is missing -- probably so that pretty much the same generic photography lessons (which are okay) can be applied to more than one book on various cameras that have similar features. I've ordered another book by Dave Busch that seems far more comprehensive. If you want a very non-threatening, easy to read introduction to digital photography which references and has pictures of the d3100, then this is okay to start with. You will probably wish to go further, as I did. Follow up 5-23-11 -- The Dave Busch is much more comprehensive and more about just the D3100, and yet is also easy to follow. I would recommend it over this book.

This book introduced me to settings and tips for my camera that I have yet to come across in reading the downloadable overwhelming manual. I think it is a great book especially for beginners just upgrading their cameras, and it is sold at a great price. It is very useful and was just what I was looking for to give me an overview of my new camera. I believe my honeymoon pictures from ireland turned out so great because of the knowledge I gained from this book.

I find this very useful and to the point with not a bunch of other stuff write so you can just read and practice on the spot.

Great book. If you are new to digital photography you need this book. Jeff does a great job of outlining and detailing just about every aspect of shooting for the beginner and intermediate photographer. I can't believe how much I learned and understood just by reading this. You won't be disappointed.

Great manual. For novice or maybe even expert.

I received the Nikon D3100 as a gift for my 50th birthday. The camera was intimating at first. The instructional manual that came with the camera was informative but made me even more nervous. I decided to look online for books that would help me get to know my camera when my search revealed this book. The description and the example pages were very helpful in deciding my purchase. The customer reviews were helpful but were not the deciding factor for me because everyone has different needs and opinions. I also bought the physical book rather then the Kindle version. I have found that instructional books like this one are better in their physical version due to the amount of information. I find is easier to use the physical book and take it with me in my carrying case as a reference guide. This book was outstanding! Jeff Revell has helped this novice learn about her new camera along with feeling comfortable with the camera's functions. The instructions, explanations, and chapter assignments which are in layman's terms, have given me the comfort and ability to enjoy taking photographs. I am more creative now; taking photographs rather then just pointing and shooting to get a picture I am using my imagination to create a more professional looking photograph which is what I have always wanted to do. This easy to follow book along with a lot of practice is the best recommendation I could give for anyone who is upgrading to the Nikon D3100 from an automatic point and shoot camera that does not give you options. Have FUN! I am!!

This is an excellent book for beginning photographers that want to know more about their camera than how to push buttons and select different functions. I feel it is a "must have" for anyone serious enough to want to invest in a dSLR camera. The author has a clear way of explaining the functions of the camera through examples of how to use them. The quizs at the end of each chapter helped me lknow if I mastered the material.

Just what I needed to get my photo skills to the next level.

A nice BOOK, provides reasonable details about the Camera's operation itself. Lots of example Pictures and their Camera settings. I did however, expect a little more in detail about the Camera's "usage" and the "how to's" (meaning the Nuts & Bolts mechanics of "how" to select each of the various combinations) of operation with the Camera, and a little less in simply viewing Mr. Revells personal Photos.

This book is a nice intro to the Nikon D3100 as well as photography. I really enjoy the diagrams of the camera and them taking the time to talk about most of the features of the camera. Very well written and concise book.

a lot of good stuff about the 3100 and a lot of read to understand but easier then owner's manual

I found this book to be useful for learning the basics. If you are new to the Nikon 3100, this book will certainly walk you through the necessary tools to take better photos. There were many small tips that made a huge difference in the quality of the shots. Learned a lot about adjusting the white balance and using functions other than Auto. Overall, very useful.

Husband really likes this book ,has gave him a lot of helpful info!! was recommended to him ...Get it if you wanna know your camera

This book worked very well for quick learning, review and long term learning and practicing. The item is exactly as described and I will use this seller again.

Great descriptions and samples of different techniques when taking photographs. Really helps beginners when learning how to use the DL3100.

Great product!

Nice book for all those that want to have a better understanding of digital photography. It is not about the camera but how you should use it to get better photos.

I have owned this book for a week or so now and I have read it cover to cover several times already. This book was exactly what I was looking for in terms of assitance in understanding the capabilities of my new DSLR. Shakespeare once said that "brevity is the soul of wit." I think this quote sums up the content of this book. Well written, easy to understand and straight to the point. If you are even remotely interested in this book just save your time and stop reading the other reviews. The book is worth your money and will be a helpful tool in expanding your knowledge of photography.

Like

I learned some tips that made picture taking a pleasure with plenty of fun! This book is necessary to accompany the manual that came with the camera.

Helping me learn and understand some of the settings on my Nikon D3100....Happy with the purchase !

Describes the Nikon 3100 with expertise,high knowledge of this cámera virtues and limitations.Very ease to read. Very helful for me.

My husband and I love this book!! Its very informative and have nice pictures. It explains everything so well. Very helpful!

This is written in plain understandable terms with clear pictures. It iis easy to follow and allows even beginners to become good at photographing. I find it easier than the manual.

I gave this as a gift to my husband who is a photographer by hobby when he can squeeze it in. He loves the ease of use with this book. He can just look up a specific area quickly and get the info he needs.

The book is very helpful, and i will probably have to read it several times to get the gist of digital photograghy

We purchased this book hoping to find a text that was both more than a rehash of the owners manual and laid things out simply for someone who is just getting into dslr photography. This book did just that. After a brief intro, it logically went through the standard modes AND the professional modes. The best part is 'before & after' photos of how adjusting certain settings in different situations will enhance your pictures. Really nice feature. I've become very comfortable moving out of 'automatic' modes. I'd recommend this book for anyone already comfortable with point and shoot techniques looking to expand their abilities into the more manual/professional modes their dslr camera offer. Would recommend!

This is a very helpful book so far on what I have read. It is put together real nice and able to understand.

i loved this book and i didnt put it down when i picked it up i have learned a lot from this book and i am really glad that i made this purchase. ones of the best parts of this book is the 10 first things to do with your new camera. Great advice! ( turns out i was running an outdated Firmware, i had no idea until this book suggested that you check your firmware version before shooting. loved the book.

It ss very helpful for starters

Received the book in a timely fashion. The mfg manual is a great guide but this book gives you so much more.

I'm an amateur photographer.I ordered the book with my Nikon D3100. I am still half way through it and am enjoying every page of it. I find myself going back every couple of pages because the information provided is just too much the first time round! I found so many features that the Nikon user manual did not touch upon. The book is very practical and the best way to enjoy it is to have your D3100 next to you. There are a lot of pictures in it with the exposure/aperture combination. The book follows a logical progression so it doesn't jump to advance stuff right away. I recommend this book if you are new to the dSLR bandwagon or Nikon cameras in general.

This book was fantastic. Helped in developing my skills with my Nikon. Highly recommended!

A very good book for someone who owns nikon D3100 and start learning to use it, it has details and pictures! so that makes it more easier to learn :)

A good book for looking up settings for specific shots.

This is a very clear book and well worth it, if you want to get the best out of the camera.

This book was great and it really helped me learn alot about my camera and how to use it effectively. It was easy to understand and layed out wonderfully. It helped me get some great shots!

I have bought a few books trying to learn how to be a better photographer. This book is by far the best. It was really easy to follow. I couldn't wait to buy the rest of the collection.

I haven't had the chance to read the entire book, but have read several chapters and love the layout and simplicity of the information.

bought this book to learn how to use my new camera, very glad I bought it,very helpful,great price,fast shipping and in great condition!!

I'm just getting into photography, and this book was the perfect introduction to begin my hobby. I cant wait to get started!

This is an excellent book for digital photography beginners but am I the only reader who has noticed the error at the top of page 213 ? "To turn on the self-timer, just press the self-timer button on the side of the camera, directly beneath the flash button." There is no self-timer button there on my D3100 but looking at photographs of the D3000 there does appear to be one there beneath the flash button. Perhaps the publishers were in a hurry to get this book into print ? This is still an excellent book for beginners. I just noticed another error on page 261 where the author describes the Nikon MC-DC2 remote as "wireless". How is it wireless if it has to be plugged into the left side of the D3100 ?

Just what a novice photographer needs

Very good book, recomended to any body who have D3100

great book. easy to use. my shots improved immediately. the difference noticeable. i am more than satisfied witn this book.

Nice read, helps a beginner to make decent use of the slr.

Great informative book! Would recommend to anyone that has this camera but doesn't know it as we'll as they would like.

A+++

Goes straight to the point, highly recommended for beginners like me.

This is a must if one is taking photography classes or wants to learn more about Nikon D3100. Recommend to all.

great information

This book is basically a user-friendly camera manual with a few general photography tips thrown in -- great for learning the ins and outs of a new camera!

really liked it.for the beginner like me.

I love this book - at last we have someone to help us with the actual settimgs in a no-nonsense style. @lovingeverymomentofit!

This is great book. It's great reading and very interesting informations. One little advice. Read this book first before you start to buy any accessories to your camera :-) But book is AWESOOOOOOME!!!

Like this book very much. Have enjoyed learning a new hobby

I have both the D5000 and D3100 cameras and ordered the D5000 book about six months ago. The D5000 book is excellent and I was hoping for new insights into the 3100 in this book. Unfortunately, much information is the same and it is not worth having both. Information on the Nikon D3100 is fairly generic. In other words, it does not address specific issues of this camera, such as overexposure on highlights [even using exposure compensation] and poor AF on video and other related issues [it only repeats what is in the manual or what one gets off the internet]. Having said this, I would recommend the book for beginners in DSLR photography. It has a lot of good tips for getting started in photography with this camera.

Great!

Great book to learn to use your camera.

This was purchased for a Christmas gift for a relative. She had specifically requested it, and was pleased to receive it.

This book is everything you need to make your photography take off. I love it!

I was hoping this book would give me more detailed information on how to use my D3100. I was hoping for it to tell me more about the settings but it was a lot about setting up a shot and I just wasn't overly impressed.

I received my book today ( São Paulo - Brasil), I am very happy (Purchased on 03/09/2011) Everything is ok. The package is fine. Thanks Cassio Ferraz

These DSLR cameras are overwhelming to me. I know what I want to achieve, but don't know the settings needed. This book takes you through various menus in a way it all makes sense (for a novice photographer like me). I was taking better photos the first day. There are suggestions after each section for taking photos with various settings and comparing the results. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to move beyond auto point and shoot.

This is a great book to have but not the must have. Consider Nikon D3100 for Dummies. It is in color and literally covers all aspects of this awesome camera.

This is a phenomenal, easy to understand book that cuts through the complicated and intimidating user manual. The book present brief, how-to examples to try on your own camera and is specifically tailored to the model that I own. I would highly recommend this book.

Digital SLR's have so many features these days that even for converts from the old film cameras it can be confusing at first. This book walks you through the various facets of the camera, explaining each feature in an easy to understand way. Whether this is your first camera or your tenth, there will be plenty in this book for you. It is written in a way that more experienced photographers can dip in and out to the sections that apply to them, or it can be read cover to cover. This was money well spent in my opinion.

There are lots of Nikon D3100 manuals and guides and I wouldn't like to say this is better than any of the others but I did download samples of the Kindle editions, where they were available, and made my choice based on that. Some of the 'Field guides' look good but who can be bothered lugging a book around with them. Nikon D3100: From Snapshots to Great Shots doesn't try to be a technical manual but what it does do is relate the D3100's features to real life use and shows you how to get the best from the camera's many options. The book itself is a very good quality paperback with high res images and it is written in a clear but not condescending style. It does assume that if you've coughed up for a relatively expensive camera you are bright enough not to need every tiny point explained in minute detail. If you just want a technical manual stick with the pdf that is on the CD-Rom that came with your camera. Overall I'd say if you want something to help you get a better understanding of how to actually use your D3100 to take better photos you can't go wrong with this book.

I purchased this quite a while back when I first wanted to increase my knowledge and competency after purchasing a D3100 having used an Olympus DSLR years earlier but then having a break from DSLR's for a couple of years. This book was a brilliant refresher for some of the basics I had been away from for too long and a fantastic help with specifics to the D3100 - it made my new camera easy to understand and delivered the details in a way that immerses you in your camera and the book simultaneously, so it never felt arduous or confusing and made me feel involved and hands on from the word go. I went back to this book several times over a long period, sometimes to refresh my knowledge on aspects of photography I don't utilize that often and sometimes just for inspiration with certain projects. Well worth the price, I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone just starting out or those looking to increase their basic knowledge. I've just purchased a D3300 and was looking at the equivalent for that camera by the same author, so it seemed the right time to finally review this brilliant book before moving on!

Being new to a DSLR Camera, i can't stress enough how good this book is. I'm an ex qualified lithographic printer, and believe me, the pics and illustrations are second to none during every explanation. When reading this book also, i don't know how he does it for the reader, but he gets you involved from the word go. He makes everything hassle free, and you just want to keep picking it up. Learning from this book is like second nature, as everything is so clearly explained and easily understood without getting frustrated. This is a must for all D3100 owners, as it allows you to enjoy and appreciate great results at the click of a button. 10/10 for me!

I bought this book for my son-in-law who had just bought his first serious camera - the Nikon D3100. Before he started to read the book, he knew very little about how to get the best from his new investment so the camera was set to the 'green box' i.e. fully automatic. I explained that this was akin to using a point and shoot compact and whilst, he might get better photos because of the larger sensor and better optics, he could do so much better. This book is taking him through the stages of learning the 'craft' of photography; holding his hand and gently weaning him off the 'green button'. I can already see the results in the photos he has taken. Already, my son-in-law is itching to get himself a telephoto zoom to supplement the kit lens. I'd lend him mine but I am a Canon man and so my L series lenses won't fit his Nikon!

This book is growing the seeds of expression that will be reflected through the lens of my Nikon D3100. I'm really enjoying reading through the chapters of this book. I recently took the plunge into DSLR after my stubborn old point and click refused to open up any more. I've had an SLR before (still have - Mamiya MSX500) but I haven't used it for so long with digital being around (about 10 years). Whilst the DLSR is based on the knowledge and techniques of the SLR (exposure, aperture, etc) the DLSR brings with it many things I couldn't do so easily before, e.g. ISO and white balance. Those extra options are available instantly and altogether the ability of the D3100 can be overwhelming, but reading this book is helping me to overcome the skill gap that's developed. There are so many more variables to take into account and this book is breaking them down successfully. It simplifies the options, explains the difference between all of the modes and it's refreshing my memory for things I learnt about SLR and have forgotten using point & click. I'm developing new skills specific to DSLR, with that I'm developing new ideas and approaches. I love that each of the chapters has a set of challenges at the end of it so you can test the skills and knowledge you've acquired through your reading.

I researched alot before finally deciding on this book and im so glad a I did. This is a simple and really effective book, even if you do know abit about photography it refreshes your memory and sometimes even tells you things you didnt know. I had several - ahhhh well i didnt know that moments - and it was really helpful The language it is written in is clear and straightforward and its laid out really well. When referring to menus and how to do things it has photos to show you what its referring to, that makes such a big difference and reassures you that you are doing it correctly. I was impressed and im only 1/4 of the way through the book. highly recommended and a reasonable price to.

I brought my D3100 on the 16th March with very limited DSLR experience, for the first two weeks I played around with the camera and was impressed.....then I bought this book and Wow!!!....this is a must for all D3100 owners, I like the fact you can read a chapter then follow the assignments to "hone" your skills before moving onto the next chapter. Well laid out and great photographs contained within the book as well as easy to understand explanations of how to adjust the various settings on the D3100 to optimise your photographic experience. This book is not only for Novices but those who want to improve their photographic skills. I've nearly finished it now but it will be a massive asset to my book collection as its easy to refer back to. Quality of my photographs are gradually improving all through the help of this book.

Having just bought a Nikon D3100 camera with its kit lens, plus another lens (Nikkor 55-300mm) and an excellent bag to carry them in, I needed to learn a bit more about using the kit. I bought, therefore, this book by Jeff Revell and found it to be just what I was looking for to assist my learning and enjoyment of the camera. It is written in a friendly but knowledgeable way by Mr Revell and it is very easy to follow, even the more technical and difficult issues, and I hope that in time I will truly go 'From Snapshots to Great Shots'. I have already surprised myself with the quality of some of my shots of grand-children and family pet dogs and this book has encouraged me to experiment with the various controls which means, instead of being on auto-focus all the time, (as I used to be with my previous camera (A compact digital))I will be more creative in my photography.

Saw the book in Amazon and downloaded a section on to my Kindle (black and white) but felt I would be losing a bit by not having the pages in colour (of course if I'd had a Kindle Fire it might have been different), so ordered a hard copy, which arrived promptly - still working my way through it in conjunction with the manual - amazing how much technology is packed into such a camera! A useful addition to the manual - only slight gripe is that the section on the video has to be downloaded, although not a difficult thing to do.

This is a seriously good book if you have a Nikon D3100. If you don't have a D3100, see if Jeff has written a book for the make and model of your camera, he has written loads! Start with the first chapter and do everything he asks you to do, you can change it later if you want, but it gets you familiar with your camera and teaches you things that do not appear in the handbook. Then work your way through chapter by chapter,to the end. You'll see what I mean when you get there. Enjoy.

I find this book invaluable, it has taught me so much about my new D3100 and I am constantly returning to it for more and more advice. It is easy to read and explains lots in simple terms which is bound to appeal to any user of the D3100 as it is an enrty level DSLR most readers will be like me a complete novice and eager to learn. Along with the great Flickr group which runs with the aproval of the book I have become more aware of what I can achieve with my Camera that I would ever have been able to without it. I cannot recommend it highly enough

I made the decision to get off the auto mode and start to really learn how to use my camera properly. I felt daunted and ignorant. This book is brilliant. Jeff Revell has taken away the fear of changing the settings in my camera. There is nothing to fear!! Make the changes and have some fun. What's the worse that can happen? - you delete the bad photos. If you want to move away from auto and take control this book will help you do it. Great book, bargain price, highly recommended - just buy it!

Fantastic book! Thought I knew the D3100 pretty well but after reading just a few chapters of this book, I learnt a bunch of new fantastic tips. By the second day of having it I was off the pre sets and shooting in raw. The results were spectacular! Also explains good defaults for setting up your camera. My pictures are now better exposed and richer and I learnt to take some really cool waterfall pictures. Buy it!

I did a search on Amazon for "Nikon D5100" and clicked on a link that led to what looked like a good book. A combination of bad eyesight on my part and Amazon's not-very-intelligent algorithm that puts D3100 books in a list of D5100-related items, I ended up with the wrong book. However, a quick skim before returning it showed that it was well worth buying the D5100 book. If you've got a D3100 and want to go beyond the snapshot level, this is a good book to get you started.

There's not a lot to write about this book that hasn't already been said in the other reviews. I'm a professional photographer and even I found it helpful. If you buy it you won't be disappointed. The writing style is clear and easy to grasp. All the points are concise to allow for further development on your own but with the knowledge that there is back up if and when you need it. Great purchase. Arrived quickly and in immaculate condition.

What a cracker of a book. As a novice with my first digital SLR camera I wanted a book with lots of pictures and straight forward text. This book fits the bill well. I would thoroughly recommend it and in conjunction with the excellent online tutorials that are around I will soon be taking brilliant pictures

As a newcomer to the world of dSLRs I needed an accessible guide to ease me in gently - this book fit the bill precisely! With its clear writing style and layout I found it very easy to find my way through the book, and the detailed photographs on nearly every page provide excellent inspiration to get out there and take some of my own! All in all I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone starting out with a D3100, or any other similar camera for that matter as many of the principles covered in the book are applicable to all dSLR photography.

Being new to DSLR I really needed an idiots guide to lead me beyond the idiots setting on the camera so I could do "technical stuff" and this book is perfect for me. I can now enthral my friends with an explanation of rear curtain synch and how to achieve a better white balance. I can also change the ISO setting before what I want to photograph has completely disappeared.

This is a Great book to own so you can develop your camera skills, and also have a greater understanding of the functions available to the user, so you are able to capture fantastic photos. This book was bought for the wife to gain an understanding of our camera. I was advised by a Nikon specialist on my Nikon camera course that this book is well worth it and a great insight and guide to the use of the camera. Service was brilliant form seller.

I found this book easy to read and its instructions were simple to follow. For those who have no idea about basic camera theory it will teach you a lot, and if like me you needed a refresher then its good for that too. The fact that it talks you through every setting step by step means its difficult to go wrong. On a negative note I downloaded it on my Kindle in black and white, so any reference to colour in the pictures was a waste of time. Also some of the pictures used as examples were uninspiring. Overall a good buy if you have a D3100 and want to know how to get the best out of it.

I'm a novice to dSLR cameras so know very little about aperture, shutter speed etc. This books explains each aspect very well, including pictures where appropriate. It also walks you through every setting on the camera (from auto through to P, S, A and the very difficult M!) and gives you hints for better snaps throughout. I'm only half way through the book but feel I have a much better understanding already. I can't wait to get out and try my new camera now that I understand it better thanks to this book! Would definitely recommend this book.

The most comprehensive easy to read book of any DSLR range I have seen. This book teaches you everything you need to know and then gives you photography assignments to apply the skills. A brilliant book that pushes the boundaries of what the D3100 can do. The bible for this camera !!!!

Whether you are beginner or seasoned photographer, you will learn something from this book. I disagree on a few minor points with the author, but many of his points (even ones I don't agree with) can be refreshing as you can get a different effect. Very pleasant to read, and I recommend it.

Well worth a read if you could get it second hand even better! not read mine all the way through still but always close by if I need to know something for certain its a must. Also it uses jargon sparingly and has lots of actual in use photos of things like the cameras on screen menus and tips for quick settings etc.

I was about to trade in my 3100, but this book changed my opinion about this camera. It sets out some helpful settings which I would never have thought of as well as being a good reference source. Highly recommended and well worth the money

I loved the style of writing - not too technical and explanations are clear and engaging, so I found it easy to use and understand and what I have learned from it has sunk in! Very user friendly - for me anyway. He also says which settings he likes and why, whilst encouraging experimentation. It is not just a mass of technical info....If that is what you want you may prefer Magic Lantern.This is the first reference I use before going out on a photo session and it even comes with me in my bag. I liked the bit where he said "There were two ways of doing this - auto and manual....guess which one we are going to use?" Definitely my type of ref manual.

I recently purchased a Nikon 3100 as my first really serious DSLR. This book guides you through what the camera can do and sets you projects to try out. Easy to follow tips and advice and good pictures that actually match up with what the camera menu is showing you!! Well worth the investment.

nearly bought this from bookstore for over £25 so when i saw it on amazon for around a tenner i jumped at the chance to buy it so cheaply. As a new guy to DSLR photography this book has been invaluable,i found Nikons manual laid out for the semi pro photographer!However this book goes to encouraging the reader to get away from auto this and that and to experiment with different appertures, exposures etc,and explains how to set about this in a clear and concise manner. after all why buy a DSLR if all you are gonna do is take photo`s on auto mode! If you are thinking of getting a book to help you get into the mechanics of your Nikon D3100 then this is it.

Very interesting book loaded with information! Love it!!worth its money!

My son-in-law received the D3100 for Christmas so I bought this for his birthday in January. He worked his way right through the book and said it was the most useful present he'd ever had.

This guide does what the title claims. It took me just 3 days to read and use the book and to gain the self-confidence to take photos without having to use the motif, automatic and programme buttons (hopefully) ever again. A handy reference concise and simple to use.

A step by step guide to setting up, using and getting the best out of your camera. The assignments are helpful in making you try different aspects of what your camera can do - or should I say what your can do with it !

I like this book. I think I will learn a lot - I used to have a Zenit SLR forty years ago and thought I understood about aperture and shutter speed but one page of this book explained these two and ISO so well that this page alone is worth the price!

I've only read a little bit of it, but learned more in a few days than when I first had the camera a year ago. It's a matter of not just reading it, but inwardly digesting it. I think that says it all.

Great book easy to follow. I am new to SLR CAMERAS, and the booklet with my camera did not cover enough for me. This book covers everything you need to know in easy steps I have learnt so much. A must have if your new to DSLR cameras.

Bought as a gift, boyfriend hasn't used it yet but it appears to be excellent quality. I am very happy with this purchase :) I have had a quick look inside and it looks very informative :)

I found this to be a hugely helpful book and, going by many of whom I have asked countless questions since the advent of DSLR cameras and didn't know the answer, such people, also, would benefit greatly from its pages.

An inspiring and creatively laid out book that uses plain English to lead the reader down an exciting path of discovery.

Great camera book, excellent explanations.

If you want a really good guide on how touse the D3100 then this book is a must. Really easy reading,assumes very little and teaches a great deal about getting started in photography. Absolutely fantastic book.

The Nikon D3100 is my first DSLR and I wish I'd bought this book sooner. The photos I took with this camera before I read this book and those I took afterwards could have been taken with a different camera, the techniques are so effective. The book is written in plain English and has some great annotated examples of photos taken with this camera. This title is great to dip into to find answers to particular problems - okay, I admit it, I'm now hooked!

I purchased the kindle version of this book, the content seems to be in order so far, however the numbering of the pages is completely off and not following a logical sequence. For example the first pages are: 1-2-5-20-33-35-44-66 and so on…which is really confusing.

Bought the book in paperback and kindle version ( for easy reference when travelling ). It has taken the fear and nerves away from enjoying the camera . The very clear step by step instructions and colour pictures when setting up your camera are brilliant . More importantly the author explains the reasons for selection in very simple terms that will encourage experimentation without the fear of messing up settings. It is really easy to back step and alter them again.

Looking through the camera manual I can see all the features my camera has. But what do they and why would you use anything but auto? This book tells you simply and straightforwardly

This book is fantastic for anyone who wants to progress from a compact camera to the D3100. It is written in a way that the novice photographer can understand. I read it cover to cover and at the end of each chapter carried out the tasks which the author advises to get used to the camera. It was essential to me to learn about the D3100 and not simply point and press. This books helps do exactly that and is a great reference if you forget. I would recommend this to all.

Initial thoughts are that this a well put together book,giving the reader a basic understanding of the camera in a clear concise manner.Well worth others considering this publication.

Just adding my bit to the consensus - this is a truly outstanding book for those new to DSLR's. The improvement in your photographs over just the first 20 pages is incredible.

this book is really good for someone just starting out in photography its a must have if you have this camera my 15 year old grandson loves it he has taken some fab pictures.

Snapshots to Great Shots books are excellent present for camera enthusiasts. I have one for for my D70

great thanks

When you had a mechanical Canon AE1 programme SLR and thought what really could the big deal be of digital SLR as I'm well used to a Sony DSC-H3 I needed this book.

Lovely book. Just need to emulate now!

Useful book

Bought my son as his uncle had kindly bought him the camera he said it was very good it explained everything simply and made the use of the camera so much easier

I must say this book is very good for the beginner. I recently purchased Nikon D3100 and i dont know much about SLR. But this book helped me a lot to learn the art of photography. I strongly recommend anyone who bought new SLR to go through this book. The assignments are very important and give a chance of learning as well.

Written by an expert on camera's it is a very usefull book without getting to deep. You just look what you like to use in your own efforts in getting nice pictures. Perfect

I have used 35M SLR for years until digital became3 available, but I missed the functionality of the SLR, and this book gives a lot of inspiration

I am just a beginner and found this book useful. Learning as a hobby and its a good help explaining the basics and giving more advanced help too.

Perfect book, great for a learner because of the clear concise advice and chapter project pages.

Bought as a present for my Son. He hasn't complained therefore I adduce it is working as it should and has not fallen to pieces. I am happy

it was ok but a lot of the lens's wasnt the lens 18-55mm which usually comes with the camera some parts were ok

I also have "Compact Field Guide for the Nikon D3100" by David Busch. but this book is a lot more comprehensive.

This book is a must for anyone new to DSLR photography who has just got a D3100. The instruction are clear and easy to follow, and the author makes all the jargon easy to understand. My photography has improved since I read it - people have noticed and have been very complimentary. Definite thumbs up from me.

Excellent customer service and product was exactly as described and completed my needs well done

Great book.Really makes you want to go out and explore various situations with your camera.I would definitely recommend getting this book.

After just buying the camera we wanted a comprehensive guide to ensure we got the most out of it. It is simple to read and follow.

I have been looking for a nikon or DSLR camera guide which wasnt just a usuer manual. It has taken me a long time to find this guide and it is just what I am looking for. I know the features my camera has and how to us it but need to know the photography knowledge to help me get the best photos. Thank you for this simple but perfect guide x

Very helpful

I bought this book to help me understand my new camera and found it very helpful and easy to understand.

I brought this manual to help me understand how best to use my Nikon D3100 and to help me understand what all the programmes installed on it are for and best used. This is a great manual for all amateur photographers who need a helping hand with their new camera. I highly recomend this manual to all that have just purchased their first Nikon DSLR.

As a complete novice I find this book easy to read and understand. With its help I hope to become a competent photographer

Great book. Really helped me out when I was starting out in photography with the D3100. I haven't used auto mode since :)

An excellent book, a must when buying the camera. Explains everything clearly whys and when and hows, little exercises to complete at the end of each chapter. An invaluable tool for the novice..like me. Highly recommend you buy it if you want to understand and get the best out of your D3100.

A good book for the beginners or those looking to improve their photography. Some chapters are stand alone helping with individual techniques.

great book as my husband has bought the camera D3100, I am sure that he is finding it most useful

I found this book to be very informative,covering all aspects of photography and use of the D3100 camera.this is an excellent publication to read and I would recommend it to all Nikon camera users

Very informative and easy to follow this was bought as a present for the grandson as he had already bought a camera. Thank you

Excellent book, good for beginner as the D3100 has many features that are not easy to find when your an amateur like me.

Going back to basics with my Nikon

Very helpful book, i found it easy to follow,not too technical in language for a beginner and i have learned a lot from it.

All you need to know to achieve the full potential of a D3100

Great book to help learn your camera and hobby.

just the ticket for a amature o,p

Gave me the info that I needed

very handy….

Really useful book

Did not really need to buy this as the camera is so easy to use, but plenty of tips an tricks - would recommend

good

Good book, good delivery

Bought a D3100 Nikon DSLR, and this book really helped me to understand how to use the camara, and what all the different features do. Explained in easy to understand talk - I wasn't bamboozeled by techno babble.

Excellent book for the money. But not as good as Nikon d3100 for dummies

fab resource, easy to find your way around the publication, so many tips and hints and practical advice, the pics are good too

A superb book for anyone wishing to learn how to use a Nikon D3100 over and above the automatic settings. Explains in clear language what the options on the camera do and how to use them to take great pictures.

great help to an old duffer.only had a box browny before now I feel like a profesional can't wait to show off